Landsman, Van Duyne Lead Bipartisan Effort to Keep Hemp Beverages Safe and on Shelves

WARREN COUNTY, OH -- Congressman Greg Landsman (D-OH-01), which serves all of Warren County, and Congresswoman Beth Van Duyne (R-TX-24) introduced bipartisan legislation that creates a safe and straightforward national framework to keep hemp-derived beverages on the market.

Last year, the Trump Administration passed legislation that significantly lowers the amount of THC allowed in hemp products, including beverages. The federal limit is set to take effect on November 12, 2026, and it hreatens to nearly elminate the legal market place for himp-derived beverages. 

“There are people all over Southwest Ohio who have invested significantly in these products, and they’ve done so safely. 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,” noted Landsman.

In response, Reps. Landsman and Van Duyne introduced the bipartisan Beverage Regulatory Parity Act – legislation that gives Congress a targeted framework that protects children, provides regulatory certainty, and allows responsible hemp beverage companies to operate under clear standards. 

What the Beverage Regulatory Parity Act Does:

• Establishes a clear three-tier distribution system for hemp-derived beverages that mirrors the long-proven alcohol model. This structure aims to keep the market orderly and accountable from production all the way to the store shelf.
• Protects children by putting strong labeling and advertising rules in place – prohibiting any labels, graphics, or ads designed to appeal to kids.
• Protects states’ rights ensuring nothing in the bill stops any state from adding their own rules or prohibiting hemp-derived beverages completely.
• Imposes a nationwide 21-and-over standard, mandatory testing, Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) permits, strict THC limits, and detailed risk warnings.
• Bans synthetically derived cannabinoids to ensure only natural plant-based compounds end up in these beverages eliminating any unpredictable lab-made substances.
• Institutes a straightforward federal excise tax, similar to alcohol, on each milligram of intoxicating THC in a hemp-derived beverage

“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. 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," added Van Duyne

The Beverage Regulatory Parity Act is supported by the Beverage Alcohol Merchants Coalition (BAMCO), Wine and Spirits Wholesalers of America (WSWA), Texas Package Stores Association (TPSA), Specs Wine, Spirits & Fine Foods, Coalition of Adult Beverage Alternatives (CABA), Hemp Beverage Alliance (HBA), American Alternative Care Policy Network (AACPN), Total Wine & More, American Beverage Licensees (ABL), Beverage Wholesalers for Responsible Regulation (BWRR), and Texas Food & Fuel Association.

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