LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Kentucky hemp producers are pushing back on legislation that would treat cannabis-infused drinks like alcohol.

The Kentucky Hemp Association says it hasn’t been included in conversations regarding new regulations for the beverages as outlined in Senate Bill 202.

“Hemp stakeholders have spent years developing safety and testing protocols—protocols now being disregarded in favor of rushed legislation that would hand control of the industry to Big Alcohol,” the association said in a statement Monday.

SB 202 faced criticism for initially including a temporary pause on sales of cannabis-infused beverages, which are legal in Kentucky.

Kentucky’s Cabinet for Health and Family Services (CHFS) already has regulations regarding hemp products, but the bill’s sponsor Rep. Julie Raque Adams (R-Louisville) says those don’t apply to beverages. However, the CHFS website shows product approvals for THC drinks, and hemp industry advocates say beverages are part of cannabinoid product regulations.

“[The] goal is to put some commonsense, public health regulations in place for the growing market of cannabis-infused beverages, and only cannabis-infused beverages,” Adamas said. “We are treating these products like alcohol to ensure proper oversight, enforcement, and public safety while allowing legal sales to continue.”

An amended version of the bill passed last week, without the proposed moratorium, but keeping many of the new regulations.

It includes moving cannabis-infused beverage regulation from CHFS to the Board of Malt Beverages and the Department of Alcohol Beverage Control (ABC). The bill also forces businesses with products above the proposed new THC limit, 5mg per serving, to sell off their product by May 1.

“Kentucky’s hemp industry has followed every regulation set forth by the CHFS, investing millions in compliance and safety standards,” the Kentucky Hemp Association said. “This legislation undermines that progress, disrupts an entire industry, and serves corporate interests over Kentucky small businesses.”

SB 202 is currently in the state House awaiting consideration.