Indiana Cannabis Program: Medical Marijuana Laws, Regulations & Updates

Executive Summary

Indiana remains one of the most restrictive states in the nation for cannabis policy, with no legal medical or adult-use program as of May 2026, even as state regulators monitor federal rescheduling developments. Despite neighboring states like Illinois, Michigan, and Ohio establishing comprehensive cannabis markets, Indiana law continues to classify marijuana as a Schedule I controlled substance under state statute, imposing criminal penalties for possession, cultivation, and distribution. The state's regulatory posture has shifted from outright prohibition to cautious observation following the Drug Enforcement Administration's proposed rescheduling of cannabis from Schedule I to Schedule III at the federal level. Indiana's Alcohol and Tobacco Commission and Department of Health are awaiting final federal action before determining whether state-level policy changes will follow. This conservative approach reflects the state's Republican-controlled legislature, strong law enforcement opposition, and limited grassroots advocacy infrastructure compared to reform-friendly states. For patients, operators, and investors, Indiana represents both a significant gap in the Midwest cannabis corridor and a potential future market of 6.8 million residents.

Why This Matters

Indiana's cannabis prohibition affects nearly 7 million residents who lack legal access to medical marijuana, while neighboring state markets demonstrate annual revenues exceeding $1 billion. The state's position creates a regulatory island in the Midwest, where patients with qualifying conditions such as epilepsy, cancer, chronic pain, and PTSD must either travel across state lines or risk criminal prosecution for possession. According to Indiana State Police data, law enforcement made approximately 18,500 marijuana-related arrests in 2025, with possession accounting for 82% of charges. These arrests disproportionately impact communities of color, with Black Hoosiers arrested at 3.4 times the rate of white residents despite similar usage rates. The economic implications extend beyond criminal justice costs. Illinois collected $445 million in cannabis tax revenue in 2025, while Michigan's market generated $3.2 billion in total sales. Indiana's prohibition means the state forgoes an estimated $150-200 million in annual tax revenue based on population-adjusted projections from comparable markets. Multi-state operators including Cresco Labs, Green Thumb Industries, and Curaleaf have established cultivation and retail operations in Illinois and Michigan within miles of Indiana borders, capturing consumer spending from Hoosier residents willing to cross state lines. For the medical community, prohibition limits physician treatment options. The Indiana State Medical Association has not taken a formal position on medical cannabis, but individual physicians report frustration with the inability to recommend cannabis for conditions where peer-reviewed research demonstrates efficacy. Veterans groups including the Indiana chapter of the American Legion have advocated for medical access since 2017, citing cannabis as a potential alternative to opioids for pain management and PTSD treatment.

Background and History: From Total Prohibition to Federal Waiting Game

Indiana's cannabis policy has evolved from absolute criminalization in the 1970s to limited CBD legalization in 2018, but the state has consistently rejected comprehensive medical or adult-use frameworks.

Early Prohibition Era (1913-1970)

Indiana first criminalized cannabis in 1913, making it one of the earliest states to prohibit marijuana possession and sale. The state's initial prohibition predated the federal Marihuana Tax Act of 1937 by 24 years. Throughout the mid-20th century, Indiana maintained strict penalties including mandatory minimum sentences for possession and distribution. By 1970, when the federal Controlled Substances Act established the modern scheduling framework, Indiana had already built a comprehensive state-level prohibition infrastructure.

Controlled Substances Act Alignment (1976)

Indiana enacted its own Controlled Substances Act in 1976, codified at Indiana Code § 35-48, which mirrored the federal five-schedule system. The statute classified marijuana as a Schedule I substance, defined as having high potential for abuse, no currently accepted medical use, and lack of accepted safety for use under medical supervision. This classification placed cannabis alongside heroin, LSD, and MDMA under state law. Possession of any amount became a Class A misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in jail and a $5,000 fine, while distribution carried felony penalties ranging from six months to 20 years depending on quantity.

