Indiana Bill to Ban Hemp THC Products Dies as Deadline Passes

Lawmakers fail to call the measure for a second reading, killing the proposal for this legislative session.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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A bill that would have banned intoxicating and synthetic hemp-derived products in Indiana died on Monday after state House lawmakers failed to call it for a second reading before a key deadline. The measure, Senate Bill 250, had previously passed the Senate but did not have enough votes to move forward in the House this year, according to the bill's sponsor.

Why it matters

The failed bill is the latest example of the ongoing debate over regulating hemp-derived cannabinoids like delta-8 THC, which some states have moved to restrict or ban due to concerns over their potency and lack of oversight. The outcome in Indiana highlights the challenges lawmakers face in crafting policies to address these emerging cannabis products.

The details

Senate Bill 250 would have mirrored a recent federal law intended to close a loophole allowing potent hemp-derived products like delta-8 THC to proliferate. The measure also would have established a regulatory scheme for low-potency, field-grown hemp products, although industry representatives argued there would be no customer demand for such products.

  • The bill previously passed the Indiana Senate in a 35-13 vote.
  • The measure died on Monday after failing to be called for a second reading in the state House before a key legislative deadline.

The players

Sen. Aaron Freeman

The Republican senator from Indianapolis who sponsored the bill in the Senate and criticized his House colleagues for killing the measure.

Rep. Garrett Bascom

The House sponsor of the bill, who said he felt there were not enough votes to pass it through the chamber this year but hoped to try again.

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What they’re saying

“Another example of why we should be a unicameral Legislature.”

— Sen. Aaron Freeman (Indiana Capital Chronicle)

What’s next

The language of the failed bill could be amended into another piece of legislation during conference committee negotiations later in the session.

The takeaway

The outcome in Indiana underscores the ongoing challenges lawmakers face in crafting policies to address the proliferation of potent hemp-derived cannabinoids like delta-8 THC, which have raised concerns over their lack of regulation and potential public health impacts.