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HB 401
Kentucky House•Introduced
Summary
HB 401, aN ACT relating to medicinal cannabis, was introduced in the House on Jan 15, 2026 by Rep. Alan Gentry (D) with 11 co-sponsors. It was referred to Health Services, and last saw action on Jan 23, 2026: to Health Services (H).
Record
Text
HB 401 has 11 co-sponsors.
hb401/introduced.txtUNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS BR 11561AN ACT relating to medicinal cannabis.2 Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Kentucky:3Section 1. KRS 218B.010 is amended to read as follows:4 For the purposes of this chapter, unless the context otherwise requires:5 (1) "Bona fide practitioner-patient relationship" means a treating or consulting6relationship, during the course of which a medicinal cannabis practitioner has:7(a) Completed an initial in-person examination and assessment of the patient's8medical history and current medical condition which shall include a review9of:101. The patient's medical records for the previous twelve (12) months;112. All other available medical records relevant to the patient's qualifying12medical condition;133. Any medications that the patient is currently taking; and144. Any other possible risks or side effects that may be associated with the15use of medicinal cannabis;16(b) Consulted with the patient with respect to the possible medical, therapeutic,17and palliative properties of medicinal cannabis;18(c) Advised the patient of the possible risks and side effects associated with the19use of medicinal cannabis, including possible interactions between medicinal20cannabis and any other drug or medication that the patient is taking at that21time; and22(d) Established an expectation that he or she will provide follow-up care and23treatment to the patient in accordance with administrative regulations24promulgated pursuant to KRS 218B.050(10);25 (2) "Cabinet" means the Cabinet for Health and Family Services;26 (3) "Cannabis business" means an entity licensed under this chapter as a cultivator,27dispensary, processor, producer, or safety compliance facility;Page 1 of 24XXXX 10/30/2025 2:09 PM JacketedUNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS BR 11561 (4) "Cannabis business agent" means a principal officer, board member, employee,2volunteer, or agent of a cannabis business;3 (5) "Cardholder" means:4(a) A registered qualified patient, designated caregiver, or visiting qualified5patient who has applied for, obtained, and possesses a valid registry6identification card issued by the cabinet; or7(b) A visiting qualified patient who has obtained and possesses:81. A valid out-of-state registry identification card; and92. Documentation of having been diagnosed with a qualifying medical10condition;11 (6) "Cultivator" means an entity licensed as such under KRS 218B.080, 218B.085, and12218B.090;13 (7) "Cultivator agent" means a principal officer, board member, employee, volunteer,14or agent of a cultivator;15 (8) "Designated caregiver" means a person who has registered as such with the cabinet16under KRS 218B.055 and 218B.060;17 (9) "Dispensary" means an entity licensed as such under KRS 218B.080, 218B.085,18and 218B.090;19 (10) "Dispensary agent" means a principal officer, board member, employee, volunteer,20or agent of a dispensary;21 (11) "Disqualifying felony offense" means:22(a) A felony offense that resulted in the person being classified by the23Department of Corrections as a violent offender under KRS 439.3401; or24(b) A violation of a state or federal controlled substance law that was classified as25a felony in the jurisdiction where the person was convicted, except:261. An offense for which the sentence, including any term of probation,27incarceration, or supervised release, was completed five (5) or morePage 2 of 24XXXX 10/30/2025 2:09 PM JacketedUNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS BR 11561years earlier; or22. An offense that, as determined by the cabinet, consisted of conduct for3which this chapter would likely have prevented a conviction, but the4conduct either occurred prior to the enactment of this chapter or was5prosecuted by an authority other than the Commonwealth of Kentucky;6 (12) "Enclosed, locked facility" means an indoor growing space such as a room,7greenhouse, building, or other indoor enclosed area that is maintained and operated8by a cultivator or producer and is equipped with locks and other security devices9that permit access only by authorized agents of the cultivator or producer, as10required by the cabinet;11 (13) "Growth area" has the same meaning as an enclosed, locked facility;12 (14) "Marijuana" has the same meaning as in KRS 218A.010;13 (15) "Medicinal cannabis":14(a) Means marijuana as defined in KRS 218A.010 when cultivated, harvested,15processed, produced, transported, dispensed, distributed, sold, possessed, or16used in accordance with this chapter;17(b) Includes medicinal cannabis products and raw plant material; and18(c) Does not include industrial hemp or industrial hemp products as defined in19KRS 260.850;20 (16) "Medicinal cannabis accessories" means any equipment, product, or material of any21kind which is used, intended for use, or designed for use in the preparing, storing,22using, or consuming medicinal cannabis in accordance with this chapter;23 (17) "Medicinal cannabis practitioner" means a physician or an advanced practice24registered nurse who is authorized to prescribe controlled substances under KRS25314.042, who is authorized by his or her state licensing board to provide written26certifications pursuant to KRS 218B.050;27 (18) "Medicinal cannabis product":Page 3 of 24XXXX 10/30/2025 