We’ve recently covered changes in coming to hemp programs in the new year in Oregon, Alabama, and California. Below we touch on other updates for Minnesota, Connecticut, Kentucky, and more.

Minnesota

The Minnesota Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) Product Transitionary Period for Lower-Potency Hemp Edibles (LPHEs) is coming to a close on December 31, 2025.

OCM has been permitted to issue licenses to hemp retailers on a rolling basis following the October application window, while waiting to issue licenses to hemp manufacturers and wholesalers until December 31, 2025. Once licensed, LPHE licensees must adhere to all requirements in Minnesota Statutes, chapter 342 and Minnesota Rules, chapter 9810, but they may still handle products regulated under section 151.72 if certain conditions are met.

According to licensing data available on the OCM website, 2,222 LPHE applications were submitted and 201 licenses have been issued, as of December 8, 2025 (all retailers).

Connecticut

The Department of Consumer Protection (DCP) has confirmed that starting January 1, 2026, CT-licensed Infused Beverage Manufacturers will be able to obtain high-THC beverage endorsements. Importantly, these beverages (containing more than 3mg of total THC per container) may not be sold in Connecticut, but they can be manufactured there for out of state sale. More information will be posted on the DCP website once the endorsement becomes available.

Kentucky

Under Kentucky’s emerging hemp product program until December 21, 2025, Cannabis-Infused Beverages (CIBs, limited to 5mgs of “intoxicating adult use cannabinoids” per 12 ounce serving) could be sold at fairs and festivals by the package, by the drink, and as samples. But starting in January, sales of CIBs by the drink and sampling will be prohibited. In 2026, CIBs may only be sold by the package in compliance with all Kentucky requirements.

Final Notes

In addition to the above, Tennessee is in the process of transitioning regulation of hemp products from the Department of Agriculture to the Alcoholic Beverage Commission. And as of January 1, 2026, the Hawaii Department of Health is beginning the process of registering hemp product businesses, including online sellers, but there is a grace period for six months to allow businesses to comply with the new registration requirements.

Additionally, per Act 934 passed earlier in 2025, Arkansas was meant to establish a Consumable Hemp Product Directory through the Tobacco Control office before December 1, 2025. That directory has yet to come to fruition. And finally, New Mexico is in the process of finalizing proposed rules related to milligram limits and cannabinoid restrictions for hemp products before the end of the year.

December 21, 2025

This article was written by Kight Law attorney Amber Lengacher. Kight Law represents hemp businesses in the US and throughout the world.