Kentucky Cannabis Company Founder Warns Federal Hemp Changes Could Threaten Full-Spectrum CBD Oil

Bill Polyniak, founder of Kentucky Cannabis Company and Bluegrass Hemp Oil, examines how a new federal THC limit could affect traditional hemp extracts.

MIDWAY, KY, UNITED STATES, October 20, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ -- A change to federal hemp law scheduled for December 11 could affect full-spectrum CBD oils containing naturally occurring trace amounts of THC, including products made by long-established Kentucky hemp manufacturers.

Bill Polyniak, founder of Kentucky Cannabis Company and Bluegrass Hemp Oil, entered Kentucky's original industrial hemp pilot program in 2014. More than twelve years later, he says the distinction between plant-derived full-spectrum extracts and chemically converted intoxicating cannabinoids deserves closer attention.

Under a federal law enacted in November 2025, with certain effective dates revised in September 2026, finished hemp-derived cannabinoid products containing more than 0.4 milligrams per container of combined total THC and specified THC-like cannabinoids will be excluded from the federal definition of hemp beginning December 11, 2026. Certain other cannabinoid exclusions take effect November 12.

"There's a difference between extracting what the hemp plant naturally produces and chemically converting isolated CBD into intoxicating delta-8 or delta-9 THC," Polyniak said. "Those differences matter when we're talking about consumer safety and the future of hemp."

From a Personal Pursuit to Genesis Blend

Polyniak's interest in CBD began after his son developed epilepsy and experienced severe side effects associated with prescription medications. He set out to understand how to manufacture a consistently formulated full-spectrum CBD oil with measurable cannabinoid concentrations.

A March 10, 2014, Kentucky Department of Agriculture letter documents Polyniak's participation in one of six authorized industrial hemp pilot programs.

That work eventually led to Genesis Blend Full Spectrum CBD Oil, formulated to retain naturally occurring hemp cannabinoids rather than rely exclusively on purified CBD. Its manufacturing process focuses on hemp flowers, consistent formulations, and laboratory testing.

"My pursuit started because of my son," said Polyniak. "I wanted a reliable full-spectrum CBD oil containing the cannabinoids the plant naturally produces. That was why I entered this industry."

Bluegrass Hemp Oil Connects Kentucky Manufacturing With Consumers

Kentucky Cannabis Company originally operated from several locations around Lexington. Approximately six years ago, Polyniak consolidated cultivation, extraction, formulation, manufacturing, and laboratory testing into one operation in Midway.

Bluegrass Hemp Oil became the consumer-facing brand, with retail locations at Lexington Green and in historic Midway, plus online ordering.

It provides full-spectrum products including Genesis Blend, along with cannabinoid education and laboratory testing information. Its educational CBD oil guide explains product types and what consumers should examine on labels.

The Difference Between Extracting and Converting Cannabinoids

Delta-8 THC occurs naturally in cannabis in very small quantities, but commercial concentrations are commonly made by chemically converting CBD. Some products sold as hemp-derived delta-9 THC also contain THC produced through conversion rather than extracted directly from cannabis.

A 2023 peer-reviewed study in the Journal of Cannabis Research tested 53 hemp-derived delta-9 products. Among 49 assessed for cannabinoid origin, 24 showed evidence consistent with conversion from CBD. The finding does not establish the prevalence of conversion throughout the market.

The FDA has warned about adverse events, potential reaction byproducts, and pediatric exposures involving delta-8 products.

Polyniak emphasizes that cannabinoid synthase genes influence whether cannabis plants develop CBD-dominant or THC-dominant profiles.

"The biology of this plant is more complex than a single legal THC percentage," he said.

Child Protection and Consumer Accessibility

Polyniak also points to a less-discussed consumer issue: some child-resistant bottle closures are difficult for older adults with arthritis or reduced hand strength.

"I got into hemp because of my son," Polyniak said. "Look at the strange turn this industry has taken. Lab-converted intoxicating products raise serious safety concerns, while some seniors struggle to open child-resistant CBD bottles. We should protect children and make packaging accessible to adults."

Federal and state packaging requirements vary by product category. Polyniak believes regulation should account for these differences rather than treating every cannabinoid product as equivalent.

An Uncertain Future

Whether a particular full-spectrum product remains within the revised federal hemp definition depends on its composition and the law's requirements.

"I've spent more than twelve years building a company around cannabinoids this plant naturally produces," Polyniak said. "I want the history, the science, and the consequences for traditional CBD products to be understood."

About Kentucky Cannabis Company and Bluegrass Hemp Oil

Founded in 2014, Kentucky Cannabis Company is a Midway-based cultivator and manufacturer specializing in naturally derived full-spectrum CBD products.

Bluegrass Hemp Oil is its retail and online brand, with stores in Lexington and Midway and products including Genesis Blend Full Spectrum CBD Oil.

Learn more about Bluegrass Hemp Oil and Genesis Blend:

https://bluegrasshempoil.com/

Media Contact

Bill Polyniak
Founder, Kentucky Cannabis Company and Bluegrass Hemp Oil
Midway, Kentucky
Email: info@bluegrasshempoil.com
Phone: 859-963-3550

William Polyniak
Kentucky Cannabis Company
+1 859-963-3550