Indiana Bill To Ban Hemp THC Products Dies As Key Deadline Passes

“Another example of why we should be a unicameral Legislature.”

By Leslie Bonilla Muniz and Tom Davies, Indiana Capital Chronicle

A ban on intoxicating and synthetic hemp-derived products died Monday after Indiana House lawmakers failed to call it down ahead of a second reading deadline.

Senate Bill 250 would have mirrored a recent federal law that was designed to close a so-called loophole allowing potent delta-8, THCA and other cannabinoid products to proliferate.

Sen. Aaron Freeman, R-Indianapolis, was openly critical of his colleagues across the hall for killing his bill.

All he would say: “Another example of why we should be a unicameral Legislature.”

The hemp measure previously passed the Senate in a 35-13 vote.

Rep. Garrett Bascom, the bill’s sponsor in the House, said although he wouldn’t speak for other members, he felt there weren’t enough votes to pass it through his chamber this year. He didn’t offer any specific sticking points, but hoped to try again.

The language could be amended into another bill in conference committee.

The proposal also would have laid out a regulatory scheme for any low-potency, field-grown products—although industry representatives testified no customers would want them.

This story was first published by Indiana Capital Chronicle. Unrelated content excised.