An Indiana Democratic lawmaker has introduced legislation that would effectively legalize limited possession and cultivation of marijuana, marking a renewed push for cannabis reform in a state where such efforts have long faced resistance.
Rep. Mitch Gore filed the bill proposing to remove all criminal penalties for possessing or growing up to two ounces of marijuana.
Unlike legalization measures in other states, the proposal would not establish a regulated commercial market for cannabis production or retail sales. Instead, it would create a non-commercial legalization framework focused solely on personal use.
Under current Indiana law, any amount of marijuana possession or cultivation is classified as a Class B misdemeanor. Gore’s bill would amend that statute, eliminating penalties for small amounts while maintaining strict prohibitions on concentrated cannabis products such as hashish and hash oil.
The legislation would also adjust felony thresholds. Presently, possession of more than 30 grams of marijuana can result in a Level 6 felony, which carries penalties of up to 2.5 years in prison and fines of up to $10,000.
Gore’s proposal would raise that threshold to four ounces, significantly reducing the number of cases eligible for felony prosecution, Marijuana Moment reported.
The bill has been referred to the House Courts and Criminal Code Committee, though it remains unclear whether the panel will advance it. Cannabis reform advocates have historically struggled to gain traction in Indiana’s conservative legislature.
Recent developments at the federal level, however, may influence the debate.
Indiana GOP Gov. Mike Braun has suggested that Trump’s move to federally reschedule marijuana could add momentum to state-level discussions. Trump later signed an executive order directing the attorney general to move cannabis from Schedule I to Schedule III under the Controlled Substances Act.
Braun has also said he is “amenable” to medical marijuana legalization, noting that “it’s probably time” to allow therapeutic cannabis access for patients. His comments came amid polling showing that 87 percent of Indiana adults support marijuana legalization.
Not all state leaders share that view. Indiana U.S. Sen. Jim Banks has expressed firm opposition, arguing that legalization in other states has led to increased crime and social issues.
“I hope Indiana is never a state that legalizes marijuana,” Banks said, while acknowledging that the conversation is likely to continue.
Top Republican lawmakers in the General Assembly have also pushed back. Senate President Pro Tem Rodric Bray and House Speaker Todd Huston have questioned both the medical benefits of marijuana and the motives behind reform proposals.
Despite the resistance, several cannabis-related bills were introduced for the 2025 legislative session, including a Republican-backed measure to legalize medical marijuana for patients with serious medical conditions, signaling that the issue remains active in Indiana politics.
