Kentucky Cannabis Advertising Laws
Want to run cannabis ads in Kentucky? We will tell you what is compliant here.
Talk to usYou can legally advertise on these cannabis marketing channels
Each channel has its own rules in this state. Pick one to jump straight to what is allowed.
TL;DR
Kentucky prohibits advertising medicinal cannabis sales in print, broadcast, online or by paid in-person solicitation, then permits five specific activities. The informational website and social media presence may carry product listings, prices, permitted inducements, educational materials and certificates of analysis. The cabinet must be given access to every website and social media account, and notified within two business days of any activation or deactivation.
Working with a partner that already knows these rules shortens the launch cycle. See how we run campaigns as a cannabis marketing agency in Kentucky.
Kentucky Cannabis Advertising Summary
Is Cannabis Advertising Legal in Kentucky?
Under Section 1(1), cannabis businesses shall not advertise medicinal cannabis sales in print, broadcast, online, by paid in-person solicitation of customers, or by any other advertising device. Five exceptions follow, including an informational website and social media presence governed by Section 2.
Legal Framework and Compliance Basics
Kentucky legalised medicinal cannabis through Senate Bill 47 (SB 47) in 2023, with the programme operating from January 1, 2025. There is no adult-use programme. The regulator is the Cabinet for Health and Family Services, through its Office of Medical Cannabis.
Advertising sits at 915 KAR 1:090, Advertising, promulgated under KRS 218B.140 and relating to KRS Chapter 218B, effective August 28, 2024 with a seven-year expiration of August 28, 2031. The regulation has four sections: advertising by cannabis businesses, informational website and social media presence, removal of objectionable and non-conforming advertising, and advertising to other cannabis businesses.
There is one advertising rule set. Kentucky has no adult-use programme and no second framework.
This page is part of our state-by-state cannabis advertising laws library, covering all 50 states and the District of Columbia.
Advertising Rules by Channel in Kentucky
Requirements That Apply to Every Channel
The prohibition and its five exceptions
Under Section 1(1), a cannabis business may:
- Place appropriate signs on its property identifying the business
- Place listings in business directories
- Place listings in trade or medical publications
- Sponsor health or not-for-profit charity or advocacy events
- Maintain an informational website and social media presence as provided in Section 2
Business name and licence number
No licence number required. Under Section 1(1)(a), signs on the business's own property identify the business.
Under Section 1(2), cultivators, processors and producers shall not display any signage, logos, products, or other identifying characteristics on the outside of their respective facilities to alert the public that medicinal cannabis is grown, processed, produced or stored at the facility.
The required warning statements
Two, under Section 2(5). An informational website or social media presence shall conspicuously display:
- "Medicinal cannabis is for use by cardholders only"
- "Keep out of reach of children"
How the warnings have to appear
Conspicuously. Section 2(5) prescribes no type size, contrast standard, audio requirement, duration or percentage of area.
When the warnings are not required
The statements attach to an informational website or social media presence under Section 2(5). 915 KAR 1:090 imposes no equivalent statement on property signage or on directory and publication listings.
Hotline number
No. 915 KAR 1:090 requires no helpline, hotline or poison control number.
Prohibited content
Under Section 2(4), an informational website or social media presence shall not:
- Contain statements that are deceptive, false or misleading
- Contain any content that can reasonably be considered to target individuals under 18, including images of minors, cartoons, toys, or similar images and items typically marketed towards minors, or references to products commonly associated with minors or marketed by minors
- Encourage the transportation of medicinal cannabis products across state lines or otherwise encourage illegal activity
- Display consumption of medicinal cannabis in a manner that does not provide an educational benefit
Under Section 1(3), a cannabis business shall not make any deceptive, false or misleading assertions or statements on any advertising, advertising device, sign, listing, or informational material.
