A booming market for hemp-derived THC beverages is facing a potential federal crackdown that could dismantle the multi-billion dollar industry. Sparked by the 2018 Farm Bill, which legalized hemp containing less than 0.3% Delta-9 THC, entrepreneurs created a new category of legal, low-dose intoxicating drinks sold in mainstream retailers like Total Wine and Target. This legal loophole allowed products to be shipped across state lines, bypassing the heavily regulated marijuana market, and tapped into a massive consumer demand for alternatives to alcohol. The sector experienced meteoric growth, introducing a new wave of consumers who preferred the convenience of a liquor store over a dispensary, with companies reporting monthly revenue doubling as production struggled to keep pace with thirst.
However, the industry’s future is now in jeopardy following a recent congressional spending bill that sets a one-year deadline to close the hemp loophole with new restrictions. This legislative move came after warnings from dozens of state attorneys general about the risks of an unregulated market, particularly concerning child safety. The impending changes have already caused major retail chains to pause or cancel plans to stock THC beverages in states like Virginia. Industry leaders warn the federal action could trigger an „extinction-level event” for the broader hemp market, forcing a frantic, year-long countdown for businesses to adapt or advocate for survival.
Amidst the uncertainty, stakeholders are calling for a regulated compromise that ensures product safety, standardized testing, and age-gated sales, rather than an outright ban. At a recent cannabis policy summit, figures from both major political parties, like Sen. Cory Booker and Sen. Rand Paul, highlighted the bipartisan concern over the crackdown, with Rep. Nancy Mace introducing a bill to repeal the restrictive measures. Despite the looming threat, consumer demand shows no signs of slowing; immediately after news of the clampdown broke, distributors were urgently requesting more product, indicating the market continues to barrel forward even as its legal foundation threatens to collapse.
Ez a cikk a Neural News AI (V1) verziójával készült.
Forrás: https://www.npr.org/2025/11/24/nx-s1-5609336/hemp-thc-drinks-cannabis-marijuana-farm-bill.