A bill that would legalize the sale of CBD oil with low THC levels unanimously passed Wednesday through a House committee, signaling another step toward the legalization of CBD oil in Indiana.
Senate Bill 52 defines “low THC hemp extract” as a product containing no more than 0.3 percent THC, the main psychoactive ingredient in marijuana, and no other controlled substances.
CBD, or cannabidiol, is a non-psychoactive derivative of the cannabis plant. It is used to treat epilepsy and other seizure disorders. This bill would legalize the sale of products made with no more than 0.3 percent THC.
SB 52 is one of multiple bills that focus on CBD and hemp oil legalization currently making its way through the Indiana General Assembly.
The bills were introduced this session after confusion arose last fall surrounding the legalization of CBD oil.
Gov. Eric Holcomb signed a different bill into law in the 2017 session allowing people with epilepsy to use the product, which is said to help with some of the related symptoms. Many people questioned whether or not this meant the product was legal to sell in stores.
However, last November, Attorney General Curtis Hill Jr. announced that the product was illegal in almost all circumstances, causing confusion for some Hoosiers. Hill wrote products for human consumption that contain CBD are unlawful both in Indiana and on a federal level.
Many Bloomington stores, however, continue to sell the product until there is a specific law saying it is illegal.
Senate Bill 52, along with the other CBD-related bills, will be heard and voted on within the next few weeks, before the session ends March 14.
Laurel Demkovich
