Newsletter
Alcohol retailers push Congress to keep hemp THC drinks legal (Newsletter: August 4, 2026)
New bill to color-code cannabis beverages; TX & VA hemp restriction lawsuits; MA liquor store lobby: don’t roll back marijuana legalization
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/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW
Rep. Nick LaLota (R-NY) filed a bill to require federal officials to establish a system for color coding cannabis-infused beverages and other drinks that contain alcohol, kratom-related compounds or any other intoxicating substances.
Virginia hemp businesses filed a federal lawsuit seeking to block enforcement of new restrictions that will ban hemp products with more than 2 milligrams of THC while the state launches legal recreational marijuana sales—calling it “economic protectionism” for certain companies.
The Beverage Alcohol Merchants Coalition, which represents major alcohol retailers, is cheering the Senate’s inclusion of provisions in a key funding bill to delay the planned federal recriminalization of hemp THC products—saying it provides more time to convince Congress to “establish a responsible federal framework for low-dose hemp-derived THC beverages.”
Texas regulators are facing a federal lawsuit over newly enacted hemp product restrictions, with businesses claiming they pose an unconstitutional burden on interstate commerce.
The Massachusetts Package Stores Association’s Robert Mellion argues in a new op-ed that the state should regulate marijuana businesses as stringently as it does alcohol and tobacco retailers—but not return to prohibition via a ballot initiative to roll back legalization.
- “Cannabis retail sales are here to stay because prohibition is a proven failure.”
/ FEDERAL
A federal judge dismissed a lawsuit alleging that Customs and Border Protection improperly denied entry into the U.S. to employees of a Canadian cannabis company.
Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) sent a press release about her support for a spending bill’s provisions to delay the federal recriminalization of hemp THC products.
Rep. Andy Harris (R-MD) tweeted, “Intoxicating THC gummies are poisoning and killing our children. Congress should, and must, close the hemp loophole — not fight to keep these poisons on store shelves. This is a matter of public health and safety.”
Texas Democratic U.S. Senate candidate James Talarico’s campaign highlighted his opposition to banning hemp THC products.
/ STATES
West Virginia regulators adopted changes to medical cannabis rules, including on growers/processors and dispensaries.
Washington State regulators are accepting feedback about draft fuels on financial interest agreements for cannabis retailers.
Illinois regulators sent guidance about changes to medical cannabis laws.
New York regulators published hemp guidance.
New Jersey regulators posted tips about cannabis use for older adults.
Minnesota regulators sent a newsletter with various cannabis equity updates.
The Virginia Cannabis Control Authority Board of Directors will meet on September 9.
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/ LOCAL
The Los Angeles County, California Regional Planning Commission will hold a hearing on cannabis business zoning issues on August 26.
/ INTERNATIONAL
Gandaki Province, Nepal’s province chief signed a bill to legalize cultivation of cannabis for medical and industrial purposes.
/ SCIENCE & HEALTH
A study found that recreational marijuana legalization “significantly reduces the food insecurity rate.”
A study highlighted “the limitations of relying solely on biological THC thresholds to infer impairment.”
/ ADVOCACY, OPINION & ANALYSIS
The American Alternative Care Policy Network is supporting veterans-focused medical cannabis legislation in Congress.
/ BUSINESS
A Trulieve facility is being investigated by Florida officials over environmental concerns.
A Total Wine & More executive said “eventually we will have regulation, not prohibition” for hemp THC drinks.
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