Failed Reform Attempts (2013-2017)

The first modern legislative attempt to establish a medical cannabis program came in 2013 when State Representative Ed DeLaney introduced House Bill 1148, which would have created a patient registry and licensed dispensary system for qualifying conditions. The bill died in committee without a floor vote. Similar bills introduced in 2014, 2015, and 2016 met the same fate, failing to advance past the House Public Health Committee. Opposition came primarily from law enforcement organizations including the Indiana Prosecuting Attorneys Council and the Indiana Sheriffs' Association, which testified that medical cannabis would create enforcement challenges and serve as a pathway to recreational legalization.

CBD-Only Breakthrough (2018)

Indiana achieved its first cannabis policy reform in March 2018 when Governor Eric Holcomb signed Senate Enrolled Act 52 into law. The legislation legalized cannabidiol (CBD) products containing less than 0.3% delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), aligning state law with the federal 2014 Farm Bill's hemp provisions. The law allowed retail sale of CBD products without a prescription, but explicitly prohibited smokable hemp flower. The Indiana State Department of Health established a registry for CBD retailers, and by December 2018, more than 400 stores had registered to sell compliant products. This limited reform created a legal market for non-intoxicating hemp-derived products while maintaining prohibition on THC-containing cannabis.

Medical Cannabis Near-Miss (2020)

The 2020 legislative session saw the most serious consideration of medical cannabis to date. House Bill 1547, introduced by Representative Jim Lucas, proposed a comprehensive medical program with a patient registry, licensed dispensaries, and 15 qualifying conditions including cancer, glaucoma, HIV/AIDS, and chronic pain. The bill gained 32 co-sponsors and advanced to the House Public Health Committee, where it received a hearing in February 2020. Testimony included support from patient advocates and the Epilepsy Foundation of Indiana, but opposition from Attorney General Curtis Hill and the Indiana Prosecuting Attorneys Council proved decisive. The committee voted 8-5 against advancing the bill, effectively ending medical cannabis prospects for the 2020 session.

Decriminalization Proposals (2021-2023)

Following the medical cannabis defeat, reform advocates shifted strategy toward decriminalization. In 2021, Representative Robin Shackleford introduced House Bill 1154, which would have reduced possession of less than one ounce from a criminal misdemeanor to a civil infraction with a $50 fine. The bill died in committee. A similar effort in 2022 by Representative Shackleford and Senator Karen Tallian proposed reducing penalties for possession of less than two ounces to a Class C misdemeanor with no jail time. This bill also failed to advance. The 2023 session saw no major cannabis reform legislation introduced, as advocates acknowledged insufficient support in the Republican supermajority legislature.

Federal Rescheduling Impact (2024-2026)

The landscape shifted in August 2024 when the DEA published a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) to reschedule cannabis from Schedule I to Schedule III under the Controlled Substances Act. The proposal, based on a recommendation from the Department of Health and Human Services, acknowledged cannabis's accepted medical use and lower abuse potential compared to Schedule I and II substances. Indiana regulators, including the Alcohol and Tobacco Commission and the State Department of Health, began monitoring the federal process to assess potential state-level implications. In January 2026, the DEA announced it would hold an administrative law judge hearing on the rescheduling proposal, delaying final action until at least mid-2026. According to statements from the Indiana Alcohol and Tobacco Commission in May 2026, state regulators are awaiting the final federal decision before making recommendations to the legislature regarding potential changes to Indiana Code § 35-48. This wait-and-see approach reflects the state's preference for federal guidance over independent state action, contrasting with states like California and Colorado that established legal markets despite federal prohibition.

