Around the country, attitudes about marijuana are changing. According to an April CBS News poll, 65 percent of Americans support legalized recreational marijuana and support is growing. It’s up from 59 percent just a year earlier.
While states across the country decriminalize, legalize and relax marijuana laws, penalties for marijuana possession in Indiana remain strict.
Current laws
Indiana remains one of 26 states that has not at least partially decriminalized simple marijuana possession. In fact, the Marijuana Policy Project calls Indiana cannabis laws “some of the most draconian … in the country.” Possession of even a small amount of marijuana remains punishable with a hefty find and jail time.
The following is a list of penalties for possessing marijuana in Indiana:
- Possessing any amount of marijuana if you have no previous drug convictions is punishable by up to 180 days in jail and a $1,000 fine.
- Possessing less than 30 grams of marijuana with a previous drug conviction is punishable by up to a year in prison and a $10,000 fine.
- Possessing 30 grams or more of marijuana with a previous drug conviction is punishable by six months to two and a half years in jail and a $10,000 fine.
Possession of hashish or other marijuana concentrates comes with more severe penalties, even if you don’t have any previous drug convictions. Possession of marijuana paraphernalia is an infraction punishable with a fine of up to $10,000.
Cannabidiol products
In 2018, Indiana legalized the possession of Cannabidiol (CBD) products with less than 0.3 percent THC – the chemical in marijuana that gets you high. Usually found in the form of CBD oil, Indian law requires that each batch of the product be tested to make sure it meets state THC standards.
Get help
Anyone charged with possession of marijuana in Indiana may wish to speak to a lawyer. Indiana courts take marijuana seriously, and the consequences of a conviction could affect your life in multiple ways. An attorney can lay out your options and help you find the best path forward.
