Kentucky, October 15, 2025
News Summary
Robert Matheny, the owner of Kentucky CBD Farmacy, is stepping back from daily operations to advocate for the hemp industry due to looming legislative challenges. With plans to close his Nicholasville store and hand over the Danville location, Matheny aims to address concerns over proposed THC regulations that could threaten the viability of hemp products in Kentucky. He also highlights emerging competition from the medical marijuana sector and is organizing advocacy efforts, including a Cannabis Advocacy Day in 2025, to bolster support for the hemp industry.
Kentucky – Robert Matheny, the owner of Kentucky CBD Farmacy with locations in Nicholasville and Danville, has announced plans to step back from day-to-day operations as he focuses on advocating for the hemp industry amidst significant legislative challenges. Matheny aims to close his Nicholasville store by December 15 and hand over ownership of his Danville location to his business partner. He will redirect his efforts toward advocacy when the Kentucky legislature reconvenes in January 2025.
Matheny has expressed strong concerns regarding proposed changes in the Fiscal Year 2026 Agriculture FDA Appropriations Bill, which could significantly reduce the allowable THC levels in hemp products. This change, he argues, would endanger the viability of the hemp industry in Kentucky by imposing stringent regulations that could limit product options and consumer choices.
Having been an active advocate for cannabis for nearly a decade, Matheny currently serves on the board of directors for both the Kentucky Cannabis Freedom Coalition and the Kentucky Hemp Association. He indicates that the hemp industry is currently under significant pressure from legislative initiatives at both state and federal levels, which threaten to undermine its growth and stability.
In addition to these legislative hurdles, Matheny points to the emerging medical marijuana industry in Kentucky as a competitive threat to hemp products. He believes that the medical marijuana industry’s development could create a perception that hemp products are obstacles to its success, further complicating the regulatory landscape for hemp advocates.
With a potential government shutdown looming, Matheny worries it could divert attention away from the pressing issues facing the hemp industry, delaying critical discussions and decisions. To strengthen advocacy efforts, he plans to provide pro-cannabis supporters with an opportunity to send handwritten letters to their legislative representatives. He intends to deliver these letters to Frankfort himself, amplifying the voices of constituents who support the hemp industry.
Matheny’s advocacy goals also include working towards the decriminalization of cannabis in Kentucky, emphasizing that the hemp industry needs effective representation to secure necessary answers and support from legislators. The Kentucky Cannabis Freedom Coalition and the Kentucky Hemp Association have announced a Cannabis Advocacy Day set for January 6, 2025, coinciding with the beginning of the Kentucky legislative session. This event is geared towards increasing awareness and support for hemp and cannabis-related initiatives.
Overall, Matheny remains steadfast in his commitment to ensure that the hemp industry can thrive amid changing regulations and an evolving cannabis landscape. His focus will remain on advocating for policies that support the sustainability of hemp products and the broader cannabis community in Kentucky.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Who is Robert Matheny?
Robert Matheny is the owner of Kentucky CBD Farmacy and a long-time advocate for cannabis, serving as a board member for organizations focused on hemp and cannabis rights in Kentucky.
What are Matheny’s plans for his stores?
Matheny intends to close his Nicholasville store by December 15 and transfer ownership of the Danville store to his business partner as he shifts focus to advocacy.
What concerns does Matheny have regarding legislation?
Matheny is particularly concerned about proposed changes in THC level regulations that could adversely affect the hemp industry and its market viability.
How can people get involved in advocacy for the hemp industry?
People can participate by sending handwritten letters to their representatives and attending events like the Cannabis Advocacy Day on January 6, 2025.
What is Cannabis Advocacy Day?
Cannabis Advocacy Day is an event organized by the Kentucky Cannabis Freedom Coalition and the Kentucky Hemp Association to raise awareness and support for hemp-related initiatives as the Kentucky legislature reconvenes.
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Additional Resources
- Kentucky.com: Local News
- Fox 56 News: Lexington Medical Marijuana Dispensary
- WLWT: Lexington Police Marijuana Update
- Kentucky.com: Business News
- WKYT: Kentucky Medical Marijuana Dispensaries
- Wikipedia: Cannabis in Kentucky
- Google Search: cannabis legislation Kentucky
- Google Scholar: cannabis advocacy Kentucky
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Cannabis
- Google News: cannabis Kentucky
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