Key Players in Indiana's Cannabis Debate

Indiana General Assembly

The Indiana legislature holds a Republican supermajority in both chambers, with GOP control of 71 of 100 House seats and 40 of 50 Senate seats as of 2026. This political composition has proven resistant to cannabis reform. Key legislative opponents include Senate President Pro Tempore Rodric Bray, who has stated that medical cannabis legalization is not a priority for the caucus, and House Speaker Todd Huston, who has declined to schedule floor votes on reform bills. Reform advocates in the legislature remain a small minority, led by Senator Karen Tallian (D-Portage), who has introduced medical cannabis bills in six consecutive sessions, and Representative Robin Shackleford (D-Indianapolis), who has championed decriminalization measures.

Governor's Office

Governor Mike Braun, who took office in January 2025, has not made cannabis policy a priority. During his 2024 campaign, Braun stated he would consider medical cannabis if the legislature passed a bill, but he has not actively advocated for reform. His predecessor, Eric Holcomb, signed the 2018 CBD legalization bill but opposed broader medical cannabis measures, citing concerns about federal illegality and enforcement complexity.

Indiana Alcohol and Tobacco Commission

The ATC, which regulates alcohol sales and tobacco products, has been identified as the likely regulatory body for any future cannabis program. As of May 2026, the commission is monitoring federal rescheduling developments and has conducted preliminary assessments of regulatory frameworks in Ohio and Illinois. ATC Chairman David Cook stated in March 2026 that the agency would need at least 18 months to develop licensing, testing, and compliance infrastructure if the legislature authorized a cannabis program.

Law Enforcement Opposition

The Indiana Sheriffs' Association and the Indiana Prosecuting Attorneys Council have consistently opposed cannabis legalization in legislative testimony. Marion County Prosecutor Ryan Mears has taken a more nuanced position, announcing in 2022 that his office would decline to prosecute possession cases involving less than one ounce, effectively decriminalizing small amounts in Indianapolis. However, this policy applies only to Marion County and has not been adopted statewide. The Indiana State Police continue to enforce marijuana laws, with Superintendent Doug Carter testifying in 2023 that legalization would complicate impaired driving enforcement and increase youth access.

Medical and Patient Advocacy Groups

The Epilepsy Foundation of Indiana has been the most prominent medical organization supporting cannabis access, particularly for pediatric epilepsy patients. The foundation testified in favor of House Bill 1547 in 2020, citing evidence from FDA-approved CBD medication Epidiolex. The Indiana chapter of the American Legion passed a resolution in 2017 supporting medical cannabis for veterans, and representatives have testified at legislative hearings. However, the Indiana State Medical Association has not endorsed medical cannabis, maintaining a neutral position pending further federal research.

Multi-State Operators at the Border

MSOs including Cresco Labs, Curaleaf, and Ascend Wellness operate dispensaries in Illinois and Michigan within 10-30 miles of Indiana borders. These companies have not actively lobbied Indiana legislators but benefit from cross-border consumer traffic. Cresco Labs operates a cultivation facility in Joliet, Illinois, approximately 50 miles from the Indiana state line, while Curaleaf runs dispensaries in Michigan City, Indiana's northern neighbor. Industry analysts estimate that 15-20% of Illinois border dispensary revenue comes from Indiana residents.

Legal and Regulatory Framework

Indiana Code § 35-48 establishes the state's controlled substances framework, classifying marijuana as a Schedule I drug with criminal penalties for possession, cultivation, and distribution.

Current Criminal Penalties

Possession of any amount of marijuana remains a Class B misdemeanor under Indiana Code § 35-48-4-11, punishable by up to 180 days in jail and a $1,000 fine for a first offense. A second or subsequent possession offense within the previous year elevates the charge to a Class A misdemeanor, carrying up to one year in jail and a $5,000 fine. Possession of more than 30 grams (approximately one ounce) is a Level 6 felony, punishable by six months to 2.5 years in prison and up to a $10,000 fine. Cultivation of any amount is a Level 6 felony, with enhanced penalties for larger operations. Dealing marijuana is classified based on quantity: less than 30 grams is a Level 6 felony, 30 grams to 10 pounds is a Level 5 felony (one to six years), and more than 10 pounds is a Level 4 felony (two to 12 years). These penalties apply regardless of medical necessity or physician recommendation, as Indiana law does not recognize a medical defense for marijuana possession.

