Senate Bill 478 Seeks Control Over Indiana’s Hemp THC Market

25 March 2025

Indiana lawmakers are pushing forward with a bill that would bring long-overdue rules to the state’s unregulated hemp market. Senate Bill 478, now awaiting review by the House Ways and Means Committee, would set limits on product potency, require licensing, and introduce testing and labeling standards for hemp-derived products like delta-8 THC.

Supporters—including bill sponsor Rep. Jake Teshka (R–North Liberty)—say the legislation is needed to bring order and safety to a market they call the “Wild West.” Under SB 478, edibles would be capped at 100mg of THC per serving, 3,000mg per package, beverages at 25mg, and vape products under 3 grams. Teshka argues some products on shelves today contain dangerously high amounts, far exceeding what’s allowed in fully legal cannabis states.

But not everyone is on board. Prosecutors and anti-cannabis groups say recent changes to the bill could accidentally open the door to more potent THC products—especially THCA, which becomes intoxicating when heated. They also raised concerns about enforcement challenges and the lack of in-state labs for product testing, which could drive up costs.

Teshka says the bill keeps bans in place on in-state THCA sales and raw hemp flower, while allowing Indiana growers to cultivate for out-of-state markets. He also says investment in lab capacity could solve testing problems down the line.

For hemp businesses and consumers across Indiana, SB 478 could bring structure, safety, and clarity—but also signals how closely the state is watching cannabis-related laws as the national landscape evolves.