Marijuana in Indiana: Laws, Risks and Treatment
Marijuana is the dried leaves, flowers, stems and seeds of the cannabis plant, and marijuana is illegal in Indiana for both recreational and medical use. Indiana has no medical marijuana program, and possession charges apply even to marijuana bought legally in Michigan or Illinois.
Regular marijuana use brings health risks that include cannabis use disorder, anxiety and impaired driving. Adults in Indiana who want to stop have options that range from free peer support groups to residential treatment with a psychiatric evaluation at admission.
Indiana marijuana laws differ from the laws in Michigan and Illinois, which allow recreational marijuana, so crossing a state line does not change what is legal in Indiana. Low-THC hemp extract and CBD are the main cannabis products that Indiana allows adults to buy.
Key Takeaways
- Indiana Code 35-48-4-11 makes marijuana possession a misdemeanor, and a prior drug conviction plus 30 grams or more makes it a Level 6 felony.
- About 3 in 10 people who use cannabis have cannabis use disorder, according to the CDC.
- Marijuana withdrawal includes irritability, sleep problems and decreased appetite, according to NIDA.
- The Grove Estate treats cannabis use disorder in residential treatment at ASAM Level 3.5 in Peru, Indiana.
Did you know most health insurance plans cover substance use disorder treatment? Check your coverage online now.
Is Marijuana Legal in Indiana?
No, marijuana is illegal in Indiana for both recreational and medical use. Under Indiana Code 35-48-4-11, possessing marijuana is a Class B misdemeanor, and a prior drug conviction raises the charge to a Class A misdemeanor.
A prior drug conviction plus 30 grams or more makes marijuana possession a Level 6 felony under Indiana drug laws. Bringing marijuana into Indiana from Michigan or Illinois, where marijuana is legal, is a crime once you cross the state line.
Hemp-derived delta-9 THC products follow federal hemp rules instead of Indiana marijuana law.
The table below lists the 3 penalty tiers for marijuana possession in Indiana.
| Possession offense | Charge | Maximum penalty |
|---|---|---|
| Any amount, no prior drug conviction | Class B misdemeanor | Up to 180 days in jail and a $1,000 fine |
| Any amount, prior drug conviction | Class A misdemeanor | Up to 1 year in jail and a $5,000 fine |
| 30 grams or more, prior drug conviction | Level 6 felony | 6 months to 2.5 years and a $10,000 fine |
What Are the Health Risks of Marijuana?
Regular marijuana use impairs memory, attention and motivation, and smoking marijuana irritates the lungs. High-potency marijuana triggers anxiety and paranoia, and the CDC’s 2025 “Cannabis Facts and Stats” page ties frequent use to a higher risk of psychosis.
Cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome, a condition of repeated and severe vomiting, occurs with heavy marijuana use. Marijuana slows reaction time, so driving after marijuana use raises the risk of a crash.
Call 911 for chest pain, a seizure, severe confusion or loss of consciousness after marijuana use.
Is Marijuana Addictive?
Yes, marijuana use produces cannabis use disorder in about 3 in 10 people who use cannabis, according to the CDC’s 2025 “Cannabis Facts and Stats” page. People who begin using marijuana before age 18 face a greater risk, the CDC reports.
Misconception: Marijuana is not addictive.
What the evidence shows: Withdrawal is a hallmark of marijuana addiction. NIDA’s research report “Is Marijuana Addictive?” (September 2024) lists withdrawal symptoms that include irritability, anxiety, restlessness, sleep problems, decreased appetite, headaches, sweating and tremor.
Contact us today to schedule an initial assessment or to learn more about our services. Whether you are seeking rehab treatment or simply need guidance on your recovery journey, we are here to help.
What Are the Signs That Marijuana Use Has Become a Problem?
Failed attempts to cut back and using more marijuana than planned are the clearest signs of a marijuana problem. The 5 signs of a marijuana problem are:
- Trying to cut back on marijuana and not being able to.
- Using more marijuana than planned.
- Spending a lot of time getting or using marijuana.
- Using marijuana to deal with stress or to sleep.
- Giving up activities and responsibilities because of marijuana.
Where Can Indiana Residents Get Help for Marijuana Use?
Indiana residents get help for marijuana use through residential treatment, peer support groups and the Indiana 211 line. The Grove Estate in Peru treats cannabis use disorder in residential treatment at ASAM Level 3.5, with a psychiatric evaluation at every admission.
Medical Director Dr. Steven Schneider, MD, a Diplomate and Fellow of the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology with 35 years in psychiatry, leads The Grove Estate’s medical care.
Director of Clinical Services Moriah Mercer, MSW, LSW, with 10 years in behavioral health, leads the clinical team that delivers therapy.
The Grove Estate’s marijuana addiction treatment program also treats the anxiety, depression or trauma behind heavy use. Call 765-204-1188 to speak with admissions.
For free support, Marijuana Anonymous and SMART Recovery hold meetings online, and Indiana 211 points callers to local programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are you covered for treatment?
The Grove Estate is in-network with Blue Cross Blue Shield and Physicians Health Plan of Northern Indiana, and accepts other commercial plans, such as Cigna and UnitedHealthcare, on an out-of-network basis.
Check Coverage Now!What Happens If You’re Caught With Marijuana in Indiana?
First-offense marijuana possession is a Class B misdemeanor in Indiana, which carries up to 180 days in jail and a fine of up to $1,000 under Indiana Code 35-50-3-3.
How Much Weed Is a Felony in Indiana?
Possessing 30 grams or more of marijuana is a Level 6 felony in Indiana for someone with a prior drug conviction. Without a prior conviction, possessing marijuana is a misdemeanor.
Is Medical Marijuana Legal in Indiana?
No. Indiana has no medical marijuana program. Indiana allows only low-THC hemp extract with no more than 0.3% THC.
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Is Weed Decriminalized in Indiana?
No. Indiana has not decriminalized marijuana, so possessing any amount of marijuana remains a criminal offense under Indiana Code 35-48-4-11.
Is CBD Legal in Indiana?
Yes. Hemp-derived CBD products with no more than 0.3% THC are legal in Indiana. A CBD product with trace THC still triggers a positive THC drug test, if the user takes enough of the product.
Is Marijuana Addiction Treated in Residential Rehab?
Yes. Residential treatment fits adults who have not been able to stop marijuana on their own, or whose marijuana use comes with anxiety, depression or other substances.
Did you know most health insurance plans cover substance use disorder treatment? Check your coverage online now.
References
- Indiana General Assembly. Indiana Code § 35-48-4-11, “Possession of marijuana, hash oil, hashish, or salvia.” iga.in.gov
- Indiana General Assembly. Indiana Code § 35-50-3-3, Class B misdemeanor.
- Indiana General Assembly. Indiana Code § 35-50-3-2, Class A misdemeanor.
- Indiana General Assembly. Indiana Code § 35-50-2-7, Level 6 felony.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2025, March 7). Cannabis Facts and Stats. cdc.gov
- National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2024, September 24). Is Marijuana Addictive? nida.nih.gov
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ADDICTION TREATMENTS IN INDIANA
Are you covered for treatment?
The Grove Estate is in-network with Blue Cross Blue Shield and Physicians Health Plan of Northern Indiana, and accepts other commercial plans, such as Cigna and UnitedHealthcare, on an out-of-network basis.
Check Coverage Now!
