Kentucky ‘Shell Bill’ Would Ban Sale Of All Hemp-Derived Beverages
Senate Bill 202 is what’s known as a “shell bill”
A newly-amended bill to be taken up by a Kentucky Senate committee Wednesday would ban the sale of any hemp-derived beverage in the state, putting the brakes on a growing market.
Senate Bill 202 is what’s known as a “shell bill” — legislation with original language that typically makes a small technical correction to a statute, only to be replaced by more significant regulation when it comes up for a vote.
Originally a bill changing “Web site” to “website” in an unrelated statute, the substitute language the Senate Licensing and Occupations committee will take up Wednesday would instead ban all hemp and cannabinoid-derived beverages once it becomes law, until at least July 1, 2026. The substitute bill was distributed to committee members Tuesday afternoon, when they were informed the committee would have a special meeting to take up SB 202 the following day.
Jim Higdon, the owner of the Kentucky-based Cornbread Hemp, says his company was set to launch a new hemp beverage in stores next month, but his plans would be wiped out if the new version of SB 202 passes into law.
“We’ve invested over $1 million in this beverage launch, and with less than 24 hours notice, they’re springing a bill on us that would make it impossible for us to recoup that investment,” Higdon said.
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