2:09 PM JacketedUNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS BR 11561(a) Means any compound, manufacture, salt, derivative, mixture, or preparation2of any part of the plant Cannabis sp., its seeds or its resin; or any compound,3mixture, or preparation which contains any quantity of these substances when4cultivated, harvested, processed, produced, transported, dispensed, distributed,5sold, possessed, or used in accordance with this chapter; and6(b) Does not include industrial hemp products as defined in KRS 260.850;7 (19) "Minor" means a person less than eighteen (18) years of age;8 (20) "Out-of-state registry identification card" means a registry identification card, or an9equivalent document, that was issued pursuant to the laws of another state, district,10territory, commonwealth, or insular possession of the United States;11 (21) "Processor" means an entity licensed as such under KRS 218B.080, 218B.085, and12218B.090;13 (22) "Processor agent" means a principal officer, board member, employee, volunteer, or14agent of a processor;15 (23) "Producer" means an entity licensed as such under KRS 218B.080, 218B.085, and16218B.090;17 (24) "Producer agent" means a principal officer, board member, employee, volunteer, or18agent of a producer;19 (25) "Qualified patient" means a person who has obtained a written certification from a20medicinal cannabis practitioner with whom he or she has a bona fide practitioner-21patient relationship;22 (26) "Qualifying medical condition" means any of the following:23(a) Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS);24(b) Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) or Lou Gehrig's disease;25(c) Cachexia or wasting syndrome;26(d) [Any type or form of ]Cancer, regardless of type, form, or stage;27(e) Chronic nausea or cyclical vomiting syndrome that has proven resistant toPage 4 of 24XXXX 10/30/2025 2:09 PM JacketedUNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS BR 11561other conventional medical treatments;2(f)[(b)] Chronic, severe, intractable, or debilitating pain;3(g) Crohn's disease;4(h)[(c)] Epilepsy or any other intractable seizure disorder;5(i) Fibromyalgia;6(j) Glaucoma;7(k) Hepatitis C;8(l) Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV);9(m) Huntington's disease;10(n)[(d)] Multiple sclerosis, muscle spasms, or spasticity;11(o) Muscular dystrophy;12(p) Neuropathies;13(q) Parkinson's disease;14[(e) Chronic nausea or cyclical vomiting syndrome that has proven resistant to15other conventional medical treatments;]16(r)[(f)] Post-traumatic stress disorder;[ and]17(s) Severe arthritis;18(t) Sickle cell disease;19(u) Any terminal illness as defined in KRS 217.5401; and20(v)[(g)] Any other medical condition or disease for which the Kentucky Center21for Cannabis established in KRS 164.983, or its successor, determines that22sufficient scientific data and evidence exists to demonstrate that an individual23diagnosed with that condition or disease is likely to receive medical,24therapeutic, or palliative benefits from the use of medicinal cannabis;25 (27) "Raw plant material":26(a) Means the trichome-covered part of the female plant Cannabis sp. or any27mixture of shredded leaves, stems, seeds, and flowers of the Cannabis sp.Page 5 of 24XXXX 10/30/2025 2:09 PM JacketedUNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS BR 11561plant; and2(b) Does not include plant material obtained from industrial hemp as defined in3KRS 260.850;4 (28) "Registered qualified patient" means a qualified patient who has applied for,5obtained, and possesses a valid registry identification card issued by the cabinet;6 (29) "Registry identification card" means a document issued by the cabinet that7identifies a person as a registered qualified patient, visiting qualified patient, or8designated caregiver;9 (30) "Safety compliance facility" means an entity licensed as such under KRS 218B.080,10218B.085, and 218B.090;11 (31) "Safety compliance facility agent" means a principal officer, board member,12employee, volunteer, or agent of a safety compliance facility;13 (32) "Seedling" means a medicinal cannabis plant that has no flowers and is not taller14than eight (8) inches;15 (33) "Serious violation" means:16(a) Any violation of this chapter or any administrative regulation promulgated17thereunder that is capable of causing death or which causes serious and18prolonged disfigurement, prolonged impairment of health, or prolonged loss19or impairment of the function of any bodily organ;20(b) The diversion of medicinal cannabis for use not regulated pursuant to this21chapter; or22(c) Any act that would constitute a violation of KRS 218A.1421;23 (34) "Smoking" means the inhalation of smoke produced from the combustion of raw24plant material when ignited by a flame;25 (35) "State licensing board" means:26(a) The Kentucky Board of Medical Licensure; or27(b) The Kentucky Board of Nursing;Page 6 of 24XXXX 10/30/2025 2:09 PM JacketedUNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS BR 11561 (36) "Telehealth" has the same meaning as in KRS 211.332;2 (37) "Use of medicinal cannabis":3(a) Includes the acquisition, administration, possession, transfer, transportation,4or consumption of medicinal cannabis or medicinal cannabis accessories by a5cardholder in accordance with this chapter; and6(b) Does not include:71. Cultivation of marijuana by a cardholder;82. The use or consumption of marijuana by smoking; or93. The use of industrial hemp or industrial hemp products as defined in10KRS 260.850;11 (38) "Visiting qualified patient" means a person who has registered as such through the12cabinet as required under this chapter or who possesses a valid out-of-state