Indiana remains one of the only states without a medical marijuana program, but recent legislative efforts suggest change could be on the horizon. Several marijuana-related bills have been filed in the state legislature, sparking renewed discussions about whether Indiana will finally expand access to medical marijuana.
As neighboring states like Ohio, Michigan, Illinois, and Kentucky have embraced marijuana reform, either through recreational or medical programs, Indiana continues to lag behind. New bills introduced in 2025 may provide a path forward for patients who could benefit from medical marijuana.
What Do the New Indiana Marijuana Bills Propose?
Several bills have been introduced that aim to legalize and regulate medical marijuana in Indiana. Among them, House Bill 1178 and Senate Bill 113 propose creating a structured medical marijuana program, allowing qualified patients to access low-THC marijuana products.
Although these bills are far from full legalization, they mark a significant step toward recognizing marijuana as a legitimate medical treatment in Indiana. The goal is to provide regulated, physician-approved access to marijuana for patients with qualifying conditions while preventing misuse.
Why Indiana Needs Medical Marijuana
Support for medical marijuana in Indiana is growing, with 87% of Indiana adults backing its legalization, according to the 2024 Hoosier Survey. With such strong public support, lawmakers must take serious steps toward creating a regulated medical marijuana program that benefits patients across the state.
Indiana already allows low-THC CBD oil for certain medical conditions, but this program is highly restrictive. Patients seeking stronger relief often have to travel out of state to purchase marijuana, putting them at risk of legal trouble when bringing it back. Expanding Indiana’s marijuana laws would allow patients to access safe, legal products without crossing state lines.
Medical marijuana would also offer proven health benefits, with 38 states already legalizing it for conditions like chronic pain, epilepsy, PTSD, and cancer. Indiana’s refusal to implement a program means that thousands of Hoosiers are left suffering without legal alternatives. A properly regulated system would allow patients to work with medical professionals to find effective treatment options without turning to unregulated sources.
Without legal access, many Indiana patients are forced to seek marijuana on the black market, exposing them to unsafe, untested products. A state-regulated medical marijuana program would ensure high-quality, lab-tested products, giving patients safe and reliable treatment options while reducing the risks associated with illegal marijuana sales. By legalizing medical marijuana, Indiana can prioritize patient safety, public health, and access to essential medicine.
What’s Holding Indiana Back?
Despite growing public support, Indiana lawmakers remain divided on marijuana reform. Top Republican leaders, including Senate President Pro Tempore Rodric Bray and House Speaker Todd Huston, continue to oppose legalization, arguing that medical marijuana often leads to recreational use.
Bray recently stated, “I don’t have people coming to me with really compelling medical cases as to why it’s so beneficial.” However, millions of patients across the U.S. have already proven the medical benefits of marijuana.
Governor Mike Braun, who took office in November 2024, has expressed openness to medical marijuana, acknowledging that public support makes it an issue worth considering. However, legislative action is needed to move the process forward.
When Could Indiana See a Medical Marijuana Program?
The passage of House Bill 1178 or Senate Bill 113 could lead to Indiana’s first medical marijuana program. If approved, the next steps would involve:
Establishing patient qualifications and a medical registry
Creating licensing processes for dispensaries
Setting product regulations (likely allowing only oils, tinctures, and capsules at first)
Even if a bill passes in 2025, it could take several months or even years before patients can legally access medical marijuana in Indiana.
Why You Should Get a Medical Marijuana Card (When Available)
Although Indiana doesn’t yet have a full medical marijuana program, patients should prepare for legalization by understanding the benefits of getting a medical marijuana card. When the state finally approves medical marijuana, having a card will be the only legal way to access marijuana. Without one, patients could still face criminal charges for possession, even if they are using marijuana for medical reasons.
A regulated medical marijuana program would also ensure that patients receive safe, high-quality products that have been lab-tested and free from harmful additives. Unlike black market marijuana, which can be contaminated or mislabeled, state-approved products would be carefully monitored for purity and potency, giving patients peace of mind about what they’re consuming.
Additionally, medical marijuana programs provide doctor-approved treatments, helping patients find the right dosage and strain for their specific condition. That's where we come in! This controlled dosing ensures that patients will be able to use marijuana effectively and safely, without the guesswork that often comes with self-medicating.
Even if Indiana’s initial medical marijuana program is limited to low-THC products, it is likely to expand over time. Patients who are already registered will have priority access as the program grows, allowing them to benefit from any future legal changes. Preparing now ensures that patients are ready to take advantage of legal medical marijuana as soon as it becomes available in Indiana.
Summary
Indiana is slowly moving toward medical marijuana legalization, but lawmakers remain hesitant. With strong public support and ongoing legislative efforts, the state could finally approve medical marijuana in 2025.
For now, patients must wait for updates, but if Indiana follows the path of its neighboring states, medical marijuana will soon be available. The key is for Hoosiers to continue advocating for safe, legal access, because the demand for medical marijuana in Indiana isn’t going away.
Get Ready for Medical Marijuana in Indiana
Although lawmakers seem to be stalling the inevitable, medical marijuana will be legalized in Indiana eventually. You may have to wait for Indiana’s lawmakers to figure out that their job security may depend on their support for medical marijuana, but you don’t have to wait to start the journey to natural relief!
Reserve an evaluation online today, and we’ll book an appointment for you with one of our qualified, compassionate doctors as soon as Indiana’s medical marijuana market is up and running.
You and your new doctor will discuss your conditions and if you qualify for an Indiana Marijuana Card, as well as what medical marijuana can do for you. And you’ll even save $25 off the cost of your evaluation!
Doctors Who Care.
Relief You Can Trust.
We’re dedicated to helping all people safely and conveniently find relief and wellness through access to medical marijuana. By focusing on education and inclusion, we hope to reduce the stigma surrounding cannabis and those who want to use it to enhance their health.
If you have any questions, call us at (833) 781-7755, or simply reserve a medical marijuana evaluation today!
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