On December 12th, Dentons hosted a Kentucky Hemp Webinar where Partners Hannah King, Kristin McCall and Arin Aragona delved into the new regulations for Kentucky and discussed how you should go about “Navigating the Emerging Market Landscape.”

This year has seen drastic changes to governmental oversight over hemp products and hemp-derived cannabinoids in Kentucky, including those containing CBD, delta-8 THC, and delta-9 THC.  This new oversight regime will impact nearly every participant in the hemp cannabinoid industry, including processors, manufacturers, distributors, retailers, and testing labs.

On March 23, 2023, Governor Andy Beshear signed HB 544 into law, which is an act relating to the regulation of hemp-derived products.  HB 544 directed the Cabinet for Health and Family Services to immediately begin the process of regulating delta-8 THC and other hemp-derived substances.  On August 1, 2023, the Cabinet promulgated emergency administrative regulations governing the manufacturing, processing, distribution, and sale of hemp-derived cannabinoid products, and on October 13, 2023, the Cabinet issued amended emergency regulations following the close of the comment period. 

While it does not appear as though the Cabinet has started enforcing the emergency regulations yet, hemp businesses need to be educated regarding the new rules and begin working towards compliance with the regulations as soon as possible. As a full-service law firm with extensive experience advising cannabis and hemp companies with regulatory compliance and with licensing and registration, this is where we can help.

This presentation includes a discussion of:

• The history and current status of hemp legalization in Kentucky and at the federal level
• The current status of hemp regulations in Kentucky and opportunities for changes to the regulations
• Licensing, permitting, and registration requirements for hemp processors, manufacturers, distributors, and retailers
• Product registration requirements
• Testing and labeling standards for hemp-derived cannabinoid products, including CBD, delta-8 THC, delta-9 THC, and other cannabinoids
• Packaging and marketing restrictions for hemp-derived cannabinoid products, including prohibited products and age limits
• Inspection and enforcement procedures of the Kentucky Department of Agriculture and the Cabinet for Health and Family Services
• Best practices and tips for complying with the hemp regulations and avoiding potential pitfalls

Our goal at Dentons is to provide a wide range of legal capabilities to help clients grow, protect, operate, and finance their hemp business anywhere in Kentucky. Dentons can:

• Advise hemp businesses on the emergency hemp regulations and help hemp businesses comply with regulatory requirements
• Work with hemp businesses on lobbying efforts surrounding hemp legislation and regulations
• Assist hemp businesses with the permitting and registration process

This webinar is designed for anyone who is involved or interested in the hemp industry in Kentucky, whether as a farmer, processor, distributor, retailer, consumer, or advocate.

Check out the most recent cannabis article for Cannabis Business Executive, “Kentucky’s New Regulations for Hemp-Derived Cannabinoid Products” where Dentons Partners Hannah King, Kristin McCall and Arin Aragona dive into how the regulations will impact the hemp industry.

A recording of the webinar and the PowerPoint presentation are now available below.

For the HEMP Webinar PowerPoint Presentation, click here.