Federal Bill Would Regulate Intoxicating Hemp Beverages Like Alcohol

U.S. Representatives Beth Van Duyne (R-TX) and Greg Landsman (D-OH) introduced the Beverage Regulatory Parity Act on Monday, which would create a federal framework for the responsible sale of intoxicating hemp beverages.

The proposal includes a three-tiered distribution system covering product labeling, advertising, and trade-practice rules modeled after alcohol regulations. The bill would also set the minimum age for purchasing or consuming hemp products at 21 and create product testing requirements for the industry. There would also be a federal excise tax of 8 cents per milligram of intoxicating THC in each beverage.

The sale of hemp-derived THC is currently set to be prohibited under federal law starting this December.

“I’ve heard directly from people across North Texas who consume hemp-derived beverages, and businesses who sell them, that they need clarity, not a ban that pushes this market underground,” Rep. Van Duyne said in a statement.

“The Beverage Regulatory Parity Act brings long-overdue certainty to the industry by regulating these beverages with the same proven structure that has successfully governed alcohol for decades. I am glad to introduce this bipartisan legislation alongside Rep. Greg Landsman, because American families and responsible businesses deserve structure and sensible regulations that protect children while allowing adults to choose beverages they prefer.” — Van Duyne, in a press release

“There are people all over Southwest Ohio who have invested significantly in these products, and they’ve done so safely,” said Rep. Landsman. “Now the federal government is telling them they can’t sell these products anymore. Our bill is bipartisan and very straightforward. It will keep people safe and let these folks stay in business.”