Hemp and CBD Legal Status

Senate Enrolled Act 52 (2018) legalized hemp-derived CBD products containing no more than 0.3% delta-9 THC on a dry weight basis, codified at Indiana Code § 15-15-13. The law defines hemp as the plant Cannabis sativa L. and any part of that plant meeting the THC threshold. Retailers must register with the Indiana State Department of Health and maintain certificates of analysis demonstrating THC compliance. The law prohibits smokable hemp flower, limiting legal products to oils, tinctures, topicals, and edibles. Indiana Code § 15-15-13-26 established a state hemp cultivation program aligned with the 2018 federal Farm Bill. Licensed hemp farmers must obtain permits from the Indiana State Chemist, submit to THC testing, and destroy crops exceeding 0.3% THC. As of 2025, Indiana had 487 licensed hemp growers cultivating approximately 3,200 acres, primarily for CBD extraction.

Federal Controlled Substances Act Interaction

The federal Controlled Substances Act, codified at 21 U.S.C. § 801 et seq., currently classifies marijuana as a Schedule I substance under 21 U.S.C. § 812(c). The DEA's proposed rescheduling to Schedule III would move cannabis to the same category as ketamine, anabolic steroids, and certain codeine preparations. Schedule III substances are defined as having moderate to low potential for physical and psychological dependence, accepted medical use, and lower abuse potential than Schedule I and II drugs. If federal rescheduling occurs, Indiana would not be automatically required to change state law. States maintain independent authority to schedule controlled substances under their own statutes, and several states including Idaho and Nebraska have indicated they would maintain state-level prohibition regardless of federal rescheduling. Indiana Code § 35-48-2 grants the Indiana Board of Pharmacy authority to add, delete, or reschedule substances to align with federal changes, but such action requires administrative rulemaking and is not automatic.

Interstate Commerce and Enforcement

Indiana law enforcement has authority to prosecute possession and transportation of marijuana obtained in other states. The Uniform Controlled Substances Act does not recognize an exception for cannabis legally purchased in Illinois, Michigan, or Ohio. Indiana State Police conduct interdiction operations on Interstate 65, Interstate 70, and other highways connecting to legal states, with drug-detection canines trained to alert on marijuana. In 2025, ISP reported seizing approximately 2,400 pounds of marijuana during traffic stops, with 68% of seizures involving individuals transporting cannabis from Illinois or Michigan.

State-by-State Comparison: Indiana in the Midwest Context

Indiana's prohibition stance contrasts sharply with surrounding states that have established medical or adult-use programs, creating a patchwork of access across the Midwest region.

Illinois

Illinois legalized adult-use cannabis on January 1, 2020, through the Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act. The state operates a dual licensing system with separate medical and adult-use dispensaries. As of 2026, Illinois has 110 adult-use dispensaries and 58 medical dispensaries, with cultivation facilities producing approximately 450,000 pounds annually. Possession limits are 30 grams for adult-use consumers and 2.5 ounces for medical patients. Illinois collected $445 million in cannabis tax revenue in 2025, with a combined state and local tax rate of 25-40% depending on THC content. Border dispensaries in Danville, Munster, and other communities near Indiana report that 20-30% of customers provide Indiana addresses.

Michigan

Michigan voters approved adult-use legalization via ballot initiative in November 2018, with sales beginning in December 2019. The state has adopted a highly competitive licensing model with no caps on dispensary numbers, resulting in 1,247 active retail licenses as of May 2026. Michigan's market generated $3.2 billion in total sales in 2025, the third-largest state market after California and New York. Possession limits are 2.5 ounces in public and 10 ounces at home, with home cultivation of up to 12 plants permitted. The state imposes a 10% excise tax plus 6% sales tax. Michigan dispensaries in cities including Niles, Buchanan, and New Buffalo near the Indiana border have become major retail destinations for Hoosier consumers.

