What is Cannabis?
Cannabis is a plant that serves as a medicinal herb but can also be used as a stimulant for recreational purposes. When the leaves, stems, roots, and other parts of this plant are gathered and dried, one of the world’s most widely used drugs is produced. Some refer to it as “weed,” a few as “pot,” and some others as “marijuana.” As cannabis becomes legal in more states, new names for it emerge. Cannabis is now being used to refer to cannabis by an increasing number of people.
Is Cannabis Legal in Indiana?
Many states in the United States of America have legalized the use of cannabis, but not Indiana. The disciplined state maintains and upholds strict laws against the use of the herb. Their laws only allow for the most basic medical purposes. Indiana prohibits the use of cannabis for recreational purposes. Possession of any amount is classified as a Class B misdemeanor in the state, punishable by up to 180 days in prison and up to a $10,000 fine, depending on how many grams are found in your possession.
For the possession of under 30 grams and a prior drug charge, you will be charged with a misdemeanor, a fine of $5000, and up to a year in jail.
Laws on Cannabis in Indiana
Even though most of the states bordering Indiana have legalized or decriminalized cannabis possession and use, Indiana’s cannabis laws remain strict. Despite the growing national legalization movement, the Indiana General Assembly has not legalized or decriminalized cannabis. As a result, even if you only possess, sell, cultivate, or use a small amount of cannabis, you could face severe penalties. Furthermore, cannabis products legally purchased in another state or jurisdiction, such as edibles, vape pens, oils, and capsules, become illegal in Indiana and may result in harsh penalties.
Cannabis is federally illegal, which means possession, sale, and cultivation are prohibited on land owned by the federal government, i.e., military bases, national parks, and so on. Doing any of these and shipping or traveling with cannabis (even as little as a single gram) could attract federal drug charges.
Possession of marijuana is a Class B misdemeanor in Indianapolis and can attract a jail term of up to 180 days and a fine of up to $1000. The charges vary depending on the records the individual has. If he has prior drug records, possession of fewer than 30 grams of cannabis could result in a jail term of up to one year and a fine of up to $5000.
Any individual with prior drug records in possession of more than 30 grams can face a Level 6 felony, which attracts a fine of up to $10,000 and a maximum jail term of two and a half years. Manufacturing or possessing tools and equipment used in making weed attracts similar consequences for an individual with a prior drug record.
Indiana Laws on CBD and THC
Hoosiers will be glad to hear that CBD is permitted in their state if it complies with the Farm Bill criteria for 2018. This means that cannabis-derived CBD that does not exceed 0.03% THC content is legal in Indiana. Before the enactment of this bill, low-THC CBD products were permitted only for patients with qualifying conditions, but now they are open to all.
Legal CBD is available online and in stores in Indiana. Each store has its policies, even though there is no age limit. CBD oil can be bought, sold, and possessed by anyone if it meets the 0.03% THC criteria and other labeling requirements.
However, it is still illegal to manufacture, possess, and deliver smokables, as it is counted as a Class A misdemeanor. CBD oil is legal, but smokable cannabis is not legal in Indiana. Payment transactions are another thing which is very important. To secure the payment process establishing a cannabis merchant account is a priority.
Future of Cannabis in Indiana
Indiana does not have a medical program for cannabis because it is illegal in the state. However, proposals for the reformation of cannabis policies are ongoing. The committee is reviewing different bills concerning cannabis legalization.
House Bill 1039 does not support the legalization of cannabis in Indiana, but it sets up a regulatory structure in case it is legalized. This would help businesses and cannabis cultivators, as permits would be more accessible. You can monitor changes in Indiana.
Cultivating Cannabis in Indiana
Indiana cannabis farmers are actively researching how to cultivate milder plant strains. They hope to create a strain primarily used as a medicinal herb rather than a hard drug. Some farmers cross-pollinate organic seeds, as suggested by Herbies, to get a perfect strain, but the results must be consistent.
Cultivation of cannabis seeds in Indiana is legal, but a license is required for growers and they must adhere to struct regulations. Indiana growers can only grow hemp; a low THC variant of marijuana. If the grower is not licensed, what is grown is called marijuana. The possession and cultivation of cannabis without licenses is illegal and attract hefty fines and criminal prosecutions.
Conclusion
Cannabis is not legal in Indianapolis. CBD products containing less than 0.03% THC, on the other hand, are permitted. Indiana has laws protecting its residents from drug abuse’s sad consequences. Their laws regulate how it must be grown and moved around. CBD oils are the only legal option for cannabis consumption in Indianapolis.
