Kentucky Hemp

Kentucky has a long, historic tradition of cultivating industrial hemp, dating back to the state's founding. After a period of prohibition, the industry has seen a resurgence following the 2014 and 2018 Farm Bills, which authorized pilot programs and eventually legalized industrial hemp cultivation in the United States.

Kentucky's climate and rich soil make it an ideal location for growing hemp. The state has established a comprehensive regulatory framework through the Kentucky Department of Agriculture (KDA) to manage the licensing, testing, and compliance for growers and processors.

Key Regulations for Hemp Production

The Kentucky Hemp Program is critical for ensuring that all hemp grown within the state complies with federal and state law, specifically regarding THC content. Hemp is defined as Cannabis sativa L. with a delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) concentration of not more than 0.3% on a dry weight basis.

Licensing Requirements

Anyone wishing to cultivate or process hemp in Kentucky must first obtain a license from the KDA.

License Type	Description	Requirements
Grower License	Allows the licensee to cultivate hemp plants.	Must submit a detailed map of the grow site and comply with background checks.
Processor/Handler License	Allows the licensee to process, handle, or market raw hemp materials.	Requires a description of processing activities and facility location.

Testing and Sampling

All hemp crops must be tested to confirm they do not exceed the 0.3% THC limit.

1. Sampling: KDA-approved inspectors collect samples from the hemp crop within a specified harvest window.
2. Testing: Samples are tested by a KDA-approved laboratory.
3. Compliance: If the test result is 0.3% THC or less, the crop is compliant and can be harvested.
4. Remediation/Disposal: If the test result exceeds 0.3% THC (i.e., it is "hot"), the crop must be remediated or destroyed under KDA supervision. Growers must notify the KDA immediately of a "hot" test result.

Economic and Agricultural Impact

The hemp industry in Kentucky has quickly diversified, contributing to the state's economy through various products.

Product Category	Example Products
Cannabinoids (CBD)	Oils, tinctures, edibles, and topical creams
Fiber	Textiles, construction materials, and insulation
Grain	Food products, including hemp hearts and oil
Seed	Planting stock for future harvests

Compliance and Recordkeeping

Accurate and timely recordkeeping is mandatory for all licensees. Growers must maintain records related to planting, harvesting, transportation, and sales for a minimum of three years.