Most U.S. states allow the use of marijuana. Exactly how this is done differs from state to state. In Michigan, for example, adult recreational use is legal. In Ohio, recreational use is still prohibited, but marijuana can be used for medical purposes. In Tennessee, only low-dose THC products are allowed, and they must be medically necessary.
Indiana, however, is one of just six states that still prohibits marijuana use on all of these grounds. People are not allowed to use it recreationally or medically.
What this sometimes leads to is Indiana residents wondering if they can cross the border into Michigan or Illinois—both of which allow recreational use—and purchase marijuana products. Could they then legally bring them back into Indiana?
2 reasons why this is illegal
The first reason that this cannot be done is because the point of purchase isn’t necessarily important. Even if you bought edibles legally in Illinois, they would still be illegal once you crossed the border back into Indiana. Possession would still be a criminal offense.
Additionally, crossing borders itself means that you’re under the jurisdiction of federal law. From a federal perspective, marijuana is still illegal in all 50 states. Even when people are crossing borders from one state where marijuana is legal into another where it is also legal, they could run into federal complications.
If you do find yourself facing criminal charges, take the time to carefully look into your legal defense options. A conviction can have a major impact on your future, potentially resulting in fines, jail time and even a permanent record, depending on the specific charge.