registry13identification card and documentation of having been diagnosed with a qualifying14medical condition; and15 (39) "Written certification" means a document dated and signed by a medicinal cannabis16practitioner, that:17(a) States, that in the medicinal cannabis practitioner's professional medical18opinion, the patient may receive medical, therapeutic, or palliative benefit19from the use of medicinal cannabis;20(b) Specifies the qualifying medical condition or conditions for which the21medicinal cannabis practitioner believes the patient may receive medical,22therapeutic, or palliative benefit; and23(c) Affirms that the medicinal cannabis practitioner has a bona fide practitioner-24patient relationship with the patient.25Section 2. KRS 218B.025 is amended to read as follows:26 (1) A registered qualified patient, except as provided in subsection (2) of this section27and KRS 218B.035, shall not be subject, under the laws of the Commonwealth, toPage 7 of 24XXXX 10/30/2025 2:09 PM JacketedUNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS BR 11561arrest, prosecution, or denial of any right or privilege, including but not limited to a2civil penalty or disciplinary action by a court or occupational or professional3licensing board, for the use of medicinal cannabis, if the registered qualified patient4does not possess more than:5(a) An amount of medicinal cannabis determined by the cabinet to constitute an6uninterrupted thirty (30) day supply at his or her residence, except as7permitted under Section 6 of this Act;8(b) An amount of medicinal cannabis in excess of a thirty (30) day supply at his9or her residence, in accordance with administrative regulations promulgated10pursuant to KRS 218B.140(1)(c)6.; or11(c) An amount of medicinal cannabis determined by the cabinet to constitute an12uninterrupted ten (10) day supply on his or her person, except that an amount13greater than a ten (10) day supply may be transported by a registered qualified14patient from a dispensary to his or her residence if the medicinal cannabis is15contained in a sealed package that requires at least a two (2) step process for16initial opening.17 (2) A registered qualified patient who is under eighteen (18) years of age shall not be18permitted to possess, purchase, or acquire medicinal cannabis and shall only engage19in the use of medicinal cannabis with the assistance of a designated caregiver who20is the registered qualified patient's parent or legal guardian responsible for21providing consent for medical treatment.22 (3) A visiting qualified patient shall not be subject, under the laws of the23Commonwealth, to arrest, prosecution, or denial of any right or privilege, including24but not limited to civil penalty or disciplinary action by a court or occupational or25professional licensing board, for the use of medicinal cannabis, if the visiting26qualified patient does not possess more than an amount of medicinal cannabis27determined by the cabinet to constitute an uninterrupted ten (10) day supply on hisPage 8 of 24XXXX 10/30/2025 2:09 PM JacketedUNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS BR 11561or her person.2 (4) A designated caregiver shall not be subject, under the laws of the Commonwealth,3to arrest, prosecution, or denial of any right or privilege, including but not limited to4civil penalty or disciplinary action by a court or occupational or professional5licensing board, for assisting a registered qualified patient to whom the designated6caregiver is connected through the cabinet's registration process with the use of7medicinal cannabis if the designated caregiver does not possess more than:8(a) An amount of medicinal cannabis determined by the cabinet to constitute an9uninterrupted thirty (30) day supply at his or her residence for each registered10qualified patient to whom the caregiver is connected through the cabinet's11registration process, except as permitted under Section 6 of this Act;12(b) An amount of medicinal cannabis in excess of a thirty (30) day supply at his13or her residence for each registered qualified patient to whom the caregiver is14connected through the cabinet's registration process, in accordance with15administrative regulations promulgated pursuant to KRS 218B.140(1)(c)6.; or16(c) An amount of medicinal cannabis determined by the cabinet to constitute an17uninterrupted ten (10) day supply on his or her person for each registered18qualified patient to whom the caregiver is connected through the cabinet's19registration process, except that an amount greater than a ten (10) day supply20may be transported by a designated caregiver from a dispensary to his or her21residence if the medicinal cannabis is contained in a sealed package that22requires at least a two (2) step process for initial opening.23 (5) (a) All medicinal cannabis possessed by a cardholder outside of his or her24residence shall be kept in the original container in which the cardholder25received the medicinal cannabis from a dispensary.26(b) When a cardholder possesses medicinal cannabis outside of his or her27residence, the cardholder shall also be in possession of a valid registryPage 9 of 24XXXX 10/30/2025 2:09 PM JacketedUNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS BR 11561identification card issued by the cabinet or, for visiting qualified patients, a2valid out-of-state registry identification card and documentation of having3been diagnosed with a qualifying medical condition.4(c) Paragraph (a) of this subsection shall not apply to medicinal cannabis that5is the product of cultivation by a cardholder as permitted under Section 6 of6this Act.7 (6) Notwithstanding subsections (1), (3), and (4) of this section