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Cannabis in Kentucky

Medical and adult-use cannabis are not legal in Kentucky. In 2014, the governor signed a law that exempts industrial hemp from the definition of marijuana and exempts cannabidiol (CBD) for people with intractable seizure disorders from the definition of marijuana when it is “transferred, dispensed, or administered pursuant to a written order of a physician practicing at a hospital or associated clinic affiliated with a Kentucky public university having a college or school of medicine.”

The state also excludes from the definition of marijuana any drug or substance approved for the use of participants in a clinical trial or expanded access program by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

In 2017, a separate law passed which made it clear that CBD products derived from industrial hemp are legal in Kentucky. The state placed a 0.3% limit on the amount of THC that can be in CBD products under the laws.

Overview of Key Kentucky Cannabis Laws

Is medical cannabis allowed? Low-THC CBD only (up to 0.3% THC)

Is adult-use cannabis allowed? No

Personal Laws

Possession of less than 8 oz. of cannabis in Kentucky is punishable as a misdemeanor with up to 45 days in jail and a $250 fine.

Personal Possession

Overall Possession: Low-THC CBD (no more than 0.3% THC) only under certain limitations

Personal Growing

Cannabis growing is not allowed in Kentucky.

Medical Cannabis Patient Qualification and Registry

Kentucky law does not provide a source for low-THC CBD nor does it allow anyone in the state to produce it. Therefore, even if a patient qualifies and is able to get a written order for it from a physician under the requirements of the law, it is unlikely they can access legal CBD under the current law.

Qualifying medical conditions include:

  • Intractable seizure disorders

Business Laws

There is no regulatory framework or laws in place for businesses to grow, process, manufacture, or sell cannabis or low-THC CBD products in Kentucky.

License Types

None

License Fees

N/A

License Timeline

N/A

Testing

N/A

Training

N/A

Learn More about Cannabis in the U.S. and How to Work or Start a Business in the U.S. Cannabis Industry

Leafy Green Agency offers a variety of certification seminars for people who want to start businesses, find jobs, get promotions, or invest in the cannabis industry across the country. Follow the link to learn more about our educational seminars.

Sources and More Information

Data current as of 10/8/19.