CBD Oil in Kentucky: 2020 Legal Status and Where to Buy

Disclaimer: All of the information in this guide is based on our own research into the topic. We have done our best to use accurate and up-to-date information from respected and credible resources. However, we cannot claim to be a legal authority, and none of the following information should be taken as legal advice.

A Guide to CBD Oil in Kentucky

• Kentucky is the leading hemp-growing state in the U.S.
• The Kentucky Department of Agriculture oversees the growing and processing of hemp in the state.
• Kentucky brought in millions of dollars in 2019 growing and processing hemp for CBD.
• People all over Kentucky are buying CBD products of every kind.
• You can buy CBD at retailers and specialty shops everywhere in the state. 

Is CBD Oil Legal in Kentucky?

CBD is everywhere these days. People are buying oils, gummies, vapes and creams from their local Walgreens, 7-Elevens and specialty shops across the country. Even in states that have strict cannabis laws, consumers seem to have no problem buying their preferred type of CBD products on demand.

However, many people remain confused about CBD laws in Kentucky and other states. Even those who regularly purchase CBD are not completely clear on the laws. Most people assume it is legal because they can buy it in mainstream stores, but the legalities surrounding CBD are far more complicated than that.

In 2014, the federal government enacted a law that separated hemp from marijuana, by defining hemp as having 0.3 percent THC or less. That bill gave states the ability to start working with growers and universities to research growing and processing hemp on a noncommercial level.

In 2018, another Farm Bill passed, indicating that the research period was over and it was time to allow states to develop their own hemp-growing and -processing programs. Since hemp is legally different from marijuana, it suddenly became a valuable crop for textiles.

However, the authorities had not anticipated the enthusiasm for CBD, and the FDA suddenly had an expanding market that it was unprepared to regulate. Thus, major confusion ensued surrounding a product that had been on the DEA’s list of controlled substances only a couple of years before.

Are There CBD Laws in Kentucky?

CBD laws in Kentucky are about as confusing as it gets, especially considering that the Bluegrass State is one of the nation’s leaders in hemp production. The state has a robust hemp-farming and -processing program, but government websites say little on the matter of CBD.

When you are trying to figure out the legality of CBD in Kentucky, you are going to need to dig deep. It appears that the state adheres to the federal statute that CBD contain no more than 0.3 percent THC, but allows for higher levels of THC with a prescription, despite the lack of a medical marijuana program.

CBD in Kentucky: Understanding Different Types of CBD Products

CBD Oil

CBD oil is the gold standard for CBD products, and almost every company that makes CBD sells oil. Most companies offer a wide range of flavors and doses.

One of the nice things about this type of CBD is that you have a high level of control over what you are getting, because you can take just a few drops or a whole dropperful. Penguin’s CBD oils are pure and simple, and you’ll appreciate the straightforwardness of our products.

CBD Capsules

We here at Penguin CBD understand your busy lifestyle, and we know that sometimes you would rather think about your to-do list than your CBD routine. With our fast-acting CBD capsules, all you have to do is decide how many you want to take. They come in a manageable 10mg dose, so you can take one or several depending on your needs.

CBD Gummies

Fun and discreet, CBD gummies are perfect for when you just want something a little extra. They make an excellent snack, and their sweet-and-sour sugar coating will remind you of going to the movies. Each Penguin CBD gummy contains 10mg of CBD, and it is up to you to decide if you want just one, or a whole handful.

CBD Cream

When you open a jar of Penguin CBD cream, prepare to be transported. Our CBD cream is infused with peppermint and lavender for one of the most immersive moisturizing experiences on the market today. Enjoy locked-in moisture and softer, smoother skin. Get your glow on with the CBD cream our customers love.

Industrial Hemp in Kentucky

Kentucky’s hemp heritage goes back to the 18th century, when settlers first arrived in Kentucky and began developing the region agriculturally. The laws surrounding hemp changed dramatically with the Marijuana Tax Act of 1937, and farming essentially stopped across the nation.

The Farm Bills passed through the federal government have allowed Kentucky to reclaim its heritage as a hemp-producing state, and it is currently the No. 1 producer of hemp and hemp products in the country. The state’s hemp-growing program has exploded in the last few years, and the plant is now a major crop in Kentucky.

In 2014, Kentucky had just 20 approved growers and nine processors. As of 2019, the state’s industry has grown to 978 approved growers and 200 processors. Ninety-two percent of its nearly 25,000 harvested acres have gone to CBD production.

Kentucky’s Department of Agriculture oversees the enormous program, and there are resources galore for those looking to break into the industry. The state is proud of the fact that it was able to bring back a crop that had once died out due to restrictive legislation, and residents used the new industry to generate new jobs and over $50 million dollars in revenue.

Can I Purchase CBD Online in Kentucky?

Purchasing CBD

You can find CBD products almost anywhere in Kentucky, but you need to be careful about what you are buying. There are some specialty stores, mostly around Lexington and Louisville, and you can find some fabulous Kentucky-made CBD in stores closer to larger cities.

Farther out, or at convenience stores, you may have a harder time ensuring your products are high quality. 

Shopping online for your CBD is always a convenient and safe bet, because you can make sure you do your research and investigate what you are getting. Many stores do not supply third-party lab results for customers to look at, so it is challenging to verify that your products are coming from reputable sources.

CBD Oil in Kentucky

Even though Kentucky may be one of the best states in which to get your CBD from the source, there are still companies that are concerned with profits at the expense of your health and safety. Some companies do not label their products accurately; others use hemp that is of lower quality in order to save money. 

You need to do your homework before choosing which CBD company to buy your products from. A little investigation can go a long way. Always find out where the hemp used in your CBD is sourced, and insist on seeing a certificate verifying that the batch has been through independent lab testing to confirm your products are labeled accurately.

Penguin

One of the best things about Penguin’s CBD products is that it is so easy to verify our quality. We take your wellness seriously, and you can find a certificate of analysis for each of our products on the product page. Our hemp is grown naturally using the perfect strains for our formulas, and we pride ourselves on our transparency.

Our team consists of experts across a variety of fields to bring you the best CBD on the market today. We want to support your efforts at balance, and we always strive to make our customers feel comfortable and confident with any product you choose.

Final Thoughts About CBD Oil in Kentucky

Part of the reason it may be such a challenge to decipher CBD law in Kentucky is that legislators haven’t given it much thought. The bill that made it legal to commercially grow and process hemp took CBD off the list of controlled substances in the state’s eyes, and lawmakers never looked back.

Despite the hemp boom in the Bluegrass State, marijuana laws are still highly restrictive, which may contribute to the confusion among consumers. Even though the 2018 Farm Bill was supposed to have clarified that cannabis plants with 0.3 percent THC or less qualify as industrial hemp (not marijuana), state laws seem to still have the two confused sometimes. 

One thing that is clear in Kentucky, however, is the fact that people everywhere are benefiting from the relaxing of hemp and CBD laws. The state has brought in millions of dollars in revenue and created new jobs, and most of the hemp is grown for CBD.

Some of the confusion in the state has led to a lack of consumer protections, which means that disreputable companies selling CBD can make their way into shops and retailers all over Kentucky.

One of the best ways to ensure you’re getting a quality product is to shop online with a trusted brand like Penguin CBD. Visit our website today to find a full line of products that meet all of your CBD needs.