and except as provided8in administrative regulations promulgated pursuant to KRS 218B.140(1)(c)6.:9(a) A registered qualified patient shall not be permitted to purchase more10medicinal cannabis than the amount determined by the cabinet to constitute an11uninterrupted thirty (30) day supply of medicinal cannabis during a given12twenty-five (25) day period;13(b) A designated caregiver shall not be permitted to purchase more medicinal14cannabis than the amount determined by the cabinet to constitute an15uninterrupted thirty (30) day supply of medicinal cannabis for each registered16qualified patient to whom the caregiver is connected through the cabinet's17registration process during a given twenty-five (25) day period; and18(c) A visiting qualified patient shall not be permitted to purchase more medicinal19cannabis than the amount determined by the cabinet to constitute an20uninterrupted ten (10) day supply of medicinal cannabis during a given eight21(8) day period.22 (7) A cardholder shall not be subject, under the laws of the Commonwealth, to arrest,23prosecution, or denial of any right or privilege, including but not limited to a civil24penalty or disciplinary action by a court or occupational or professional licensing25board, for:26(a) Possession of cannabis that is incidental to the use of medicinal cannabis;27(b) Possession of medicinal cannabis accessories; orPage 10 of 24XXXX 10/30/2025 2:09 PM JacketedUNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS BR 11561(c) Transferring medicinal cannabis to a safety facility for testing.2 (8) A[No] person shall not be subject, under the laws of the Commonwealth, to arrest,3prosecution, or denial of any right or privilege, including but not limited to a civil4penalty or disciplinary action by a court or occupational or professional licensing5board, for:6(a) Selling medicinal cannabis accessories to a cardholder who is over eighteen7(18) years of age upon presentation of a valid registry identification card8issued by the cabinet or, for visiting qualified patients, a valid out-of-state9registry identification card and documentation of having been diagnosed with10a qualifying medical condition;11(b) Being in the presence or vicinity of the use of medicinal cannabis as allowed12under this chapter; or13(c) Assisting a registered qualified patient or visiting qualified patient with using14or administering medicinal cannabis. For purposes of illustration and not15limitation, this includes preparing raw plant material or brewing tea for a16registered qualified patient or visiting qualified patient. It does not include17providing medicinal cannabis to a patient that the patient did not already18possess.19 (9) Notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, a registered qualified20patient who is injured or defrauded, including by theft or deprivation of use and21benefit of any money, personal property including medicinal cannabis, or articles of22value of any kind, by his or her designated caregiver shall have a civil cause of23action in Circuit Court to recover the actual damages sustained, together with the24cost of the lawsuit, including a reasonable fee for the individual's attorney of record.25Section 3. KRS 218B.030 is amended to read as follows:26 (1) (a) Any medicinal cannabis, medicinal cannabis accessories, lawful property, or27interest in lawful property that is possessed, owned, or used in connectionPage 11 of 24XXXX 10/30/2025 2:09 PM JacketedUNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS BR 11561with the use of medicinal cannabis or acts incidental to that use shall not be2subject to seizure or forfeiture under KRS 218A.405 to 218A.460.3(b) This chapter shall not prevent the seizure or forfeiture of marijuana exceeding4the amounts allowed under KRS 218B.025, Section 6 of this Act, or5administrative regulations promulgated pursuant to KRS 218B.140(1)(c)6.,6nor shall it prevent seizure or forfeiture if the basis for that action is unrelated7to the use of medicinal cannabis in accordance with this chapter and any8administrative regulation promulgated thereunder.9 (2) Possession of, or application for, a registry identification card, an out-of-state10registry identification card, or cannabis business license shall not constitute11probable cause or reasonable suspicion, nor shall it be used to support the search of12the person, property, or home of the person possessing or applying for the registry13identification card, out-of-state registry identification card, or cannabis business14license. The possession of, or application for, a registry identification card, out-of-15state registry identification card, or cannabis business license shall not preclude the16existence of probable cause if probable cause exists on other grounds.17 (3) (a) There shall be a rebuttable presumption that a cardholder is engaged in the18lawful use of medicinal cannabis, or in the case of a designated caregiver,19assisting with the lawful use of medicinal cannabis, if the cardholder:201. Possesses a valid registry identification card or, in the case of a visiting21qualified patient, an out-of-state registry identification card and22documentation of having been diagnosed with a qualifying medical23condition; and242. Possesses an amount of medicinal cannabis that does not exceed the25amount allowed under KRS 218B.025 or administrative regulations26promulgated pursuant to KRS 218B.140(1)(c)6.27(b) This presumption may be rebutted by a preponderance of evidence thatPage 12 of 24XXXX 10/30/2025 2:09 PM JacketedUNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS BR 11561conduct was unrelated to the use of medicinal cannabis or was otherwise in2violation