Craft breweries across the United States have started producing THC-infused seltzers as alcohol sales decline, with Indeed Brewing leading the charge in Minneapolis. However, a federal ban on such products, embedded in a recent government funding bill, could abruptly halt this growth. The ban, taking effect in November 2026, is causing chaos among the $24 billion hemp industry.
Ryan Bandy, chief business officer at Indeed Brewing, labeled the impending regulation a major concern for both their business and the broader craft brewing sector. It would be a mess for our breweries, for our industry, and obviously for a lot of people who like these things, he said.
Since Congress legalized hemp cultivation in 2018, the industry has grown rapidly, with products like THC beverages becoming commonplace. Yet, as these products have gained popularity, regulatory scrutiny has intensified, leading many states to block or restrict the sale of hemp-derived THC products.
State lawmakers and industry advocates are now scrambling to create a regulatory framework that meets safety standards without eliminating a thriving market. Solutions proposed include bans on synthetic THC and age restrictions on sales.
With time running out before the ban takes effect, stakeholders in the hemp industry are advocating for moderation rather than outright eradication to preserve jobs and state revenues dependent on hemp products.
