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Cannabis Campaigners' Guide News Database result:
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US: States rush to regulate rising cannabis beverage trend amid safety concerns Hyun Jung-min Chosum Biz Wednesday 18 Jun 2025 Demand for 'hallucinogenic cannabis beverages' is surging in the United States, prompting state governments to belatedly move towards regulation. These beverages are considered hemp products, not marijuana, which is classified as a drug, and are widely distributed under loose regulations, raising safety concerns. According to The Washington Post (WP) on the 17th (local time), cannabis beverages are being sold through convenience stores and supermarkets and are gaining significant popularity in the U.S. This is a result of a recent trend towards healthy eating, which has increased the demand for non-alcoholic products. Cannabis beverages are seen as alternatives to traditional alcoholic products due to their low levels of carbohydrates and sugars and low calorie count. In fact, the cannabis beverage market is experiencing rapid growth. According to the global market research firm Euromonitor, the size of the cannabis beverage market in the U.S. is expected to grow from $239 million (about 327.55 billion won) last year to over $1 billion (about 1.37 trillion won) this year. Delta Emerald, a private investment funds, projected that 'within 10 years, cannabis beverages will surpass the craft beer market.' This demand is impacting industries beyond distribution, reaching even the insurance sector. For instance, Frontier Risk, a British insurance company, launched a product at the beginning of this year that guarantees safety for the distribution of cannabis beverages in concert halls and stadiums. This is based on the assessment that it can provide revenue opportunity by compensating for gaps in existing alcoholic liability insurance products. Peter Berg, the company’s representative, noted, "There has been a flood of inquiries since the product launch." Cannabis beverages began to increase in production after the federal government legalized hemp in 2018. Legally, hemp is considered to be any cannabis with a tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) content of 0.3% or less by dry weight; anything above that is classified as marijuana and is subject to regulation. At the time of legalization, there were no specific regulations for beverage products. However, there are now calls for new regulatory standards as numerous products have been released that concentrate and synthesize THC from hemp extracts to produce effects similar to those of marijuana. According to WP, hemp products can currently be freely traded in grocery stores, convenience stores, and online platforms in the U.S., unlike alcohol or marijuana products, and can be shipped to other states. Rob Kight, a cannabis business attorney, emphasized that "regulating the actual doses of THC added is crucial," pointing out that "beverages containing THC levels of 50 to 100 mg can induce severe hallucinations, but under current law, they are not classified as drugs." Incidents of beverage misuse are also on the rise. According to the Poison Control Center, over the past year, there have been more than 1,520 incidents related to THC intoxication, with more than half being cases involving adolescents and children. The beverages are designed to taste similar to regular drinks and are sold in colorful containers, making it easy for young consumers to consume them without caution. In response, state governments are speeding up regulatory measures. According to the regulatory firm MultiState, more than 80 cannabis beverage regulatory bills have been submitted to legislatures this year. Some states, including Texas, Alabama, and Georgia, are already pushing for strict regulations on the sale of cannabis beverages, while California and New York have already implemented sales bans. Beverage manufacturers are also demanding clear federal regulatory standards to reduce confusion. Products are frequently being recalled due to conflicting regulations across states, and there are concerns that the overall trustworthiness of the cannabis beverage market is being shaken. In Iowa, for instance, there have been instances of significant product recalls after the state limited the maximum THC content to 4 mg per 12-ounce (about 30 grams) can. Manufacturers in the traditional alcoholic beverage industry and those dealing with marijuana, which are competitors of cannabis beverages, have also raised objections. Brian Crawford, the president of the Beer Association, pointed out that "it would be fair to apply the same regulations to cannabis beverage products." Future efforts to regulate cannabis beverages are expected to accelerate further. Republican Senator Charles Perry of Texas hinted at the possibility of regulation during a hearing in March, stating, "It’s time to reseal the genie (cannabis)." This article has been translated by OpenAI. https://biz.chosun.com/en/en-international/2025/06/18/3FGLBIBKOJAKBD3FL2FMGPRX2I/
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