The bill is “moving us further down a path of increasing—dramatically increasing—access to these products that are known to have adverse and negative effects.”
By Leslie Bonilla Muñiz, Indiana Capital Chronicle
On Tuesday, controversial rules for products that look like marijuana passed the Indiana House of Representatives. They will still have to go through negotiations behind closed doors before they reach Gov. Mike Braun (R)’s desk.
Capital Chronicle: “I submitted a dissent.” Sen. Travis Holdman is the author of this measure.
Markle Republican: “We have some cleaning to do.” “We will be doing it.”
Indiana has seen a proliferation of products with low levels of delta-9 THC, as well as delta-8 and other isomers. Attempts to regulate the nascent industry, which is booming on shaky legal footing, have failed repeatedly—but are nearing law, in the form of Senate Bill 478.
The sale of these products is technically not illegal because the products are legally sold under federal law and there’s a regulatory framework in this state. [or] Jake Teshka said, “There are no requirements that protect consumers against potentially harmful adulterants, or advertising, packaging and marketing to youth.” The sponsor in the House, Jake Teshka spoke on Tuesday.
It sets advertising requirements, age limits, licensing and packaging standards, as well as other regulations for the substances currently not under regulation. This measure authorizes Indiana Alcohol and Tobacco Commission (IATC) to regulate the alcohol and tobacco industry. It also allows the commission to approve up to 20 retail permits.
It has gone through seven edits. But critics—including Indiana’s attorney general and anti-marijuana groups—still have objected, arguing the language would expand existing loopholes.
Teshka said that Senate Bill478 would allow us to control the market. The bill gives us the chance to bring clarity to law-enforcement, help protect Hoosier children, and empower farmers, as well as protect consumers.
Teshka’s caucus members remained skeptical.
“I recognize that…the General Assembly should take action on the current state of this product,” said Rep. Tim Wesco, R-Osceola. “[But] “I don’t think this is an appropriate response.”
Instead, it’s “moving us further down a path of increasing—dramatically increasing—access to these products that are known to have adverse and negative effects,” Wesco continued. “We are setting up a structure that we will not likely change, but that only grows from here.”
Lawmakers from both parties crossed sides in the 60-37 vote.
After that, it will go to the conference committee. They will work out a deal. After that, the bill will be sent back to both chambers for final votes before Braun.
The original publication of this story is Indiana Capital Chronicle.
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