Congress is cracking down on THC drinks by the end of the year

Hemp-derived THC drinks and edibles may be knocked out of their legal category in the coming weeks as federal changes are scheduled to take effect. Here’s what it means for some of your favourite beverages.

On 11 December, the federal definition of hemp is scheduled to change, limiting finished products to just 0.4 milligrams of total THC and similarly acting cannabinoids per container, as reported by Vice.

Any products containing more THC are likely to be kicked out of the legal hemp category. Delish says that the strict limit would ‘sideline most current THC drinks and edibles’.

Five has already announced plans to axe its THC range, as have Vena and Soul. All three companies have said they will stop shipping their existing hemp THC products on 11 December, with no plans to restock further.

(Five)

Meanwhile, Kentucky-based company Cornbread Hemp has pledged to push back against the upcoming federal restrictions. Its leadership has warned the 0.4mg-per-container limit could sadly put the entire company in jeopardy, Vice said.

Speaking about the potential ban, Mike Viellion, founder of Sip Elixirs, said: “We think prohibition is the wrong answer.

“Consumers have clearly demonstrated that they want responsible alternatives to alcohol, and THC beverages are becoming part of that choice.”

He added: “People who enjoy these products have every right to participate in that conversation, and their voices are extremely important to the process.”

Those against the hemp TCH beverage ban are advised to contact local representatives and ‘ask them to cosponsor the Lawful Hemp Protection Act.

The latter wants to ‘set national standards for labelling, age verification, serving limits, and FDA oversight’, according to Joe Gerrity, CEO of Crescent Canna.

(Getty Stock Image)

He also recommended supporting the Beverage Regulatory Parity Act, which focuses on ‘THC drinks, with a 21+ requirement, TTB oversight, potency limits, testing, and taxation’.

Gerrity said anyone who wants to get in touch with their local representative should also send a ‘short, personal note about why these products matter to you’.

“[This] carries real weight with lawmakers”, he added.

There is a chance that Congress may extend the 11 December deadline, or pass legislation that establishes a regulatory framework for hemp-derived THC beverages.

However, consumers who enjoy these potentially soon-to-be-banned drinks are advised to stock up in case the axe is passed.

Be sure to check best before dates, manufacturer storage recommendations, and general state purchasing restrictions before pulling the trigger on a big purchase orders.

Restrictions involving certain synthetic cannabinoids are still scheduled to take effect on 12 November, as per Delish.