Indiana Bill Would Reschedule Marijuana and THC Under State Law

OG article by Anthony Martinelli

January 8, 2026

State Representative Jim Lucas (R) introduced House Bill 1298 on January 6, 2026, to reclassify marijuana and THC from Schedule I to Schedule III under Indiana law, recognizing their medical use while maintaining regulation. The bill, referred to the House Committee on Courts and Criminal Code, would take effect on July 1, 2026, and includes updates to criminal statutes on possession, dealing, and sentencing to align with Schedule III substances. It also amends the operating-while-intoxicated law by adding a defense for drivers testing positive for marijuana metabolites without intoxication, accident involvement, or impairment, thus reducing penalties based solely on THC presence. Indiana lacks a comprehensive medical marijuana program despite prior reform debates. This legislation follows recent filings to decriminalize cannabis and regulate craft hemp, marking incremental changes in state cannabis policy.