Indiana Bill Would Ban All Cannabis Advertising in the State

Indiana lawmakers are considering a bill that would ban all cannabis advertising in the state, Indiana Capital Chronicle reports. The provision was included as an amendment to legislation dealing with utility trailers after a Senate panel last week considered a bill to ban cannabis advertising on billboards in the state. 

During last week’s hearing, State Rep. Jim Pressel (R), chair of the House Roads and Transportation Committee, said his community – which is near the Michigan border – is “inundated” with cannabis ads on billboards. 

“My constituents, myself included, receive up to two – what would look like political mailers – a week advertising an illegal substance.” — Pressel, during the hearing, via the Capital Chronicle 

The amendment would ban the advertising of any Schedule I drug on the state’s controlled substances list and would impose civil penalties of up to $15,000 and “reasonable costs” associated with the investigation and lawsuit.   

The ban would include billboards, mailers, truck advertisements, television, and could impact online advertising. 

If approved, the bill would take effect immediately but would exempt advertising from contracts entered into or renewed before the approval date.   

The proposal is currently in the chamber’s Committee on Appropriations. 

Cannabis possession is still prohibited in Indiana, although three of its four neighboring states, Illinois, Michigan, and Ohio, have legalized and regulated adult-use cannabis.