By Andi Anderson
In Indiana, the hemp and cannabis industry is growing under a legal loophole created by the 2018 Farm Bill.
This law allows hemp products with low THC levels to be sold legally. Businesses like WildEye Cannabis, owned by Nicholas Brown, have created unique spaces offering THC-infused products. Brown explained, “We create a third space for people that is alcohol free,” and added, “We create, like, a safe and comforting environment with a good vibe for people, and the people that we hire kind of help cater to that vibe.”
Despite growth, the industry faces challenges. Indiana Senate Bill 250 aimed to tighten regulations but did not pass. Justin Swanson, managing director for government and state relations at Bose Public Affairs, stated, “The only thing that’s illegal for hemp in Indiana is selling the hemp flower at retail.” Businesses fear future laws could force closures. Robert Theodorow, owner of Generation NA, warned, “We will be forced to close our doors and move all of our businesses out of the state of Indiana.”
Supporters of regulation highlight safety concerns. Kim Sexton Yager from the Indiana Drug Enforcement Association said, “We’re not looking to take down small businesses in the state of Indiana. We just want the psychoactive substances to have meaningful guardrails.” Senator Aaron Freeman added, “It is egregious to me that my kid can walk in a gas station and buy this stuff.”
Advocates seek balanced regulation. Brown stated, “I want Prohibition to be over. And I want, I want these legal products to be safe products that are regulated properly.” Similarly, Jack Babcock noted, “There is a way to do this and keep children safe and keep citizens safe.”
Experts like Marguerite Bolt, hemp extension specialist at Purdue University, see long-term potential. She noted, “We can absolutely grow hemp here. We have the right environmental conditions to do so.” However, processing infrastructure remains limited.
Lucy Luman, chairwoman of Indiana NORML, described the situation, saying, “Indiana has become what they call the Wild West of hemp.”
Photo Credit: gettyimages-larisa-shpineva
Categories: Indiana, Rural Lifestyle