A coalition of major alcohol industry associations is throwing its weight behind a push to get Congress to ban intoxicating hemp products—at least on a temporary basis before the federal government creates a “robust regulatory framework” for the marketplace.
As lawmakers work to finalize appropriations legislation, they’ve felt pressure on both sides of the hemp debate, with some interests endorsing controversial proposals to outright prohibit intoxicating cannabinoids and others that have called for a comprehensive regulatory approach that could prevent significant economic fallout for the hemp industry.
A new letter from the American Distilled Spirits Alliance (ADSA), Beer Institute (BI), Distilled Spirits Council of the U.S. (DISCUS), Wine America and Wine Institute seems to promote a middle-ground solution—but one the begins with a ban on hemp THC products as championed by Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-KY) and Rep. Andy Harris (R-MD).
The letter, sent to congressional leaders on Tuesday, states that the alcohol associations are aligned with a group of 39 state and territory attorneys general who recently urged federal legislators to enact a ban on the hemp items.
“Our respective organizations produce virtually all the beer, distilled spirits, and wine available in every state and congressional district across the country, representing some of the world’s most valuable consumer brands,” the letter says.
“Unfortunately, the ambiguous language contained in the 2018 Farm Bill has been manipulated and exploited by certain actors, fueling the rapid growth of a largely unregulated market that is knowingly and willfully ignoring the [Food and Drug Administration, or FDA] position that the addition of intoxicating cannabinoids (like delta-8 THC and delta-9 THC) to food is illegal,” it says.
“The rhetoric surrounding this issue is unfortunate,” the coalition said, adding that “certain entities, including some within the beverage alcohol space, claim that any effort to rein in the sale of highly intoxicating hemp THC products is tantamount to ‘prohibition’ or a ‘ban’ that will adversely impact industrial hemp farmers or even products that contain non-intoxicating cannabidiol (CBD).”
Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America (WSWA), a key player in the space, is among those alcohol interests that have pushed back against the proposed prohibition. WSWA also added a company that makes THC-infused drinks to its membership roster for the first time in September.
Hellbound and Down 