“The Kentucky Hemp Program is a staple in our agricultural community. However, the sale and use of unregulated THC poses a threat to all Kentuckians who might use it.”
By Melissa Patrick, Kentucky Health News
A bill to regulate products containing delta-8 Tetrahydrocannabinol has passed both houses without opposition and is now on its way to Gov. Andy Beshear (D), will take final action.
“The Kentucky hemp program has been a staple in our agricultural community. However, the sale and use of unregulated THC poses a threat to all Kentuckians who might use it,” Rep. Rebecca Raymer (R-Morgantown), the bill’s sponsor, stated in a news release. These products are not subject to any standards of production. A person purchasing delta-8 would not be able to determine if it is safe. This will protect consumers and improve the industry.
WebMD states that delta-8 THC, a naturally occurring chemical compound known as a cannabinoid, is found in very small amounts in marijuana and hemp plants. Its chemical structure is very similar to delta-9 THC which is the main psychoactive component in marijuana. Delta-8 produces a milder high that delta-9. You can buy it almost anywhere that sells CBD products including convenience stores and gas stations.
House Bill 554 is sponsored by Raymer and directs the Cabinet for Health and Family Services, to start the process of regulating the delta-8 THC and other hemp-derived substances before August 1.
It also makes it illegal to buy delta-8 THC products for anyone under 21. The bill also requires that retailers keep the products behind counters and establishes guidelines for labeling. The bill establishes a testing process and an approval process for products before they are allowed to be sold or distributed within the state.
Raymer stated March 9 that these are only our suggestions of what should be included. The hemp industry would love to be there to make the final recommendations about testing and thresholds. Raymer spoke to a House committee.
At the same meeting, Katie Moyer, President of Kentucky Hemp Association, and John Taylor CEO of Commonwealth Extracts endorsed the bill.
Taylor stated, “Every valid actor needs these regulations.” It eliminates the bad actors who make it difficult to compete. It is expensive to do the right thing. When people make things in basements, barns, and bathrooms it makes it difficult to compete at a legitimate level.
The Senate amended the bill to state that producers shipping delta-8 THC products to Kentucky states with testing requirements can defer to those state’s requirements. However, producers shipping to Kentucky should follow Kentucky’s regulations. The House agreed.
Beshear is expected sign the bill. In November 2022 , he issued an executive order directing the health department to regulate delta-8 THC in light of the Boone County court decision last year. He also issued an executive order using his pardon power to allow individuals with certain medical conditions and a physician’s certificate to possess up 8 ounces of legal cannabis purchased in another state.
This story was published first by Kentucky Health News. It is an independent news service of Institute for Rural Journalism and Community Issues. The School of Journalism and Media at University of Kentucky supported the publication.
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Photo by Kimberly Lawson.
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