LOUISVILLE, Ky. — A new law is putting a cap on the amount of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) allowed in beverages in the commonwealth.
One manufacturer said the law is partially confusing.
This month Cornbread Hemp is celebrating six years in business.
“We now have over 80 employees here in Louisville and that’s a really important milestone for us to hit,” said Jim Higdon, the co-founder of Cornbread Hemp.
The company will soon introduce a new product, THC seltzers.
“It’s very important that these beverages have the opportunity to reach consumers. It’s clear that consumers have an interest in these products,” he said.
New legislation is changing how the cannabis beverage industry will operate. Gov. Andy Beshear, D-Ky., signed the bill into law with an emergency clause.
“In my mind there was no emergency to pass SB 202 was a manufactured emergency on behalf of special interest,” said Higdon.
State Sen. Julie Raque Adams, R-Louisville sponsored the bill.
“This legislation ensures that as this emerging industry takes shape, Kentucky leads with a balanced approach that protects public health, supports responsible business practices, and promotes transparency,” she said in a news release.
The Kentucky Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control will create new regulations for the cannabis infused beverage industry. That includes licensing enforcement and product standards. That responsibility previously fell under the Department for Public Health.
“We’re happy to work with the ABC, but it’s frustrating that we have to switch horses, for what appears to be arbitrary reasons,” Higdon said.
The law said restaurants and bars cannot sell cannabis infused drinks. But with the law already in effect and the ABC set to create new regulations next year, Higdon said manufacturers are confused.
“Is banned yet? Is it not banned yet? Is there an opportunity to review this ban next legislative session before it takes effect? No one really seems to know,” Higdon said.
But one thing is for sure, five milligrams are the maximum amount of THC allowed in beverages.
“We would like that to be higher, but it does not stop us from rolling out our initial beverage products,” he said.
The ABC can release its new regulations on or before July 1, 2026.
The University of Kentucky Cannabis Center is conducting a study on cannabinoid beverages.
The findings are due in 2026.
We reached out to lawmakers in Frankfort to get answers on the confusion that Higdon said the industry is facing.
Senate majority leadership said that if bars and restaurants have received the mandated retail license and are selling approved products, they can sell any existing product they have until June 1, 2025.