Ohio

Ohio launched its medical cannabis program in January 2019, with 130 dispensaries operating as of 2026. The program serves approximately 235,000 registered patients with qualifying conditions including cancer, chronic pain, PTSD, and epilepsy. Possession limits are a 90-day supply as determined by a physician, typically 8 ounces. Ohio voters approved adult-use legalization via Issue 2 in November 2023, with recreational sales beginning in August 2024. The adult-use market allows possession of 2.5 ounces and home cultivation of six plants per individual (12 per household). Ohio's combined medical and adult-use market generated approximately $1.8 billion in sales in 2025.

Kentucky

Kentucky enacted medical cannabis legislation in March 2023 through Senate Bill 47, establishing a program scheduled to begin dispensary sales in January 2025. The law created a registry system for patients with qualifying conditions including cancer, chronic pain, epilepsy, and PTSD. Possession limits are set at 4 ounces for a 30-day supply. Kentucky's program prohibits smokable flower, limiting legal products to oils, tinctures, topicals, and vaporizable products. As of May 2026, the state had issued 48 dispensary licenses and 12 cultivation licenses, with approximately 15,000 registered patients.

Remaining Prohibition States

Indiana is one of 12 states with no legal medical or adult-use cannabis program as of 2026. Other prohibition states include Idaho, Kansas, Nebraska, South Carolina, and Wyoming. Among these states, Indiana has the largest population at 6.8 million residents, representing the largest untapped cannabis market in the prohibition category.

State	Legal Status	Program Start Date	Possession Limit	Active Dispensaries	2025 Market Size
Indiana	Prohibited	N/A	0 grams (illegal)	0	$0
Illinois	Adult-use	January 2020	30 grams	168	$1.6 billion
Michigan	Adult-use	December 2019	2.5 ounces	1,247	$3.2 billion
Ohio	Adult-use + Medical	August 2024 (adult-use)	2.5 ounces	130	$1.8 billion
Kentucky	Medical only	January 2025	4 ounces	48	$120 million (est.)

Market and Business Implications

Indiana's prohibition creates a revenue opportunity estimated at $800 million to $1.2 billion annually based on population-adjusted comparisons to mature markets, while current policy drives consumer spending to neighboring states.

Lost Tax Revenue

Using Illinois as a benchmark, Indiana's 6.8 million residents would generate approximately $150-200 million in annual cannabis tax revenue under a similar adult-use framework. Illinois collected $445 million from a population of 12.6 million in 2025, representing $35 per capita. Applied to Indiana's population, this yields a $238 million projection. Conservative estimates accounting for Indiana's more rural demographics and lower median income suggest $150-180 million is a realistic first-year target, growing to $200-250 million by year three as the market matures. Medical-only programs generate lower revenue. Ohio's medical program produced approximately $45 million in tax revenue in 2023 before adult-use sales began, representing $3.85 per capita. An Indiana medical-only program would generate an estimated $26 million annually, significantly less than adult-use projections but still meaningful for state budget purposes.

Cross-Border Consumer Leakage

Industry analysts estimate that Indiana residents spend $200-300 million annually at dispensaries in Illinois, Michigan, and Ohio. This estimate is based on border dispensary sales data and consumer surveys. A 2024 study by the Marijuana Policy Project found that 18% of Illinois border dispensary customers provided Indiana addresses, representing approximately $180 million in annual sales. Michigan border dispensaries report similar patterns, with Niles and Buchanan locations deriving 25-35% of revenue from Indiana consumers. This cross-border spending represents not only lost tax revenue but also lost business opportunities for Indiana entrepreneurs. Multi-state operators have established cultivation facilities, processing operations, and retail locations in border communities specifically to capture Indiana consumer demand. Cresco Labs' Joliet cultivation facility produces approximately 75,000 pounds annually, with distribution to dispensaries serving Indiana consumers. Green Thumb Industries operates dispensaries in Munster and Danville, Illinois, both within 10 miles of Indiana.

