Indiana advocates prepare to fight looming THC ban
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Local advocates for THC-infused products have launched an information blitz to collect and share positive usage stories in an effort to stop a ban slated to go into effect next November.
Why it matters: A provision slipped into the spending bill that ended the federal government shutdown could leave thousands looking for work as businesses selling those items would likely close.
Catch up quick: The 2018 Farm Bill allowed for intoxicating THC to be sold in low doses. But the new provision would criminalize any product with more than 0.4 milligrams of hemp-derived THC — essentially encompassing all products on the market.
- Kentucky Sen. and Farm Bill author Mitch McConnell has been a leading proponent of closing the loophole, arguing that companies have exploited it to create intoxicating substances.
By the numbers: Hemp-derived cannabinoids in Indiana have had a total economic impact of $1.78 billion, according to research released in October 2023 by Whitney Economics.
- The industry includes hundreds of businesses that employ more than 11,000 workers statewide.
Zoom in: Jack Babcock, the founder and CEO of The Health Club in Broad Ripple, said the ban will shutter businesses like his.
- Billed as the state's first THC taproom and cafe, The Health Club opened in 2022 to offer patrons infused craft drinks and a welcoming environment in which to consume them.
What they're saying: "We hear your stories every day. The mom who finally sleeps through the night with a simple CBN gummy. The veteran managing chronic pain without addictive opioids. The busy professional that's easing anxiety and stress relief after a long day," he said. "With this ban, we are recriminalizing everyday people seeking wellness."
Beyond getting high, Daniel Stoller said the rise of THC-infused drinks has helped him get in better shape.
- The Fishers resident credits the switch from high-calorie craft beers to zero-sugar THC drinks with helping him shed more than 20 pounds since the spring.
- His favorites are the line of seltzers produced by Sun King Brewing, as well as drinks from Floral, a Gas City-based producer.
- "I can drink one of these and feel more relaxed than I would after, like, three beers," he told Axios. "They have kind of become part of my fitness routine. Having these around makes it much easier to stay consistent and not go back to drinking as much as I used to."
What's next: The Health Club and Indianapolis-based product maker We(ed) The People are inviting Hoosiers to share their testimonials online and contact their lawmakers.
- The Health Club is also teaming with Indy's Curated Hemp Company this week to host a Thanksgiving-eve gathering called Greenout Wednesday that will roll food, games, live music and advocacy into an evening.
- The $25 entry fee gets you one seltzer and up to five dabs from Curated.