May 9, 2025 | Drug Crimes
Even as marijuana becomes legal in more places across the U.S., Kentucky remains one of the strictest states when it comes to cannabis. If you’re wondering whether you can legally order weed by mail in Lexington, Kentucky, the short answer is no. However, local delivery from a medical dispensary may be allowed in some circumstances.
While having recreational cannabis mailed to your door might seem easy thanks to out-of-state retailers, doing so is still a crime under both federal and Kentucky law. Ordering marijuana through the mail could lead to serious legal consequences, including felony charges in some cases.
Let’s break down why ordering weed through the mail in Lexington is illegal and what penalties you could face if caught.
Kentucky Marijuana Laws: Still Illegal for Recreational Use
As of now, recreational marijuana use is illegal in Kentucky. The state does have a limited medical cannabis program, but it only became active in 2025 and has very strict requirements. Even then, the law only allows the use of certain cannabis products for qualifying patients with medical cards.
If you do not have a valid medical marijuana card and if the product you’re buying doesn’t meet the program’s standards, possessing or attempting to buy weed is a criminal offense. Some dispensaries offer local delivery, but this isn’t done through the mail, and you must ensure you meet all the requirements.
Ordering cannabis from another state or country where it’s legal doesn’t change the fact that it’s still illegal once it crosses Kentucky state lines.
Mail Order Weed Is a Federal Crime
Even in states where marijuana is legal, shipping it across state lines is a federal offense. Marijuana is still classified as a Schedule I controlled substance under the Controlled Substances Act.
Sending or receiving marijuana through the mail could lead to drug charges, such as:
- Possession with intent to distribute
- Drug trafficking
- Conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance
- Use of the mail to commit a felony
Federal prosecutors don’t go after every single person who orders a small amount online, but that doesn’t mean it’s risk-free. You could be investigated, especially if the shipment is flagged or intercepted by law enforcement.
What Happens if You’re Caught?
If you’re caught receiving recreational weed in the mail in Lexington, you could be charged under Kentucky drug laws, federal laws, or both. The outcome depends on the amount of marijuana, whether there’s evidence of intent to distribute, and your criminal history.
Under Kentucky state law, possession of 8 ounces or more of marijuana can lead to felony charges.
Law enforcement might also investigate where the drugs came from and whether you’re part of a larger distribution network. Even if you’re just a buyer, you could be swept into a wider drug trafficking investigation.
Can You Legally Buy Hemp or CBD Online?
Not all cannabis-related products are illegal. You may have seen ads for CBD or hemp-based products that claim to be legal for shipping.
In Kentucky, CBD derived from industrial hemp is legal under both state and federal law as long as it contains less than 0.3% THC. You can legally purchase these products online or in stores.
However, it’s important to be cautious. Some sellers mislabel their products or include higher levels of THC than advertised. Buying from unverified websites or sellers increases your risk of accidentally committing a crime, even if you think you’re buying legal CBD.
Contact the Lexington Criminal Defense Attorneys at Suhre & Associates DUI and Criminal Defense Lawyers For Help Today
For more information, contact the criminal defense attorneys at Suhre & Associates DUI and Criminal Defense Lawyers. Give us a call today at (859) 569-4014 or visit us at our Lexington law office.
Suhre & Associates DUI and Criminal Defense Lawyers – Lexington
333 West Vine Street #212,
Lexington, KY 40507
(859) 569-4014