SB 250 Indiana Senate · 2026 Regular Session

Regulation of hemp.

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 status passed 3 of 5 stages cleared
Introduction
Jan 2026
Committee Review
Feb 2026
Senate Passage
Jan 2026
House Passage
Governor
Introduced Jan 8, 2026 Last action Feb 23, 2026
Maddy AI version diff · 2 comparisons

What changed between versions

Senate Bill (S) Senate Bill (H) · 7 edits
MODERATE
This bill revision updates the bill number from SB 250.1 to SB 250.2 and adjusts several dates throughout the document, reflecting a new version of the legislation. The digest section was significantly expanded to include additional affected statutes and clarify provisions regarding hemp-derived cannabinoid products, including new language about deceptive acts and expanded enforcement powers. The bill maintains its core purpose of regulating hemp and THC products while incorporating legislative amendments and committee actions.
Scope change
The bill's scope remains focused on hemp regulation and THC product control, but the digest now includes additional citations (IC 7.1-3, IC 7.1-4) and clarifies that violations constitute deceptive acts under Indiana law.
TECHNICAL

Bill number changed from SB 250.1 to SB 250.2, indicating this is a revised version of the legislation.

Sponsor list updated to include additional sponsors (Doriot, Koch, Byrne, Baldwin, Young M, Clark, Leising) compared to the previous version.

TIMELINE

Multiple dates updated throughout the document, including digest update dates (January 22, 2026), bill introduction date (January 23, 2026), and committee action dates.

DEFINITION

Digest now includes additional affected statutes (IC 7.1-3, IC 7.1-4) that were not listed in the previous version.

REQUIREMENT

New language added stating that violations of the hemp derived cannabinoid products law constitute a deceptive act under Indiana consumer sales law.

New language specifying situations in which a product shall be treated as if it is marijuana.

ENFORCEMENT

Added provision clarifying that aiding unlawful possession includes unlawful possession of products containing THC.

Floor votes · Senate Jan 28, 2026

How they voted

3512
Passed · 1 other
Total votes 48
Jan 28, 2026
D Democratic9
1 Yea 8 Nay
88% Nay
R Republican39
34 Yea 4 Nay 1
87% Yea
Vote distribution
All Yea All Nay Mixed No data
Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
15
Key actions
4
Committee
3
Feb 19, 2026
Lower · Passed
Committee report: amend do pass, adopted
lower
Jan 28, 2026
Upper · Passed
Third reading: passed; Roll Call 123: yeas 35, nays 13
upper
Jan 22, 2026
Upper · Passed
Committee report: amend do pass, adopted
upper
Jan 15, 2026
Upper · Passed
Committee report: amend do pass adopted; reassigned to Committee on Appropriations
upper
4 primary · 9 co-sponsors

Sponsors