New THC-Infused Beverage Rules Take Effect in Kentucky

Under a new Kentucky state law, sales of individual THC-infused beverages are now banned — the drinks can only be sold at liquor stores and online. Sales of THC-infused beverages “by the drink” in Kentucky are now banned as Senate Bill 202 – which permits the drinks to be sold only at liquor stores and online – took effect on Sunday, WLKY reports. Jim Higdon, the co-founder of Cornbread Hemp, told WLKY that the bill will greatly impact the company’s sales.  The bill also sets per-serving THC caps a 5 milligrams and puts the state Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control and the malt beverages administrator authority in charge of the licensing, distribution, and retail sale of cannabis-infused beverages.  

The legislation also imposes an annual $500 fee on cannabis-infused beverage retailers an annual $520 fee on cannabis-infused beverage distributors an annual $520 fee, and an annual $100 fee on supplemental cannabis-infused beverage distributors. The bill also permits cannabis-infused beverage sales at fairs, festivals, and other similar types of events in areas that already serve alcohol in the same manner as a distiller until January 1, 2026. 

The bill passed the legislature in March and was signed by the governor that month.