Kentucky legislation · 2026 Regular Session
Kentucky SB223: AN ACT relating to the regulation of cannabis-infused beverages.
Status: In committee, March 20, 2026
Create new sections of KRS Chapter 243 to allow the holder of a cannabis-infused beverage retail package license and a cannabis-infused beverage distributor's license to sell and serve cannabis-infused beverages at bars, restaurants, fairs, and festivals; allow the holder of a cannabis-infused beverage manufacturer license approved by the Department for Public Health to sell and serve cannabis-infused beverages at fairs and festivals; limit the sampling size of cannabis-infused beverages to 12 ounces per person, per day; create a nonquota cannabis-infused beverage supplemental drink license; establish the conditions upon which a nonquota cannabis-infused beverage supplemental drink license may be issued; allow the holder of a special temporary license, special Sunday retail drink license, catererâs license, hotel in-room license, entertainment destination center license, limited restaurant license, limited golf course license, and qualified historic site license to serve cannabis-infused beverages; allow a cannabis-infused beverage retail package license, a cannabis-infused beverage distributor's license, or a cannabis-infused beverage manufacturer's license approved by the Department for Public Health to obtain a sampling license; amend KRS 243.401 to add to the list of licensees that are eligible to sell cannabis-infused beverages; amend KRS 243.028 to establish labeling requirements for shipped packages that contain cannabis-infused beverages; amend KRS 189.530 to define "open cannabis-infused beverage container"; amend various sections of KRS Chapter 243 to conform; EMERGENCY.
What the bill says
An act relating to the regulation of cannabis-infused beverages and declaring an emergency.
From the committee substitute text:
AN ACT relating to the regulation of cannabis-infused beverages and declaring an emergency. Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Kentucky: SECTION 1. A NEW SECTION OF KRS CHAPTER 243 IS CREATED TO READ AS FOLLOWS: (1) The holder of a cannabis-infused beverage retail package license may, with a sampling license, serve complimentary samples of cannabis-infused beverages to consumers on licensed premises, not to exceed twelve (12) ounces per person, per day. (2) The holder of a cannabis-infused beverage distributor's license may, with a sampling license, serve complimentary samples of cannabis-infused beverages to consumers on licensed premises and at bars, restaurants, fairs, and festivals, not to exceed twelve (12) ounces per person, per day. (3) The holder of a cannabis-infused beverage manufacturer permitted by the Department for Public Health may, if located in wet territory: (a) Sell and serve cannabis-infused beverages to consumers at fairs and festivals; (b) Sell and serve cannabis-infused beverages to consumers by the drink and by the package on licensed premises; and (c) With a sampling license, serve complimentary samples of cannabis-infused beverages on licensed premises, not to exceed twelve (12) ounces per person, per day. SECTION 2. A NEW SECTION OF KRS CHAPTER 243 IS CREATED TO READ AS FOLLOWS: (1) The department may issue a nonquota cannabis-infused beverage drink license …
Sponsors
- Stephen Meredith (R, SD-005) · primary sponsor
- Jimmy Higdon (R, SD-014)
- Craig Richardson (R, SD-003)
Latest actions
- : to Committee on Committees (H)
- : received in House
- : passed 25-11 with Committee Substitute (1), Floor Amendment (3) and Floor Amendment (2-title)
- : floor amendment (1) withdrawn
- : 3rd reading
- : floor amendment (3) filed to Committee Substitute , floor amendment (2-title) filed to bill
- : passed over and retained in the Orders of the Day
- : posted for passage in the Regular Orders of the Day for Thursday, March 19 2026
- : floor amendment (1) filed to Committee Substitute
- : 2nd reading, to Rules
Votes
- Senate: PASS SB 223 w/ SCS 1, SFA 3, SFA 2 (T) (SCS 1) RSN# 3965 (March 20, 2026): 25 yea, 11 nay, passed
Subjects: Fairs, Effective Dates, Emergency, Fees, Cannabis, Trade Practices And Retailing, Small Business, Licensing, Sales
Common questions
- What is SB223?
- SB223 is a bill in the Kentucky Legislature (2026 Regular Session): AN ACT relating to the regulation of cannabis-infused beverages.
- What does SB223 do?
- In its own words: An act relating to the regulation of cannabis-infused beverages and declaring an emergency.
- What is the status of SB223?
- In committee as of March 20, 2026. Latest action: to Committee on Committees (H) (March 20, 2026).
- Who sponsored SB223?
- Stephen Meredith (R, SD-005), with 2 co-sponsors.
- Where is the official record for SB223?
- On the Kentucky Legislature website: https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/record/26rs/sb223.html
Source: official Kentucky record. Tracked by Delilah, AI for legislation across all 50 states and Congress.