WSWA Members Advocate for Federal Regulation of Hemp-Derived Beverages on Capitol Hill

Apr 10, 2025

WASHINGTON, D.C.

WASHINGTON, D.C., 04/10/2025 - Wine and Spirits Wholesalers of America (WSWA) hosted members from across the country this week to engage with members of Congress on the pressing need for a federal regulatory framework for hemp-derived intoxicating products, including hemp-derived beverages.

As the proliferation of hemp-derived intoxicating continues to expand across the country under the auspice of the 2018 Farm Bill, more than 100 bills across 34 states have been introduced in the past three months to regulate intoxicating hemp-derived THC products, signaling a need for clear, comprehensive federal regulatory action. This week, WSWA members stressed that a comprehensive federal regulatory structure is critical to ensuring public safety, setting industry guardrails, and establishing a level playing field for all stakeholders.

"WSWA members are committed to responsible industry growth and consumer safety," said Ryan Mosses, Best Brands CEO and member of WSWA's Board of Directors. "Legislative fly-ins like this are invaluable opportunities for our members to engage directly with lawmakers, share industry insights, and advocate for smart, science-backed regulations that benefit both businesses and consumers."

During the fly-in, association members met with key policymakers to discuss the need for federal oversight that fosters innovation while maintaining robust safety standards. As legislative efforts continue across multiple states, WSWA remains dedicated to working with federal regulators and lawmakers that establish comprehensive and balanced policies for hemp-derived products.

During the fly-in, association members highlighted key policy priorities, including a distribution system based on the sound principles of alcohol distribution:

• Establishing a prohibition on synthetic hemp-derived THC intoxicating products.

• Establishing federal standards for testing and labeling hemp-derived beverages.

• Establishing state authority to regulate distribution and retail sales.

WSWA believes the next Farm Bill should explicitly allow for the production of only naturally derived THC products from hemp (specifically Delta-9) while explicitly granting individual states primary authority to regulate distribution and retail sales, including state level prohibition, to consumers over the age of 21 within their own borders.

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