Federal ban threatens U.S. market for THC-infused drinks and snacks

THC-Infused Beverage Market Faces Federal Scrutiny

At Indeed Brewing, production lines once dedicated to craft beer now run quickly to fill cans of THC-infused seltzer. The shift to cannabis beverages has become a growing trend across the United States, blending social drinking culture with the expanding legalization of marijuana in many states.

However, the future of this emerging market has come into question due to a potential federal ban targeting the sale and distribution of products infused with Delta-9 THC, the psychoactive component found in cannabis.

The Federal Crackdown

Under the 2018 Farm Bill, hemp-derived products containing less than 0.3% THC by dry weight were legalized. Producers used this legal gap to manufacture beverages and snacks that remain federally compliant while still offering mild psychoactive effects.

Recent statements from federal regulators indicate that this loophole may soon close. Lawmakers and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) argue that psychoactive hemp derivatives, regardless of concentration, fall under controlled substance laws once used in consumable goods.

“These products were never intended to circumvent federal drug policy,” said a DEA spokesperson. “Public safety and consumer protection remain our chief concerns.”

Industry Impact and Uncertain Future

Thousands of small businesses, including breweries and dispensaries, now depend on hemp-derived drink sales. A federal ban could jeopardize millions in investment and threaten jobs related to both beverage production and retail.

Many brands are lobbying Congress to revise the Farm Bill in 2024 to protect their operations. Industry groups propose clearer regulations distinguishing intoxicating hemp products from safe, low-dose consumer goods.

“Our customers aren’t looking to get high — they’re choosing an alternative to alcohol,” said one Minnesota brewer. “If the federal government shuts this down, it’ll wipe out years of innovation.”

Legal Ambiguity and Consumer Demand

State-level cannabis laws often contradict federal regulations, creating significant confusion for producers and consumers. Some states have embraced the THC beverage market, regulating potency and labeling; others have banned all such products pending federal guidance.

Despite looming uncertainty, sales of THC-infused seltzers and edibles continue to rise, revealing strong consumer demand for non-alcoholic relaxation alternatives.

“Whether federal lawmakers like it or not, this market has momentum,” observed a cannabis policy researcher. “The next Farm Bill will determine if it thrives or collapses.”

Author Summary: A looming federal ban on hemp-derived THC products could dismantle a fast-growing market for cannabis-infused beverages and snacks, putting hundreds of U.S. producers at risk.

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The Associated Press on MSN The Associated Press on MSN — 2025-11-28

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