Kentucky elections are almost here!

Kentucky is one of only 19 states that still jails people for possession of small amounts of cannabis. It is undecided as to what will happen to the state’s limited consumable hemp market when federal regulations change in December 2026. 

Possession of even a single joint (and up to four ounces) remains a misdemeanor offense, punishable with up to 45 days in jail and a fine of up to $250 — even though more than half of Americans live in legalization states. Last year, Kentucky arrested 2,176 individuals for possession of cannabis. 

On November 3rd, voters will have an opportunity to decide who represents them in the state capitol. While MPP did not have the bandwidth to survey candidates for the state legislature, the entire House of Representatives (even though 52% of reps are running unopposed) and half of the Senate (even though 40% of senators are running unopposed) are up for election. 

In 2026, the medical program was launched. While still very strict, including a ban on smoking botanical cannabis, the legislature has not appeared to be ready for expansion. On June 2, Governor Beshear signed Executive Order 2026-318, expanding the qualifying conditions for Kentucky's medical cannabis program. There has been pushback from Republican leaders on the order, and the legislature refused to grant hearings to HB401, which would have expanded conditions covered by the program. Neither legalization nor decriminalization bills were granted committee hearings in the General Assembly.

In the 2025 legislative session, SB 202 was passed, which heavily curtailed hemp-derived THC products in Kentucky. You can find the voting records of your legislators here on that piece of legislation.