SB0250 — A BILL FOR AN ACT to amend the Indiana Code concerning criminal law and procedure and to make an appropriation.

Summary

Defines "THC" for purposes of Indiana alcohol and tobacco law. Expands certain crimes concerning alcohol and tobacco, including crimes regarding possession by minors and sales to minors, to include products containing THC. Provides that a violation of the hemp derived cannabinoid products chapter is a deceptive act. Provides that the offense of aiding unlawful possession includes unlawful possession of a product containing THC. Provides that the alcohol and tobacco commission (commission) shall conduct random inspections of locations where products containing THC are sold. Allows law enforcement officers to engage minors who are at least 16 years of age to purchase THC products as part of a law enforcement action. Enacts provisions regulating the manufacture, distribution, sale, and transportation of hemp derived cannabinoid products (hemp derived cannabinoid products law). Requires the commission to enforce and administer the hemp derived cannabinoid products law. Provides for issuance of: (1) manufacturer permits; (2) distributor permits; (3) retail permits; and (4) carrier permits; for hemp derived cannabinoid products. Prohibits the sale of hemp derived cannabinoid products online or by delivery. Provides that a person issued a manufacturer permit may manufacture hemp derived cannabinoid products only in Indiana. Imposes packaging and labeling requirements for hemp derived cannabinoid products. Requires testing of hemp derived cannabinoid products and provides that the commission may spot test hemp derived cannabinoid products for compliance with the hemp derived cannabinoid products law. Specifies circumstances under which a hemp derived cannabinoid product shall be treated as if it is marijuana. Creates the hemp derived cannabinoid products fund and specifies purposes for which money in the fund shall be used. Imposes restrictions on advertising of hemp derived cannabinoid products. Imposes criminal penalties for violations of the hemp derived cannabinoid products law, and provides that a violation of the hemp derived cannabinoid products law is a deceptive act for purposes of Indiana law regarding deceptive consumer sales. Provides that for purposes of Indiana motor vehicle law: (1) "intoxicated" includes being under the influence of tetrahydrocannabinol; and (2) "schedule I drug" includes marijuana, hemp, and tetrahydrocannabinol. Provides that the state seed commissioner (commissioner) may issue hemp grower's licenses and hemp handler's licenses, and specifies licensure requirements and duties of licensees. Provides that the commissioner: (1) shall share information with the state police department regarding the commissioner's licensure of hemp growers and handlers; and (2) shall report specified information to the United States Secretary of Agriculture. Provides that Indiana's hemp growing programs may not operate above federal restrictions or limitations. Repeals chapters regarding: (1) distribution of low THC hemp extract; and (2) sale of low THC hemp extract. Provides that a retail establishment in which tobacco products and products containing THC (rather than tobacco products alone, under current law) account for 85% of the establishment's gross sales may not allow an individual under 21 years of age to enter the establishment. Adds federal definitions of certain hemp terms to the Indiana criminal code. Modifies definitions of "marijuana" and "smokable hemp" for purposes of the Indiana criminal code. Removes references to "delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol" and "low THC hemp extract" in certain crimes. Provides that nothing in Indiana: (1) alcohol and tobacco law; or (2) agriculture law; may be construed under the "inclusio unius, exclusio alterius" canon of construction as legalizing marijuana. Specifies situations in which a product shall be treated as if it is marijuana. Makes an appropriation.

Bill Text

Action History

1. February 23, 2026

   Representatives Steuerwald, DeLaney added as cosponsors

2. February 19, 2026

   Committee report: amend do pass, adopted

3. February 02, 2026

   First reading: referred to Committee on Courts and Criminal Code

4. February 02, 2026

   Representative Zimmerman added as cosponsor

5. January 29, 2026

   Referred to the House

6. January 28, 2026

   Third reading: passed; Roll Call 123: yeas 35, nays 13

7. January 28, 2026

   House sponsor: Representative Bascom

8. January 26, 2026

   Second reading: ordered engrossed

9. January 22, 2026

   Committee report: amend do pass, adopted

10. January 20, 2026

    Senators Koch, Byrne added as coauthors

11. January 20, 2026

    Senators Baldwin, Young M, Clark, Leising added as coauthors

12. January 20, 2026

    Senator Doriot added as third author

13. January 15, 2026

    Committee report: amend do pass adopted; reassigned to Committee on Appropriations

14. January 08, 2026

    First reading: referred to Committee on Commerce and Technology

15. January 08, 2026

    Authored by Senators Freeman, Carrasco

Sponsors

• Aaron Freeman · Primary

Votes

Subjects