Kentucky lawmakers last week abandoned a plan to ban hemp-derived THC-infused drinks in the state and, instead, amended the bill to cap THC in infused beverages at 5%, WDRB reports. The bill was approved by the Senate and moves next to the House.
The bill classifies THC-infused drinks like alcohol and puts enforcement in the of Alcoholic Beverage Control.
State Sen. Julie Raque Adams (R) proposed the initial ban, noting that due to the 2018 federal Farm Bill “there was a disconnect” between state law – which does not permit adult-use cannabis use – and the “federal loophole” legalizing hemp-derived THC products.
“The adults don’t know what it does to them, so we can’t expect a kid to know what those effects are going to be. Just really needed to rein in how these are proliferating across our state so that we do it in a really safe and meaningful way.” — Adams to WDRB
Currently, there is a grace period for retailers to sell off inventory that wouldn’t meet the proposed regulations without penalty.
The bill passed the chamber 29-6 and was sent to the House Licensing, Occupations, & Administrative Regulations Committee.
