Delta-8 THC products in Kentucky may soon be placed under new regulations. The Kentucky House of Representatives unanimously approved House Bill 544 on Thursday after the legislation advanced out of committee earlier in the day.
Rep. Rebecca Raymer (R-Morgantown), who is one of the bill’s primary co-sponsors, said the bill would require regulations for delta-8 THC, a hemp-derived cannabinoid product.
“This is going to make it illegal to purchase (delta-8 THC) under the age of 21,” Raymer said during the committee meeting. “It’s going to have to be a behind the counter product.”
Additionally, delta-8 THC products would have new labeling and testing requirements under HB 544. Raymer said the bill would direct the state Cabinet for Health and Family Services to establish these new regulations by Aug. 1.
Katie Moyer, president of the Kentucky Hemp Association, testified alongside Raymer in favor of the bill during the committee meeting. She described the situation in the hemp industry with delta-8 THC products as the “wild west.”
“(Delta-8 THC) is coming from who knows where. We’re surely not getting it from Kentucky producers who are growing it here and who we can go visit their store, their facility and make sure it’s clean and make sure they know who they’re getting their materials from,” Moyer said.
House Speaker Pro-Tempore David Meade (R-Stanford) is the other primary co-sponsor of HB 544. On the House floor, Meade said the legislation will protect children.
“I’ve had numerous folks in our school systems and my local sheriff asking for us to do something on this issue,” Meade said. “We have this product getting in the hands of children. We have some that have overdosed on this product, and they want the ability to go in and issue penalties for those who are selling delta-8 THC to underage children.”
Also on the House floor, Rep. Rachel Roberts (D-Newport) said HB 544 is a “good piece of legislation,” that will hopefully be a “great model for full cannabis legalization” in the future.
The House approved HB 544 by a 97-0 vote. It will now go before the Senate for consideration.
Information came from a release by the Kentucky Legislative Research Commission.