of this chapter.3Section 4. KRS 218B.035 is amended to read as follows:4 (1) This chapter does not authorize any person to engage in, and shall not prevent the5imposition of any civil, criminal, or other penalties, including but not limited to6criminal prosecution or disciplinary action by the cabinet or an occupational or7professional licensing board, for engaging in the following conduct:8(a) Operating, navigating, or being in actual physical control of any aircraft,9vehicle, vessel, or any other device known, or hereafter invented, that is10powered by machinery and that is or may be used to transport persons or11property while under the influence of medicinal cannabis;12(b) Consuming medicinal cannabis while operating, navigating, or being in actual13physical control of an aircraft, vehicle, vessel, or any other device known, or14hereafter invented, that is powered by machinery and that is or may be used to15transport persons or property;16(c) Possessing medicinal cannabis that is within the operator's arm's reach or17requires less than a two (2) step process to access while operating, navigating,18or being in actual physical control of an aircraft, vehicle, vessel, or any other19device known, or hereafter invented, that is powered by machinery and that is20or may be used to transport persons or property;21(d) Undertaking any task under the influence of medicinal cannabis, when doing22so would constitute negligence or professional malpractice;23(e) Possessing medicinal cannabis, or otherwise engaging in the use of medicinal24cannabis:251. On the grounds of any preschool or primary or secondary school, except26as permitted in accordance with policies enacted pursuant to KRS27218B.045(4);Page 13 of 24XXXX 10/30/2025 2:09 PM JacketedUNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS BR 115612. In any correctional facility; or23. On any property of the federal government;3(f) Using marijuana, if that person is not a registered qualified patient or visiting4qualified patient;5(g) Using or consuming marijuana by smoking, except as permitted under6subsection (3) of this section;7(h) Using or consuming marijuana by vaping while on any form of public8transportation, in any public place as defined in KRS 525.010, or in any place9of public accommodation, resort, or amusement as defined in KRS 344.130;10or11(i) Cultivating marijuana unless that person is licensed by the cabinet as a12cannabis cultivator or cannabis producer pursuant to KRS 218B.080,13218B.085, and 218B.090 or is a cultivator or producer agent, except as14permitted in Section 6 of this Act.15 (2) The penalty for a violation of subsection (1)(a) or (b) of this section shall be the16same as those established for operating a motor vehicle under the influence of17alcohol or any other substance in KRS 189A.010.18 (3) (a) An individual who violates subsection (1)(g) or (h) of this section shall not be19considered to be in possession of medicinal cannabis or engaged in the use of20medicinal cannabis and shall not benefit from the legal protections afforded21by this chapter.22(b) A registered qualified patient shall not be considered to be in violation of23subsection (1)(g) of this section if he or she uses or consumes medicinal24cannabis by smoking while on private property owned by the registered25qualified patient or his or her designated caregiver.26(c) The odor or smell of uncombusted raw plant material shall not constitute27evidence of use or consumption of cannabis by smoking.Page 14 of 24XXXX 10/30/2025 2:09 PM JacketedUNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS BR 11561(d)[(c)] If an individual uses or consumes marijuana by smoking or vaping while2on any form of public transportation, in any public place as defined in KRS3525.010, or in any place of public accommodation, resort, or amusement as4defined in KRS 344.130:51. The cabinet may revoke the individual's registry identification card; and62. The individual may be subject to prosecution under KRS 218A.14217and 218A.1422.8 (4) Nothing in this chapter supersedes statutory laws relating to driving while under the9influence of intoxicants. This chapter shall not prevent the enforcement of current10laws pertaining to driving while intoxicated, including KRS 183.061, 189.520,11189A.010, and 235.240.12 (5) As used in this section:13(a) "Aircraft" has the same meaning as in KRS 183.011;14(b) "Vehicle" has the same meaning as in KRS 189.010; and15(c) "Vessel" has the same meaning as in KRS 235.010.16Section 5. KRS 218B.140 is amended to read as follows:17 (1) No later than July 1, 2024, the cabinet shall:18(a) Ensure that the electronic monitoring system established pursuant to KRS19218A.202 is designed or configured to enable:201. Medicinal cannabis practitioners to record the issuance of written21certifications to qualified patients, as required by KRS 218B.050;222. The cabinet and state licensing boards to monitor the issuance of written23certifications by medicinal cannabis practitioners;243. Cabinet personnel, law enforcement personnel, and dispensary agents to25verify the validity of registry identification cards issued by the cabinet26by entering a registry identification number to determine whether or not27the identification number corresponds with a current, valid registryPage 15 of 24XXXX 10/30/2025 2:09 PM JacketedUNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS BR 11561identification card. The system shall only disclose whether the2identification card is valid and whether the cardholder is a registered3qualified patient, visiting qualified patient, or designated caregiver;44. Law enforcement personnel and dispensary agents to access medicinal5cannabis sales