Kentucky hemp leaders press for federal rules before Dec. 11 hemp THC deadline in testimony to state lawmakers

Kentucky hemp industry representatives addressed state lawmakers in Frankfort on Oct. 15, urging federal action before a Dec. 11 deadline that could make nearly all hemp-derived THC products illegal nationwide, according to Spectrum News 1. Kentucky Public Radio also reported on the testimony.

According to Spectrum News 1, Cornbread Hemp co-founder Jim Higdon spoke alongside members of the Kentucky Hemp Association. He said the industry is pushing for federal rules that would limit products to people 21 and older, require good manufacturing practices and mandate third-party lab testing. "We have a critical task to achieve in Washington, D.C.," Higdon said, according to both outlets.

Rep. Matthew Koch, R-Paris, who chairs the Licensing, Occupations and Administrative Regulations Committee, said testing and quality control should be central to any legitimate market, Spectrum News 1 reported, comparing the goal to the heavily regulated bourbon industry.

According to Spectrum News 1, Higdon is also advocating for state rules that would ban open containers while driving, restore on-premises sales of hemp beverages and lower hemp licensing fees. Kentucky Public Radio reported that Annie Rouse, a Kentucky Hemp Association board member, called for sharper enforcement, including ticketing unlicensed or noncompliant sellers rather than requiring a court appearance. Rouse said she pays $13,780 in licensing fees, compared with $3,990 for a large-scale distillery operating the same way, according to Kentucky Public Radio.

Both outlets reported that state-level changes depend on whether the federal ban takes effect. Kentucky Public Radio reported that the Kentucky General Assembly's next session begins in January.