Study breaks down Indiana’s current marijuana use as Governor Mike Braun signals openness to policy discussions

FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WPTA) – Indiana remains one of only 10 states without legalized medical marijuana.

However, that could soon change after Governor Mike Braun recently signaled he’s open to discussing marijuana policy as laws continue to change nationwide.

Long-time advocates are now watching closely for what could come next…

Whether many Hoosiers realize it or not, THC products that can produce a high are widely available in Indiana right now.

Often sold in stores with limited oversight, the accessibility creates a contradiction – restrictive cannabis laws and a large, growing user base.

RAND study: About 1 in 6 Hoosiers are regular marijuana, THC users

A new RAND study examining marijuana and THC use across Indiana estimates 1.3 million people ages 12 and up are regular users, or about one in six residents.

According to the study, use among adults has also doubled since 2011, with the sharpest rise among people older than 26.

And while use among youth appears to be declining, the study notes teens may underreport or not fully understand the products they’re consuming.

Indiana has ‘most restrictive’ marijuana policy measures in U.S.

Researchers also evaluated all 50 states across 17 separate marijuana policy measures.

The results – Indiana ranked the most restrictive overall.

While ranked the most restrictive overall, the report noted that the state is surrounded with legal marijuana access and most Hoosiers live within 100 miles of a legal dispensary, meaning residents can drive, purchase legally elsewhere, and return within hours.

Farm Bill “hemp” loophole allows for Indiana’s current THC products

The study says a major reason THC products remain common in Indiana is because of the 2018 federal Farm Bill, which defined hemp as cannabis containing less than 0.3% delta‑9 THC by dry weight.

Delta‑9 THC is the primary intoxicating compound in marijuana.

Since the limit is based on percentage by weight, products like edibles can legally contain significant amounts of delta‑9 THC while still meeting the hemp definition.

RAND’s example: If a gummy weighs 4 grams, it can contain up to 12 milligrams of delta‑9 THC and still qualify as hemp—an amount the report says is generally enough to get a moderate user high.

Companies have consquently built an entire market around this, selling intoxicating products labeled as hemp rather than cannabis.

Indiana’s attorney general has called the situation a problem.

Congress has acted to close the loophole later this year, though changes are still possible.

For now, the products remain available with limited regulation.

Poison control calls involving young children have significantly increased

One of the report’s most alarming findings involves accidental exposure among children.

RAND cites Indiana Poison Control Center data showing that in 2015, cannabis-related calls involving children age 5 and under were about 4% of cannabis calls. By 2024, that share rose to nearly 40%.

The report doesn’t argue for legalization or prohibition, but emphasizes that, regardless of someone’s stance on marijuana, those numbers are hard to ignore.

Billions spent on marijuana, but little of it remains in Indiana

Another key question: Is Indiana losing revenue by not legalizing marijuana like neighboring states?

RAND estimates Hoosiers spend about $1.8 billion per year on marijuana.

Much of that spending happens out of state—primarily in Michigan—taking potential tax revenue, jobs, and broader economic impact with it.

As the study frames it, Indiana is effectively subsidizing the benefits of legalization elsewhere.

Past legalization efforts have stalled — Braun suggests that could change

Indiana lawmakers have seen multiple attempts to legalize marijuana, but none have gained serious traction.

That may be shifting, at least politically, after Braun’s recent comments:

“I think… you’ve got to take what’s evolved over time. Stick your head in the sand, you’re generally going to make the wrong decision.”

Braun also pointed to legislative leadership as the key decision-makers, signaling openness but not committing to a specific policy path.

RAND is not advocating a policy outcome. The study says its core message is that Hoosiers should understand the consequences of the current system, and that it’s fair to ask whether Indiana’s approach is working.