data recorded by dispensary agents pursuant to KRS6218B.110;75. Dispensary agents to record the amount of medicinal cannabis that is8dispensed to a cardholder during each transaction as required by KRS9218B.110; and106. The sharing of dispensing data recorded by dispensary agents pursuant11to KRS 218B.110 with all dispensaries in real time;12(b) Ensure that the electronic monitoring system established pursuant to KRS13218A.202 is designed to facilitate the tracking of medicinal cannabis14cultivated, processed, or produced by a licensed cannabis business from the15point of cultivation to the point of sale to cardholders; and16(c) Promulgate administrative regulations in accordance with KRS Chapter 13A17to establish:181. Procedures for the issuance, renewal, suspension, and revocation of19registry identification cards, including the creation of a standardized:20a. Written certification form; and21b. Application form which the cabinet shall require to be notarized;222. Procedures for the issuance and revocation of registry identification23cards;243. Procedures for the issuance, renewal, suspension, and revocation of25cannabis business licenses, including the creation of a uniform licensure26application form which the cabinet shall require to be notarized and27minimal performance standards for a biennial accreditation process withPage 16 of 24XXXX 10/30/2025 2:09 PM JacketedUNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS BR 11561all such procedures subject to the requirements of KRS Chapters 13A2and 13B;34. A convenience fee to be assessed and collected by dispensaries for4visiting qualified patients who do not possess a valid registry5identification card issued by the cabinet and who purchase medicinal6cannabis with an out-of-state registry identification card and7documentation of having been diagnosed with a qualifying medical8condition. The convenience fee established pursuant to this9subparagraph shall not exceed fifteen dollars ($15) per transaction;105. In collaboration with the Board of Physicians and Advisors:11a. A definition of the amount of medicinal cannabis or delta-912tetrahydrocannabinol that constitutes a daily supply, an13uninterrupted ten (10) day supply, and an uninterrupted thirty (30)14day supply of medicinal cannabis; and15b. The amount of raw plant material that medicinal cannabis products16are considered to be equivalent to;176. A process by which a medicinal cannabis practitioner may recommend,18and a registered qualified patient or his or her designated caregiver may19legally purchase and possess, an amount of medicinal cannabis in excess20of the thirty (30) day supply of medicinal cannabis, if the medicinal21cannabis practitioner reasonably believes that the standard thirty (30)22day supply would be insufficient in providing the patient with23uninterrupted therapeutic or palliative relief;247. Provisions governing the following matters related to cannabis25businesses with the goal of protecting against diversion and theft,26without imposing any undue burden that would make cannabis business27operations unreasonable or impractical on cannabis businesses orPage 17 of 24XXXX 10/30/2025 2:09 PM JacketedUNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS BR 11561compromising the confidentiality of cardholders:2a. Recordkeeping and inventory control requirements, including the3use of the electronic monitoring systems established pursuant to4KRS 218A.202;5b. Procedures for the verification and validation of a registry6identification card, or its equivalent, that was issued pursuant to7the laws of another state, district, territory, commonwealth, or8insular possession of the United States that allows for the use of9medicinal cannabis in the jurisdiction of issuance;10c. Security requirements for safety compliance facilities, processors,11producers, dispensaries, and cultivators, which shall include at a12minimum lighting, video security, alarm requirements, on-site13parking, and measures to prevent loitering;14d. Procedures for the secure transportation, including delivery15services provided by dispensaries, and storage of medicinal16cannabis by cannabis business licensees and their employees or17agents;18e. Employment and training requirements for licensees and their19agents, including requiring each licensee to create an identification20badge for each of the licensee's agents or employees; and21f. Restrictions on visits to licensed cultivation and processing22facilities, including requiring the use of visitor logs;238. Procedures to establish, publish, and annually update a list of varieties24of cannabis that possess a low but effective level of25tetrahydrocannabinol, including the substance cannabidiol, by26comparing percentages of chemical compounds within a given variety27against other varieties of cannabis;Page 18 of 24XXXX 10/30/2025 2:09 PM JacketedUNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS BR 115619. A rating system that tracks the terpene content of at least the twelve (12)2major terpenoids within each strain of cannabis available for medicinal3use within the Commonwealth;410. Requirements for random sample testing of medicinal cannabis to5ensure quality control, including testing for cannabinoids, terpenoids,6residual solvents, pesticides, poisons, toxins, mold, mildew, insects,7bacteria, and any other dangerous adulterant;811. Requirements for licensed cultivators, producers, and processors to9contract with an independent safety compliance facility to test the10medicinal cannabis before it is sold at a dispensary. The cabinet may11approve the safety compliance facility chosen by a cultivator, producer,12or processor and require that the safety compliance