Full-Service Cannabis Consulting Tailored to Kentucky's Unique Market Needs
Catalyst BC offers comprehensive guidance and solutions, customized to help your business thrive in Kentucky’s regulated cannabis industry. Contact us today to get started!
About Kentucky
Kentucky, often referred to as the Bluegrass State, is located in the southeastern United States and is renowned for its rolling hills, thoroughbred horse racing, and bourbon production. With a population of around 4.5 million residents, Kentucky has a diverse economy driven by agriculture, manufacturing, and energy production. The state capital is Frankfort, while Louisville and Lexington are key metropolitan centers.
Kentucky’s rich cultural history includes significant contributions to music, particularly bluegrass and country, as well as a storied past in American history. It is home to landmarks like the Kentucky Derby, Mammoth Cave National Park, and Abraham Lincoln’s birthplace.
Legal Status of Cannabis in Kentucky
Cannabis use in Kentucky is strictly regulated, with medical cannabis legalized under limited conditions and recreational use remaining prohibited. In March 2023, Governor Andy Beshear signed Senate Bill 47 into law, allowing medical cannabis use for qualifying patients. This program permits patients with severe conditions such as chronic pain, epilepsy, and multiple sclerosis to obtain cannabis products through licensed dispensaries. However, smokable cannabis is not permitted, and patients can only use oils, edibles, or tinctures. Recreational cannabis remains illegal, with penalties for possession varying based on the amount and context of the violation.
Kentucky has implemented measures for industrial hemp production and the sale of hemp-derived products, including CBD, which are legal under state and federal law.
Catalyst BC, in alignment with the state’s efforts, provides Kentucky hemp and cannabis cultivators, farmers, businesses, and suppliers extensive seed-to-sale support including licensing and applications, business strategy, financial planning, start-up support and more.
Legal Status of Hemp Farming in Kentucky
Kentucky has been a leader in hemp farming since the passage of the 2014 Farm Bill, which allowed states to establish industrial hemp research programs. Under the Kentucky Department of Agriculture’s Industrial Hemp Research Pilot Program, farmers were authorized to cultivate hemp under strict regulatory oversight.
Following the 2018 Farm Bill, Kentucky expanded its hemp program to include commercial production. Farmers must obtain a license from the Kentucky Department of Agriculture, which includes THC testing and compliance monitoring to ensure hemp remains below the federally mandated 0.3% THC threshold. Kentucky’s robust hemp program has helped the state emerge as a national leader in hemp cultivation and processing, supporting a growing industry in textiles, CBD, and other hemp-derived products.
Navigating the Complexities of Operating a Cannabis or Hemp Business in Kentucky
Operating a cannabis business in Kentucky involves navigating stringent regulations and preparing for future market opportunities as the state’s medical cannabis program develops.
Catalyst BC offers expertise in Business Strategy, Financial Planning, Licensing & Applications, Facility Design, Startup Support, Operational Optimization, Genetic Development, and Cannabis Business Turnaround to help Kentucky businesses launch and succeed in this emerging market.
Book your complimentary consultation today to discuss how we can support your entry into Kentucky’s cannabis and hemp industries.
Free eBook: Starting A Legal Cannabis Business
Discover the secrets to building a thriving cannabis business with our free eBook, Starting a Legal Cannabis Business: From Formation to Acquisition! This comprehensive guide walks you through every stage of launching and scaling a cannabis business, from navigating regulations and securing licenses to optimizing operations and planning your exit strategy. Whether you're a budding entrepreneur or an experienced operator, this resource is packed with expert insights to help you succeed in this dynamic industry. Download your free copy today and take the first step toward cannabis business success!
Other Services
Business Strategy
Collaborative efforts to create a personalized and comprehensive business and operational plans tailored to your market, resources, and vision.
Financial Planning
Strategy and creation of a bespoke financial model based on historical inputs specific to selected corporate structure, facilities, and market conditions.
Licensing & Applications
Catalyst has secured over 57 licenses in merit-based and highly competitive application and RFP processes with a win rate of nearly 96%
Facility Design
Design-assist aligns designs and calculations with proven methods, equipment, and systems successfully used in world-class facilities.
Startup Support
Proven expertise and track record of supporting licensed and conditionally licensed businesses from build-out to operational excellence.
Genetic Development
Design and implement propagation and breeding programs that produce unique and proprietary cultivars that maximize productivity and profitability.
Business Turnaround
Our team brings over 60 years of regulated cannabis industry experience, expertly assessing situations, crafting strategies, and achieving client goals.
Operational Optimization
Catalyst's team of experts provides guidance and support for all types of cannabis business, including cultivation, retail, extraction, distribution, and delivery
Contact Us
Enough about us. We want to hear more about you, your project, and your vision! Get in touch with a real live person today. Don’t worry, we don’t have a long, confusing phone menu, and your email isn’t going to the abyss, we promise. At Catalyst, we provide the service and support we’d want to experience ourselves!