Kentucky needs to come together and kick the governmental restrictions to the side. Where will you go to get the 300MG 12 pack of canna soda? At this time you can't find a 110 MG in a bottle, many are resorting to single digit infusions. What if I told you that Kentucky’s cannabis-infused beverage market might be walking straight into a corporate ambush? Senate Bill 202 isn’t just about ‘regulations’—it’s about power. Right now, oversight belongs to the Cabinet for Health and Family Services, but this bill? It hands control over to the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control. Think about it—why would a department that oversees liquor want control over cannabis drinks? Who stands to benefit? Big names in alcohol have the money, the influence, and now, maybe the legal path to force smaller players out of the game. Is this regulation… or a setup for a corporate takeover?
THE SPECS
Senate Bill 202 (SB 202) is a legislative proposal in Kentucky aimed at regulating cannabis-infused beverages. Introduced by Senator Julie Raque Adams, the bill seeks to address the growing market of these products by implementing specific guidelines and oversight mechanisms.
Key Provisions of SB 202:
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Regulatory Authority: The bill proposes shifting the oversight of cannabis-infused beverages from the Cabinet for Health and Family Services to the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control. This change would subject these beverages to a regulatory framework similar to that of alcoholic beverages.
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THC Content Limitation: A significant aspect of the bill is the limitation on the potency of these beverages, capping the intoxicating cannabinoids at 5 milligrams per serving. This measure aims to ensure public safety by controlling the strength of the products available in the market.
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University Study: The legislation mandates that the University of Kentucky Cannabis Center conduct a comprehensive study on cannabis-infused beverages. The center is required to report its findings to the legislature by January 1, 2026, providing insights into manufacturing, testing procedures, distribution, sale, and consumer effects.
Legislative Progress:
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Senate Approval: On March 7, 2025, the Kentucky Senate passed SB 202 with a 29-6 vote. The bill included Committee Substitute 1 and Floor Amendment 2 at the time of passage.
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House Consideration: Following its approval in the Senate, the bill was received in the House and assigned to the Licensing, Occupations, & Administrative Regulations Committee on the same day.
Industry Response:
The bill has elicited reactions from stakeholders within the hemp industry. The Kentucky Hemp Association has expressed concerns, urging lawmakers to vote against the new regulations. They argue that the industry has already established safety and testing protocols and that the proposed legislation could disrupt progress and favor larger corporate interests over small businesses.
Current Status:
As of March 12, 2025, SB 202 is under consideration in the House Licensing, Occupations, & Administrative Regulations Committee. The bill's progression will depend on further deliberations and potential amendments in the House.
For the most current information on SB 202, you can visit the Kentucky Legislature's official website.
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