Three New Kentucky Laws Take Effect Januray 1st

New year, new laws in Kentucky. There are three new laws that Kentuckians will want to know about that begin on January 1st, 2025.

As Kentuckians ring in the New Year, there will be a few changes coming to Kentucky laws that folks will want to be aware of. Beginning on January 1st, 2025, Kentucky will have some new laws. These laws might be a hassle to some, many might not be in favor of these laws, and others might actually like the changes. Here are the three new laws that you need to be aware of as 2025 begins.

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Driver’s License Renewal Change

House Bill 439 was signed into law in 2021, however, it will be fully implemented on Jan. 1, 2025. This new law requires any Kentucky resident looking to renew their driver's license to first complete a vision test. Just because you passed a previous vision test, doesn't mean that your vision has stayed the same throughout the years. According to WHAS:

Vision tests can be completed at any Driver Licensing Regional Offices in the state when renewing your license. You can also submit a form showing that you’ve completed a vision test in the last year, and it must be signed by your doctor.

The Selling of Vape Products in Kentucky

This new law, House Bill 11, has the goal of trying to limit the use of vaping among the youth of Kentucky. Beginning on January 1, 2025, Kentucky retailers will only be able to sell vape products that have received approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration or have a “safe harbor certification.” The bill states that the FDA must approve vape products that have nicotine, and if they're not approved, they can't be sold. The FDA has only approved 23 vape product applications out of more than a million.

Medical Marijuana in Kentucky

Soon, Kentuckians will be able to purchase medical marijuana to treat certain chronic illnesses. Beginning on January 1, 2025, licensed dispensaries in Kentucky will be able to sell medical cannabis. However, that doesn't mean that you will be able to start buying it at the first of the year. According to WHAS, Kentucky's medical cannabis program requires all products to be grown in the state. So, it's unlikely that it will be readily available on January 1st.

However, on January 1, 2025, qualified patients will be able to apply for a medical cannabis card, with written certification from a doctor. What conditions qualify for medical cannabis treatment? According to the Kentucky Office of Medical Cannabis:

• Any type or form of cancer, regardless of stage;
• Chronic or debilitating pain, epilepsy or any other seizure disorder;
• Multiple sclerosis, muscle spasms, or spasticity;
• Chronic nausea or cyclical vomiting syndrome that has been proven resistant to other conventional medical treatments;
• Post-traumatic stress disorder; and,
• Any other medical condition or disease that the Kentucky Center for Cannabis determines.

Dozens of cannabis businesses have already been licensed to begin growing and processing medical marijuana. You can learn more about the program, including how to find an authorized doctor or nurse practitioner, dispensaries, and more by clicking here.