The website and social media permission
Under Section 2(1), a cannabis business may maintain an informational website and social media presence that provides a description of the business and services offered; a listing of medicinal cannabis or products cultivated, processed, produced or sold by the business, as well as listing the respective product prices and inducements allowed pursuant to 915 KAR 1:070, Section 5(5); educational materials and product information; and certificates of analysis provided by safety compliance facilities for its harvest batches and production batches. Under Section 2(2), it may also provide contact information and a listing of the dispensaries where its products are sold.
The cabinet access obligation
Under Section 2(3), a cannabis business shall provide the cabinet with a list of all informational websites and social media accounts it maintains, including links to the respective webpages, and shall not block or prohibit the cabinet from accessing those websites and any social media postings. The list must be continually updated, with notification to the cabinet within two business days of the activation or deactivation of any account.
Removal powers
Under Section 3, a cannabis business shall remove any advertising, advertising device, sign, listing, sponsorship, or online material the cabinet determines to be in violation, and the cabinet shall provide written notice specifying a reasonable time period for removal. Sponsorship is within the removal power.
Business-to-business advertising
Under Section 4(1), cultivators, processors, producers or dispensaries may directly promote their business, services, medicinal cannabis, products, accessories, educational materials and product information to other cultivators, processors, producers, or dispensaries. Under Section 4(2), a safety compliance facility shall only promote its testing services and other activities allowed by KRS 218B.125 to other cannabis businesses.
Discounts, coupons, and price promotion
Under Section 2(1)(b), the informational website and social media presence may list product prices and inducements allowed pursuant to 915 KAR 1:070, Section 5(5). That regulation defines what inducements are permitted; confirm its current scope before building an offer programme. 915 KAR 1:090 permits no price or offer messaging in the prohibited channels.
Pre-approval
Not required. 915 KAR 1:090 contains no pre-submission requirement. The cabinet's access rights under Section 2(3) and removal powers under Section 3 operate instead.
Kentucky Display Advertising Laws
Online advertising of medicinal cannabis sales is named in the prohibition at Section 1(1), and display advertising is not among the five exceptions.
What is allowed
Nothing. Paid display is online advertising of medicinal cannabis sales, which Section 1(1) prohibits, and no exception covers it.
What is not allowed
- All paid display, including programmatic — Section 1(1)
Required warnings and disclosures
Not applicable, as the channel is prohibited.
Hotline number required
No.
Discounts and promotions on this channel
Not applicable. Prices and permitted inducements may appear on the informational website under Section 2(1)(b).
Kentucky Native Advertising Laws
Section 1(1)(c) permits listings in trade or medical publications. The exception is worded as a listing rather than an advertisement.
What is allowed
Listings in trade or medical publications under Section 1(1)(c), and listings in business directories under Section 1(1)(b).
What is not allowed
- Sponsored content in consumer print, broadcast or online media — Section 1(1)
- Deceptive, false or misleading assertions on any advertising, sign, listing or informational material — Section 1(3)
Required warnings and disclosures
None on listings. The Section 2(5) statements attach to the website and social media presence.
Hotline number required
No.
Discounts and promotions on this channel
Not applicable.
Closing note
Section 1(1)(c) permits a listing in a trade or medical publication. It does not use the word advertisement. Confirm the format with the cabinet before booking anything beyond a directory-style entry.
Kentucky Online Video (OLV) Advertising Laws
Paid video is online advertising within Section 1(1). Video hosted on the informational website or social media presence falls under Section 2 where it is within the permitted content categories.
What is allowed
No paid video placement. Video on the informational website or social media presence where it constitutes educational materials and product information under Section 2(1)(c).
What is not allowed
- Paid video advertising — Section 1(1)
- Display of consumption of medicinal cannabis in a manner that does not provide an educational benefit — Section 2(4)
- Content reasonably considered to target individuals under 18 — Section 2(4)
Required warnings and disclosures
The two statements at Section 2(5), conspicuously displayed on the website or social media presence.
Hotline number required
No.
Discounts and promotions on this channel
Prices and permitted inducements may appear on the informational website under Section 2(1)(b).
