LEXINGTON, Ky. (WKYT) – The Kentucky General Assembly concluded Thursday with more than 100 bills signed into law, but none addressed reforms to the hemp industry.
The lack of action disappointed some advocates in Lexington.
Annie Rouse, founder and CEO of Cannabuzz, said the industry did not see the changes she had hoped for during this legislative session. She pointed to House Bill 9 and Senate Bill 229, which gained attention in Frankfort but ultimately did not pass.
“In Kentucky there were some bills that were moving through the house and senate however none of them ended up passing,” Rouse said.
Legislative proposals
Rouse said House Bill 9 would have imposed taxes on more adult-use products, generating revenue she hoped would support the hemp industry and reduce taxes on beverages.
“That would’ve been good to see. It also had some lab language in it that we worked hard to establish that kind of cleans up the market some,” Rouse said.
She also followed Senate Bill 229, which she said would have expanded consumption options within the industry.
Federal concerns
The lack of progress in Frankfort comes as businesses monitor a federal concern stemming from an appropriations bill signed into law last November. The measure includes language limiting THC to 0.4 milligrams per container.
Rouse said that if enforced, it could effectively ban many of her products.
“I think that it’ll be okay in the end but it’s going to be challenging ahead,” Rouse said.
Major federal hemp-related changes passed last year are scheduled to take effect on Nov. 12.
Cannabuzz marks its third anniversary on Monday. Rouse said her interest in cannabis began while researching the topic and writing a paper at the University of Kentucky.
She said she plans to continue advocating for changes and will bring her concerns back to Frankfort in the coming year.
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