Louisville, Ky. — A new Kentucky bill aimed at regulating hemp-based beverages is generating significant debate among lawmakers, industry advocates, and local business owners. Senate Bill 202, originally introduced as a minor technical adjustment to state law, has been amended to include a proposed moratorium on the sale of hemp-based beverages until July 2026.
Sen. Julie Raque Adams (R-Louisville) first filed the bill on February 18. The original language of the bill, which Adams described as a “shell bill,” simply sought to update the terms “web site” and “e mail” to “website” and “email” in an unrelated statute. However, in a surprising turn, the bill was revised during a Senate Committee on Licensing and Occupations meeting on Wednesday.
The updated bill now includes provisions that would temporarily halt the sale of hemp-based beverages in Kentucky until mid-2026. The bill passed the committee with a 7-1 vote, but not without strong opposition. Lawmakers raised concerns about the potential impact on local businesses, while industry advocates questioned the need for such a drastic move.
Kentucky’s Cabinet for Health and Family Services (CHFS) already has regulations in place for hemp products, but Adams argued that these rules do not cover hemp-based beverages. Despite the apparent gap in regulation, the CHFS website currently lists product approvals for THC-infused drinks. Hemp industry advocates contend that beverages should fall under existing cannabinoid product regulations, which include certain restrictions such as limiting sales to those aged 21 and older and requiring the products to be kept behind the counter.
One of the driving factors behind the proposed moratorium stems from concerns about the accuracy of THC labeling on hemp beverages. According to Adams, the University of Kentucky’s Cannabis Center recently tested several hemp-based beverages and found discrepancies in the milligrams of THC listed on the labels. This inconsistency has raised alarm about the potential risks associated with these products, particularly as the industry continues to grow rapidly.
While the bill’s supporters, including Adams, argue that the moratorium is necessary to ensure public safety and product reliability, critics warn that it could negatively affect local businesses that have invested in the hemp beverage market. Many of these businesses believe that updated regulations, rather than a blanket ban, would be a more effective solution to address concerns over safety and labeling accuracy.
The debate surrounding Senate Bill 202 highlights the ongoing challenges Kentucky faces as it navigates the rapidly evolving hemp and cannabis industries. With the bill set to move forward, lawmakers and industry stakeholders will need to find a balance between public health concerns and the growth of the state’s hemp sector.
