New THC-Infused Beverage Rules Take Effect in Kentucky

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.

“On-premise sales account for about 30% of beverage sales in Kentucky. So,
you know, that’s a hit we’re going to take.” — Higdon to WLKY

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.