The clock is ticking for a proposed bill regulating hemp products in Indiana.
Rep. Jake Teshka, R-South Bend, authored House Bill 1079. It overwhelmingly cleared the House in the first half of the current legislative session and is under consideration in the Senate. The proposal aims to clamp down on regulations by banning sales of hemp-based products to anyone younger than 21, improving product safety testing and creating penalties for those who don't follow the law.
Shadi Khoury, owner of Indianapolis-based Dodi Hemp Products, supports the bill.
"Can we come together and prevent this roadblock that has happened every year for the last few years?" Khoury implored. "I own eight retail stores. I sell my products to hundreds of stores across the state. We just want to be able to have a conversation and not get stonewalled one more year."
Khoury added a current ambiguous legal framework surrounding the industry creates uncertainty for everyone. Opponents call some hemp products "marijuana light," and argue that approval takes Indiana one step closer toward legalizing pot.
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Categories: Indiana, Business, Government & Policy