Alcohol industry representatives descended on Washington, D.C. earlier this month to urge members of Congress to create a federal regulatory framework for intoxicating hemp-derived products such as cannabinoid-infused beverages\u2014a market segment that\u2019s ballooned since the legalization of hemp through the 2018 Farm Bill.<\/p>\n
Members of the Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America (WSWA) met with lawmakers and staffers to advocate for three key policy priorities that the group says is based on \u201csound principles of alcohol distribution.\u201d They include banning synthetic THC, setting up a federal system for testing and labeling products and establishing state-level power to regulate retail sales.<\/p>\n
\u201cWSWA members are committed to responsible industry growth and consumer safety,\u201d Ryan Mosses, CEO of alcohol wholesaler Best Brands and a member of WSWA\u2019s board of directors, said in a statement about the action. \u201cLegislative fly-ins like this are invaluable opportunities for our members to engage directly with lawmakers, share industry insights, and advocate for smart, science-backed regulations that benefit both businesses and consumers.\u201d<\/p>\n
Michael Bilello, the group\u2019s executive vice president of communications and marketing, said on social media that the message to lawmakers was clear: \u201cFederal regulation of hemp-derived beverages is essential. Cannabis should be regulated\u2014and enjoyed\u2014responsibly by adult consumers.\u201d<\/p>\n
WSWA is urging lawmakers to clarify rules around hemp-derived cannabinoid products in the next federal Farm Bill. The group said in a press release<\/a> that it \u201cbelieves the next Farm Bill should explicitly allow for the production of only naturally derived THC products from hemp (specifically Delta-9) while explicitly granting individual states primary authority to regulate distribution and retail sales, including state level prohibition, to consumers over the age of 21 within their own borders.\u201d<\/p>\n