Closing note
Section 2(4) prohibits displaying consumption only where it does not provide an educational benefit. Record the educational rationale for any content showing consumption before publication.
Kentucky Connected TV (CTV) Advertising Laws
Broadcast is named in the prohibition at Section 1(1), and streamed delivery is online advertising.
What is allowed
Nothing. No exception in Section 1(1) covers broadcast or streaming placement.
What is not allowed
- All CTV and OTT placements — Section 1(1)
Required warnings and disclosures
Not applicable, as the channel is prohibited.
Hotline number required
No.
Discounts and promotions on this channel
Not applicable.
Kentucky Paid Search Advertising Laws
Paid search is online advertising within Section 1(1). Section 1(1)(b) separately permits listings in business directories.
What is allowed
No paid search. Listings in business directories under Section 1(1)(b).
What is not allowed
- Paid search advertising — Section 1(1)
Required warnings and disclosures
None on directory listings.
Hotline number required
No.
Discounts and promotions on this channel
Not applicable.
Closing note
Section 1(1)(b) permits business directory listings, and Section 2(1) permits an informational website carrying product listings, prices, educational materials and certificates of analysis. Those are the permitted routes to organic visibility.
Kentucky SEO and Website Advertising Laws
Section 2 is the principal permitted channel and sets out both what the site may carry and what obligations attach to it.
What is allowed
An informational website carrying a description of the business and services offered; a listing of products with their prices and inducements allowed pursuant to 915 KAR 1:070 Section 5(5); educational materials and product information; certificates of analysis provided by safety compliance facilities for harvest and production batches; contact information; and a listing of the dispensaries where the products are sold.
What is not allowed
- Content outside the categories in Section 2(1) and 2(2)
- Deceptive, false or misleading statements — Section 2(4) and Section 1(3)
- Content reasonably considered to target individuals under 18, including images of minors, cartoons, toys, and references to products commonly associated with minors or marketed by minors — Section 2(4)
- Encouraging the transportation of medicinal cannabis products across state lines or otherwise encouraging illegal activity — Section 2(4)
- Displaying consumption in a manner that does not provide an educational benefit — Section 2(4)
- Operating without appropriate measures to ensure visitors are 18 or older — Section 2(6)
- Blocking or prohibiting cabinet access — Section 2(3)
Required warnings and disclosures
"Medicinal cannabis is for use by cardholders only" and "Keep out of reach of children", conspicuously displayed under Section 2(5).
Hotline number required
No.
Discounts and promotions on this channel
Prices and inducements allowed under 915 KAR 1:070 Section 5(5) may be listed. Confirm that regulation's current scope before building an offer programme.
Closing note
Section 2(1)(d) expressly permits publication of certificates of analysis. Section 2(3) requires that the cabinet not be blocked from accessing the site or any social postings, so the age measure at Section 2(6) must restrict by age without restricting regulatory access.
Kentucky Out of Home and DOOH Advertising Laws
Section 1(1)(a) permits signs on the business's own property identifying the business. Section 1(2) removes even that for cultivators, processors and producers.
What is allowed
Appropriate signs on the business's property identifying the business, under Section 1(1)(a).
What is not allowed
- Billboards, transit and all off-premises out of home, none of which is excepted from the prohibition — Section 1(1)
- For cultivators, processors and producers, any signage, logos, products or other identifying characteristics on the outside of the facility alerting the public that medicinal cannabis is grown, processed, produced or stored there — Section 1(2)
- Deceptive, false or misleading assertions on any sign — Section 1(3)
Required warnings and disclosures
None on property signage.
Hotline number required
No.
Discounts and promotions on this channel
Not permitted.
Closing note
915 KAR 1:090 states no advertising buffer distance, because off-premises advertising is prohibited rather than located. Local sign ordinances apply to property signage. Section 1(2) reaches logos and product displays as well as signage, so brief facility teams on it separately.
Platform Specific Advertising Restrictions
X (formerly Twitter)
Permits limited paid cannabis advertising in select U.S. jurisdictions. Section 1(1) prohibits paid online advertising in Kentucky regardless.
