Kentucky lawmakers received’t ban drinks with intoxicating quantities of hemp-derived THC – not less than not but.
For now, the Bluegrass State will try to manage and to check the more and more well-liked merchandise, whereas additionally imposing some limits, in keeping with laws that superior Monday.
Cannabinoids derived from hemp are at present the one authorized THC entry in Kentucky, the place a medical-marijuana program is ready to launch Jan. 1, 2026.
Final week, Republican state Sen. Julie Raque Adams launched SB 202, which might have slapped a brief ban on hemp drinks till summer time 2026, pending examine of the merchandise.
That alarmed critics in Kentucky’s nascent hemp business, which Gov. Andy Beshear is supporting with tax-incentive applications, as a current official launch famous.
Invoice modifications authorized Monday will as an alternative
Regulate the drinks in a fashion just like alcohol
Restrict the quantity of hemp-derived THC per beverage to five milligrams of THC
Direct the College of Kentucky Hashish Middle to check the merchandise and report findings by Jan. 1, 2026
Require state businesses to pursue additional regulation
The laws nonetheless must move the state Home and obtain Beshear’s signature earlier than it turns into legislation.
Hemp drinks are more and more well-liked with shoppers throughout the nation, significantly in jurisdictions the place authorized hashish is unavailable – like Kentucky.
Main marijuana multistate operators like Curaleaf Holdings have embraced the merchandise, which can be found at mainstream retailers.
Nevertheless, some states have taken drastic motion in opposition to hemp-derived THC, which many authorized hashish operators view as a menace to their enterprise.
