Beech Tree News Network

Frankfort, Kentucky (March 9, 2023) – After gaveling in for day 23 of this year’s Regular Session of the General Assembly, lawmakers took a vote on several pieces of legislation, including HB 544.

HB 544, sponsored by Representative Rebecca Raymer of Morgantown, requires the Cabinet for Health and Family Services to immediately begin the process of regulating delta-8 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC,) as well as all of the other available intoxicating hemp-derived cannabinoids.

“The Kentucky hemp program is a staple for our agricultural community, but the selling and usage of unregulated THC is a danger to every Kentuckian who may use it,” Representative Raymer explained. “These products have no standards for production. If someone were to purchase delta-8, they have no way of determining if it is safe. This measure will both protect our consumers and enhance the industry.”

State Representative Rebecca Raymer 

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Currently in Kentucky, it is legal to possess and distill hemp-derived cannabidiol oil that contains less than 0.03% THC, the compound found in marijuana that impairs its user. However, the legalization of hemp has led to the unregulated manufacturing and distribution of delta-8 THC, another compound found in marijuana that reportedly has intoxicating side-effects.

Several key stakeholders in the industry support HB 544, including the Kentucky Hemp Association.

The measure passed through the House unanimously, and is now heading to the Senate for consideration.

For more information regarding this measure as well as current and past legislation, please visit legislature.ky.gov.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E3b35SMDbro