Platform approval is not regulatory approval, and platform compliance does not protect against a state violation. Section 1(1)(e) expressly permits a social media presence, subject to the permitted content categories at Section 2(1) and 2(2), the two statements at Section 2(5), the age measure at Section 2(6) and the content prohibitions at Section 2(4). Under Section 2(3), every account must be reported to the cabinet with links, the cabinet must not be blocked from accessing accounts or postings, and activation or deactivation must be notified within two business days.
Audience Requirements for Cannabis Advertising in Kentucky
What the Law Requires
The age stated in 915 KAR 1:090 is 18. Under Section 2(6), appropriate measures to ensure individuals attempting to access the allowable content are 18 or older. Under Section 2(4), no content reasonably considered to target individuals under 18.
The mandatory statement at Section 2(5) defines the audience by status: medicinal cannabis is for use by cardholders only.
Audience Percentage Thresholds
915 KAR 1:090 sets no audience composition percentage. This is an absence in the regulation rather than an omission from this page. Other states do set one: Connecticut requires reliable evidence that at least 90 percent of the audience is 21 or older, and Delaware requires at least 85 percent.
What the regulation uses instead
The permitted-activity list at Section 1(1), the content prohibitions at Section 2(4), and the 18-plus access measure at Section 2(6).
Event sponsorship
Under Section 1(1)(d), a cannabis business may sponsor health or not-for-profit charity or advocacy events. 915 KAR 1:090 states no audience threshold for such sponsorship. Under Section 3, sponsorship is within the cabinet's removal power.
Where the burden sits
On the cannabis business. Section 2(3) places the registration and notification obligations on it, and Section 3 requires it to remove material the cabinet determines to be in violation.
Age Gating and Consent
Websites and social media
Under Section 2(6), appropriate measures to ensure that individuals attempting to access the allowable content are 18 years of age or older. Section 2(6) prescribes no mechanism.
Cabinet access
Under Section 2(3), the business shall not block or prohibit the cabinet from accessing its websites and any social media postings.
Location-based devices
915 KAR 1:090 contains no location-based device provision.
Established customers
915 KAR 1:090 contains no exception removing communications to existing cardholders from the prohibition at Section 1(1).
People Depicted in Ads
Under Section 2(4), no images of minors, cartoons, toys, or similar images and items typically marketed towards minors, and no references to products commonly associated with minors or marketed by minors.
Consumption of medicinal cannabis may be displayed only where it provides an educational benefit, under Section 2(4). 915 KAR 1:090 sets no minimum age for persons appearing in content and states no celebrity or mascot provision.
Geo Targeting Rules for Cannabis Advertising in Kentucky
Restricted Locations and Buffer Distances
915 KAR 1:090 states no advertising buffer. The regulation states no distance around schools, childcare facilities, playgrounds, parks or libraries, and contains no transit prohibition, because off-premises advertising is prohibited outright by Section 1(1). This is an absence in the regulation rather than an omission from this page.
What applies instead
The property-signage permission at Section 1(1)(a) and the exterior anonymity requirement at Section 1(2). Local sign ordinances apply independently.
Licensing Buffers That Are Not Advertising Buffers
Distance requirements governing where a cannabis business may be located sit in the licensing regulations under KRS Chapter 218B. Those provisions govern facility siting and are not advertising provisions.
Can You Run a Digital Out of Home Screen in Kentucky?
Section 1(1) prohibits off-premises advertising and no exception covers a screen. On premises, Section 1(1)(a) permits appropriate signs identifying the business, subject to local sign ordinances. Under Section 1(2), cultivators, processors and producers may not display anything on the outside of their facilities alerting the public to cannabis activity.
Compliant Use of Geotargeting
- 915 KAR 1:090 states no advertising buffer, and permits no paid media placement to geofence.
- Build the website to the content categories at Section 2(1) and 2(2), which include product listings, prices, permitted inducements, educational materials and certificates of analysis.
