An organization that represents the restaurant industry is calling on Congress to delay the federal recriminalization of hemp THC beverages that is scheduled to take effect later this year and replace it with a regulatory framework that “ensures consumer safety and supports restaurant operators serving these products” as an alternative to alcohol.
The National Restaurant Association sent a letter to leadership in the Senate and House of Representatives outlining its support for keeping hemp THC beverages legal with “durable” federal regulations that include age verification, quality control, labeling requirements and impairment standards while also allowing states and localities to set tailored rules for their markets—”similar to how alcohol beverages are regulated.”
Sean Kennedy, chief advocacy officer for the organization, said in a press release that “consumers have made it clear that they want hemp-derived THC beverages.”
“The only question is whether Washington will create a way they can enjoy them safely or if they will allow a thriving market supporting small business owners to disappear because they wouldn’t create a sensible regulatory framework,” he said.
The restaurant association cited internal research showing that 5 percent of restaurants that serve alcohol currently also offer hemp drinks, and that 26 percent of
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