LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) – Some Kentucky lawmakers are pushing to further regulate THC-infused beverages, but you will be able to find them at one of the largest events in Louisville.

The popularity of THC-infused beverages has grown over the past few years, with more people looking for hangover-free drink options. Hectare's has been capitalizing off that momentum.

"The biggest growth has been people looking for alcohol alternatives," said Jason Wade, who oversees marketing for Hectare's "The spirits industry isn't translating to the younger groups. They're drinking less and less alcohol."

The Louisville-based company was founded in 2019, shortly after THC drinks became legal in Kentucky under the 2018 federal farm bill, which legalized hemp plants with low levels of THC.

"Our co-founder, Jeff, he and his family had farmland," Jenna Clem-Warner, Hectare's sales account manager, said. "They used their hemp to start (Hectare's) out with, and that's kind of where the name generated from."

The hemp industry has exploded over the past few years, so this Louisville-based company sells beverages in 21 states, including Kentucky and Indiana.

If you're 21 years old or older, you will soon be able to sip on the delta-9 THC-infused drink at Kentucky Derby Festival events. It's the first time the festival has offered a partnership of this kind.

"The cans are 5mg, so it is a low-dosage beverage," Wade said.

Festivalgoers will be able to try three flavors: stone fruit, dragon fruit and watermelon cucumber mint. They will be available at the Fillies Derby Ball, Thunder Over Louisville, Fest-a-Ville and several other events.

Wade said the company is focused on educating consumers about its products, particularly those who may be trying THC beverages for the first time.

"There's a lot of what we call 'canna-curious' consumers, and we want them to not go in blindly,” Wade said.

That's why Hectare's will provide informational postcards with QR codes linking to educational videos about its products.

"We want people to take it slow and understand their tolerance because everybody’s is different," Wade said.

Several lawmakers are pushing for Senate Bill 202, which treats THC seltzers like alcohol and limits the drinks to 5 milligrams per can. If the bill goes into effect, it would make exceptions for hemp drink limits at fairs and festivals until Jan. 1, 2026.

Despite ongoing discussions about THC beverage regulations, Hectare’s already complies with the proposed restrictions.

The Kentucky Derby Festival begins in April and runs through the Kentucky Derby on May 3.

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