MSO Strategic Positioning

Multi-state operators view Indiana as a high-priority expansion target if legalization occurs. The state's population density, central location, and lack of existing licensed operators would create a competitive application process similar to Ohio's initial licensing rounds. MSOs including Curaleaf, Trulieve, Verano, and Ascend Wellness have indicated in investor presentations that Indiana represents a top-tier market opportunity. License values in Indiana would likely mirror Ohio's initial pricing. Ohio dispensary licenses traded for $1.5-2.5 million in secondary markets during 2019-2020, while cultivation licenses commanded $3-5 million. Indiana's larger population and lack of home cultivation provisions (likely in any initial program) would support similar or higher valuations.

Banking and 280E Implications

Federal rescheduling to Schedule III would eliminate the Internal Revenue Code § 280E prohibition on business expense deductions for cannabis operators. Currently, dispensaries and cultivators cannot deduct ordinary business expenses including rent, salaries, marketing, and utilities, resulting in effective tax rates of 60-75%. Rescheduling would allow normal business deductions, reducing effective tax rates to 25-35% and significantly improving operator profitability. However, rescheduling would not resolve banking access issues. The Bank Secrecy Act and anti-money laundering regulations would continue to classify cannabis proceeds as potentially suspicious, and most federally insured banks would likely maintain their prohibition on cannabis accounts until Congress passes the SAFE Banking Act or similar legislation. Indiana operators would face the same cash-intensive business model currently used in legal states, requiring armored transport, cash vaults, and limited access to traditional banking services.

Employment and Economic Development

A mature Indiana cannabis market would create an estimated 8,000-12,000 direct jobs in cultivation, processing, retail, and testing, plus 3,000-5,000 indirect jobs in construction, security, legal services, and ancillary businesses. These projections are based on employment data from Ohio and Illinois, adjusted for Indiana's population. Average wages in the cannabis industry range from $32,000 for entry-level retail positions to $85,000 for master growers and compliance directors.

What Experts Say

Policy analysts, medical professionals, and industry observers have offered varied perspectives on Indiana's cannabis policy trajectory, with most agreeing that federal rescheduling will be the key catalyst for state-level action. Karen O'Keefe, director of state policies at the Marijuana Policy Project, said in a March 2026 interview that Indiana's wait-and-see approach is consistent with conservative states that prefer federal guidance over independent action. She noted that similar patterns occurred with CBD legalization, where Indiana acted only after the 2018 Farm Bill provided federal clarity. Dr. Sunil Aggarwal, a palliative care physician and cannabis researcher, has testified before the Indiana legislature on medical cannabis for end-of-life care. According to his 2023 testimony, cannabis demonstrates efficacy for cancer-related pain, chemotherapy-induced nausea, and appetite stimulation in terminal patients. He noted that Indiana physicians currently cannot recommend cannabis even for patients with weeks to live, forcing families to choose between legal compliance and symptom relief. John Hudak, a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution who studies cannabis policy, wrote in a 2025 analysis that Indiana's prohibition creates a "regulatory vacuum" where consumer demand exists but legal supply does not. According to Hudak, this vacuum drives consumers to unregulated markets or cross-border purchases, undermining public health goals and generating revenue for other states. The Indiana Prosecuting Attorneys Council has maintained consistent opposition to legalization. In 2024 testimony, the council's executive director stated that medical cannabis programs in other states have led to diversion to the illicit market and increased impaired driving incidents. The council cited Colorado data showing a 145% increase in marijuana-related traffic fatalities from 2013 to 2020, though independent analyses have questioned the causal relationship. Sam Adolphsen, policy director at the conservative think tank Foundation for Government Accountability, has argued that Indiana should maintain prohibition based on public health concerns. In a 2025 policy brief, Adolphsen cited studies linking cannabis use to increased schizophrenia risk, cognitive impairment in adolescents, and cannabis use disorder. He recommended that Indiana wait for long-term data from legal states before considering policy changes.

