Reuters reported on Nov. 13 that the deal to end the record-long government shutdown featured a provision cracking down on cannabis-infused beverages in some states. The outlet reported that these beverages posed a “threat” to alcohol sales.
Senator Mitch McConnell (R-Ky) pushed for the provision, according to The Hill. In 2018, McConnell initially advocated legislation to categorize hemp as “an agricultural product,” thus encouraging a market of hemp-based products, including beverages. Interestingly enough, the Kentucky legislator aimed to crack down on hemp beverages with this new provision. McConnell rationalized that the restrictions are a return to form for the cannabis farm bill.
The Hill reports that the new legislation in the deal to end the government shutdown restricts the total amount of THC to 0.4 milligrams per container. Per the previous law, a product earned the “hemp” designation if it featured under 0.3 percent of delta-9 THC. The old law failed to mention delta-8THC, a chemical found in small amounts of cannabis. The Hill reported that a lack of federal regulation resulted in a “patchwork market,” where the products could be sold without strict levels of quality control.
Yet not everybody was supportive of the bill.
“This is the most thoughtless, ignorant proposal to an industry that I’ve seen in a long, long time,” said Senator Rand Paul (R-Ky.)
The law could potentially have repercussions across the board for all products containing cannabis. It additionally closes a “derivative loophole,” and bans products created from CBD, including delta-8THC. Reuters referred to the new changes as a “death blow” to low-dose THC beverages. According to The Hill, Cannabis industry professionals felt similarly.
“We are concerned about some of the consumer health threat that is presented by not having regulation,” said Executive Vice President of President of Edible Brands Thomas Winstanley in a statement. “And as we see it, prohibition is going to be a solution to a problem that is going to actually end up exacerbating it. It is a cure worse than the disease.”
Yet there might be a silver lining for the already beleaguered alcohol industry. The Guardian reported that before this newest legislation was passed, THC beverages were expected to be worth $4 billion by 2028. Forbes reported in August that young adults are choosing cannabis-infused drinks over booze, according to a survey performed by Drug Rehab USA. Over 66% tried alcohol alternatives, like CBD beverages, within the last six months, and 24% said they “partially” replaced booze with cannabis beverages. Yet perhaps the largest statistic showed that one in three Gen Z or millennials preferred THC beverages over alcohol.
If the government is going to crack down on THC beverages, it’s likely that drinkers might just have to switch back to booze to unwind.
No responses yet