facility report test13results for a designated quantity of medicinal cannabis to the cultivator,14producer, or processor and cabinet;1512. Standards for the operation of safety compliance facilities which may16include:17a. Requirements for equipment;18b. Personnel qualifications; and19c. Requiring facilities to be accredited by a relevant certifying entity;2013. Standards for the packaging and labeling of medicinal cannabis sold or21distributed by cannabis businesses which shall comply with 15 U.S.C.22secs. 1471 to 1476 and shall include:23a. Standards for packaging that requires at least a two (2) step24process of initial opening;25b. A warning label which may include the length of time it typically26takes for the product to take effect, how long the effects of the27product typically last, and any other information deemedPage 19 of 24XXXX 10/30/2025 2:09 PM JacketedUNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS BR 11561appropriate or necessary by the cabinet;2c. The amount of medicinal cannabis the product is considered the3equivalent to;4d. Disclosing ingredients, possible allergens, and certain bioactive5components, including cannabinoids and terpenoids, as determined6by the cabinet;7e. A nutritional fact panel;8f. Opaque, child-resistant packaging;9g. [A requirement that all raw plant material packaged or sold in this10state be marked or labeled as "NOT INTENDED FOR11CONSUMPTION BY SMOKING";12h. ]A requirement that medicinal cannabis products be clearly13marked with an identifiable and standardized symbol indicating14that the product contains cannabis;15h.[i.] A requirement that all medicinal cannabis product packaging16include an expiration date; and17i.[j.] A requirement that medicinal cannabis products and their18packaging not be visually reminiscent of major brands of edible19noncannabis products or otherwise present an attractive nuisance20to minors;2114. Health and safety requirements for the processing of medicinal cannabis22and the indoor cultivation of medicinal cannabis by licensees;2315. Restrictions on:24a. Additives to medicinal cannabis that are toxic, including vitamin E25acetate, or increase the likelihood of addiction; and26b. Pesticides, fertilizers, and herbicides used during medicinal27cannabis cultivation which pose a threat to human health andPage 20 of 24XXXX 10/30/2025 2:09 PM JacketedUNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS BR 11561safety;216. Standards for the safe processing of medicinal cannabis products created3by extracting or concentrating compounds from raw plant material;417. Standards for determining the amount of unprocessed raw plant material5that medicinal cannabis products are considered the equivalent to;618. Restrictions on advertising, marketing, and signage in regard to7operations or establishments owned by licensees necessary to prevent8the targeting of minors;919. The requirement that evidence-based educational materials regarding10dosage and impairment be disseminated to registered qualified patients,11visiting qualified patients, and designated caregivers who purchase12medicinal cannabis products;1320. Policies governing insurance requirements for cultivators, dispensaries,14processors, producers, and safety compliance facilities; and1521. Standards, procedures, or restrictions that the cabinet deems necessary16to ensure the efficient, transparent, and safe operation of the medicinal17cannabis program, except that the cabinet shall not promulgate any18administrative regulation that would impose an undue burden or make19cannabis business operations unreasonable or impractical.20 (2) No later than January 1, 2025, the cabinet shall:21(a) Establish a medicinal cannabis adverse drug effects reporting system for the22purpose of allowing cardholders to report adverse drug effects via telephone23or online; and24(b) In collaboration with the Board of Physicians and Advisors, produce the25Medicinal Cannabis Advisory Pamphlet which shall include but not be limited26to:271. Information on the risks, dangers, and possible side effects of the use ofPage 21 of 24XXXX 10/30/2025 2:09 PM JacketedUNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS BR 11561medicinal cannabis;22. Information on the medicinal cannabis adverse drug effects reporting3system and how to report adverse drug effects; and43. A detachable signature page which shall be:5a. Signed by a cardholder each time he or she receives a copy of the6Medicinal Cannabis Advisory Pamphlet as required under KRS7218B.110(2)(d); and8b. Retained by the dispensary for a period of at least thirty-six (36)9months.10 (3) The cabinet shall provide each licensed dispensary with an adequate number of11Medicinal Cannabis Advisory Pamphlets to ensure that the dispensary is able to12comply with the requirements of KRS 218B.110(2)(d).13 (4) Except as provided in KRS 218B.035(1)(g), 218B.095(2)(b), 218.110(2)(e),14218B.115(2), 218B.120(3), and subsection (1)(c)10., 13., 15., and 16. of this15section, the cabinet shall not restrict or limit methods of delivery, use, or16consumption of medicinal cannabis or the types of products that may be acquired,17produced, processed, possessed, sold, or distributed by a cannabis business.18 (5) If a need for additional cannabis cultivation in this state is demonstrated by19cannabis businesses or the cabinet's own analysis, the cabinet may through the20promulgation of administrative regulations increase the cultivation area square21footage limits for either cultivators or producers, or both by up to three (3) times the22limits established in KRS 218B.105 and 218B.120. Any increase in the cultivation23square footage limits adopted by the cabinet pursuant to