What's Next: Timeline and Decision Points

Indiana's cannabis policy trajectory depends primarily on federal rescheduling completion, with state legislative action unlikely before the 2027 session at the earliest.

Federal Rescheduling Timeline

The DEA's administrative law judge hearing on cannabis rescheduling is scheduled for summer 2026, with a final decision expected by late 2026 or early 2027. If the DEA proceeds with rescheduling to Schedule III, the change would take effect 30-60 days after publication in the Federal Register. This timeline suggests a final federal decision by Q4 2026 or Q1 2027.

Indiana Legislative Calendar

The Indiana General Assembly convenes in January each year, with long sessions in odd-numbered years (January-April) and short sessions in even-numbered years (January-March). The 2027 long session would be the first opportunity for comprehensive cannabis legislation following federal rescheduling. Bill introduction deadlines typically fall in mid-January, meaning draft legislation would need to be prepared by December 2026.

Regulatory Development Timeline

If the legislature authorizes a cannabis program in the 2027 session, the Indiana Alcohol and Tobacco Commission would require 18-24 months to develop regulations, accept applications, and issue licenses. This timeline is based on Ohio's experience, where the legislature passed medical cannabis legislation in June 2016 but dispensaries did not open until January 2019. Indiana would need to establish testing standards, security requirements, packaging rules, and application scoring criteria before accepting license applications.

Potential Ballot Initiative

Indiana does not have a citizen initiative process for statutory changes, meaning cannabis legalization cannot be achieved through a ballot measure like in Ohio, Michigan, and Missouri. All policy changes must go through the legislature, giving opponents significant procedural advantages. Reform advocates have discussed pursuing a constitutional amendment to establish an initiative process, but this would require legislative approval and voter ratification before any cannabis initiative could proceed.

Scenarios for 2027-2028

Scenario 1: Medical-Only Program — The most likely path involves a limited medical cannabis program with a restrictive list of qualifying conditions, no smokable flower, and tight dispensary caps. This approach would mirror Kentucky's framework and could gain support from moderate Republicans concerned about constituent access for serious medical conditions. Scenario 2: Continued Prohibition — If federal rescheduling stalls or Indiana lawmakers remain opposed, the state could maintain prohibition indefinitely. This scenario becomes less likely if all surrounding states have legal programs and Indiana continues to lose tax revenue to border states. Scenario 3: Adult-Use Legalization — A comprehensive adult-use program remains unlikely in the near term given legislative composition, but could become viable by 2029-2030 if public opinion shifts significantly and Republican leadership changes.

Further Reading and Primary Sources

• Indiana Code § 35-48 (Controlled Substances Act): https://iga.in.gov/legislative/laws/2023/ic/titles/035
• Indiana Code § 15-15-13 (Hemp and CBD provisions): https://iga.in.gov/legislative/laws/2023/ic/titles/015
• DEA Notice of Proposed Rulemaking on Cannabis Rescheduling (August 2024): https://www.federalregister.gov/cannabis-rescheduling
• Indiana Alcohol and Tobacco Commission: https://www.in.gov/atc/
• Indiana State Department of Health CBD Registry: https://www.in.gov/health/cbd/
• Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation Cannabis Division: https://idfpr.illinois.gov/profs/cannabis.html
• Michigan Cannabis Regulatory Agency: https://www.michigan.gov/cra
• Ohio Division of Cannabis Control: https://cannabis.ohio.gov/
• Marijuana Policy Project Indiana page: https://www.mpp.org/states/indiana/
• NORML Indiana Laws and Penalties: https://norml.org/laws/indiana/
• Indiana State Police Annual Report (2025): https://www.in.gov/isp/
• Epilepsy Foundation of Indiana: https://www.epilepsyindiana.org/
• American Legion Indiana Department Resolution on Medical Cannabis (2017): https://www.indianalegion.org/