- Register every website and social media account with the cabinet with links, keep the list current, and notify activations and deactivations within two business days, under Section 2(3).
- Configure the Section 2(6) age measure so it does not block cabinet access, which Section 2(3) requires.
- Record the educational rationale for any content displaying consumption, under Section 2(4).
- Use the business-to-business permission at Section 4 for trade marketing, which permits full product and service promotion between licensees.
- Confirm the current scope of 915 KAR 1:070 Section 5(5) before listing any inducement.
Need Help Running Compliant Campaigns in Kentucky?
Knowing the rules is step one. Where paid media is closed and the owned channel carries most of the permission, the work is website depth, education content and measurement. MediaJel helps Kentucky cannabis businesses build compliant informational sites and social programmes, maintain discoverability, and tie activity to real in-store transactions through DataJel.
What Are the Recreational and Medical Marijuana Rules in Kentucky?
One advertising rule set. Kentucky is medical only. Senate Bill 47, signed in March 2023, created the medicinal cannabis programme at KRS Chapter 218B, with the Cabinet for Health and Family Services regulating through its Office of Medical Cannabis and the programme operating from January 1, 2025.
The programme licenses cultivators, processors, producers, dispensaries and safety compliance facilities. 915 KAR 1:090 treats them differently in two respects. Under Section 1(2), cultivators, processors and producers may not display anything identifying cannabis activity on their exteriors, while Section 1(1)(a) permits property signage generally. Under Section 4(2), a safety compliance facility may only promote its testing services and other activities allowed by KRS 218B.125 to other cannabis businesses.
Patients access the programme with a registry card for a qualifying medical condition, which the Section 2(5) statement reflects.
915 KAR 1:090 carries a seven-year expiration of August 28, 2031. The inducements permission cross-refers to 915 KAR 1:070, which should be checked alongside it.
What Are the Hemp and CBD Rules in Kentucky?
Who regulates hemp here
The Kentucky Department of Agriculture administers the hemp programme, separately from the Cabinet for Health and Family Services. Kentucky's hemp programme dates from the 2014 federal pilot authority.
Non-intoxicating hemp and CBD
Permitted through general retail. A hemp product within the federal definition and sold outside the licensed medicinal channel is not a cannabis business advertising medicinal cannabis sales, so 915 KAR 1:090 does not apply to it. General Kentucky consumer protection law and federal restrictions on health claims apply instead.
Intoxicating hemp-derived cannabinoids
Kentucky regulates intoxicating hemp-derived cannabinoid products, including delta-8, through a framework administered by the Department of Agriculture with age restrictions, testing, packaging and labelling requirements. That framework carries its own marketing provisions. The federal definition of hemp narrows in November 2026. Confirm the current position before planning a hemp campaign.
What it means for advertising
915 KAR 1:090 binds cannabis businesses licensed under KRS Chapter 218B. A hemp product sold outside that channel operates under the Department of Agriculture framework with its own marketing provisions. Classify each product and check the hemp marketing requirements separately before building a media plan.
Kentucky Legislation and Source Regulations
Every statement on this page traces to one of the following:
- 915 KAR 1:090, Advertising, effective August 28, 2024, promulgated under KRS 218B.140
- 915 KAR 1:070, Section 5(5), governing permitted inducements
- KRS Chapter 218B, the Kentucky medicinal cannabis statutes, including KRS 218B.125 and KRS 218B.140
- Kentucky Office of Medical Cannabis
- Kentucky Department of Agriculture, Hemp Program
Disclaimer
Please note that we are not legal professionals, and the information provided in this article should not be interpreted as legal advice. Cannabis laws and regulations are subject to frequent changes and vary by state and locality. We strongly recommend consulting with qualified legal counsel to ensure compliance with all applicable laws and regulations. For the most up-to-date guidance on state-specific marketing rules, please reach out to the MediaJel team directly.
Click on Your State to View Cannabis Advertising Laws
Advertising rules differ in every jurisdiction. Select a state to see its full breakdown.