this section shall not result24in an increase in the licensure application or renewal fees established by the cabinet.25 (6) When promulgating administrative regulations under this section, the cabinet shall26consider standards, procedures, and restrictions that have been found to be best27practices relative to the use and regulation of medicinal cannabis.Page 22 of 24XXXX 10/30/2025 2:09 PM JacketedUNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS BR 11561SECTION 6. A NEW SECTION OF KRS CHAPTER 218B IS CREATED TO2 READ AS FOLLOWS:3 (1) Notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary, in addition to the4possession limits established in subsections (1)(a) and 4(a) of Section 2 of this5Act:6(a) 1. A registered qualified patient who is at least eighteen (18) years of age7shall be permitted to possess, cultivate, and harvest up to three (3)8mature medicinal cannabis plants and up to three (3) seedlings on9private property owned by the registered qualified patient.102. A designated caregiver shall, except as provided in subparagraph 3. of11this paragraph, be permitted to possess, cultivate, and harvest up to12three (3) mature medicinal cannabis plants and up to three (3)13seedlings for each registered qualified patient to whom the designated14caregiver is connected through the cabinet's registration process on15private property owned by the designated caregiver.163. A designated caregiver shall not be permitted to possess, cultivate, or17harvest medicinal cannabis plants or seedlings for a registered18qualified patient to whom the designated caregiver is connected19through the cabinet's registration process if the registered qualified20patient elects to possess, cultivate, and harvest medicinal cannabis21plants or seedlings for himself or herself as permitted under22subparagraph 1. of this paragraph; and23(b) Cardholders who possess, cultivate, and harvest mature medicinal cannabis24plants and seedlings shall be permitted to possess, on private property they25own, any amount of raw plant material and medicinal cannabis products26resulting from at-home cultivation activities permitted under this section.27 (2) Cardholders who wish to possess, cultivate, and harvest medicinal cannabisPage 23 of 24XXXX 10/30/2025 2:09 PM JacketedUNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS BR 11561plants and seedlings shall not be required under this chapter or by any2administrative regulation promulgated by the cabinet to register or otherwise3notify the cabinet of their intent to possess, cultivate, and harvest medicinal4cannabis plants and seedlings on private property they own.5 (3) Mature medicinal cannabis plants and seedlings possessed, cultivated, and6harvested by cardholders shall be stored in an enclosed, locked space such as a7closet, room, greenhouse, or other indoor locked space located on private8property owned by the cardholder.9 (4) The concentration and potency limits for commercially available medicinal10cannabis established in KRS 218B.095, 218B.110, 218B.115, and 218B.120 shall11not apply to raw plant material or medicinal cannabis products resulting from at-12home cultivation activities permitted under this section.13 (5) (a) Except for the transfer of medicinal cannabis from a designated caregiver14to a registered qualified patient to whom the designated caregiver is15connected through the cabinet's registration process, this section shall not16be interpreted as authorizing or otherwise permitting a cardholder to17transfer or sell medicinal cannabis, mature medicinal cannabis plants, or18seedlings to another individual including another cardholder.19(b) A cardholder who transfers or sells medicinal cannabis, mature medicinal20cannabis plants, or seedlings to another individual in violation of paragraph21(a) of this subsection may be subject to prosecution including under KRS22218A.1421.Page 24 of 24XXXX 10/30/2025 2:09 PM Jacketed
Amend KRS 218B.010 to add additional qualifying medical conditions for the use of medicinal cannabis; amend KRS 218B.025 to exempt medicinal cannabis resulting from at-home cultivation activities from possession limits and from the requirement that medicinal cannabis be kept in the original container received from a dispensary; amend KRS 218B.030 to conform; amend KRS 218B.035 to permit the use or consumption of medicinal cannabis by smoking while located on private property owned by the cardholder; amend KRS 218B.140 to remove the requirement that raw plant material packaged or sold in the state be marked or labeled as "not intended for consumption by smoking"; create a new section of KRS Chapter 218B to permit registered qualified patients who are at least 18 years of age and designated caregivers to possess, cultivate, and harvest up to 3 mature medicinal cannabis plants and 3 seedlings on private property owned by the cardholder.
Sponsors
Rep. Alan Gentry (D) sponsors HB 401, and 11 members have co-sponsored it.

Rep. · D–46 · Sponsor

Rep. · D–42 · Co-sponsor

Rep. · D–79 · Co-sponsor

Rep. · D–32 · Co-sponsor

Rep. · D–93 · Co-sponsor

Rep. · D–44 · Co-sponsor

Rep. · D–76 · Co-sponsor

Rep. · D–30 · Co-sponsor

Rep. · D–57 · Co-sponsor

Rep. · D–40 · Co-sponsor
Committees
HB 401 went before 2 committees: Committee On Committees and Health Services.
History
HB 401 has taken 3 actions since Jan 15, 2026, the latest on Jan 23, 2026.
| Chamber | Action | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
Jan 23, 2026 | House | to Health Services (H) | ||
Jan 15, 2026 | House | introduced in House | ||
Jan 15, 2026 | House | to Committee on Committees (H) |
Votes
HB 401 has not gone to a roll call.
Source: apps.legislature.ky.gov · legiscan.com