BIG ALCOHOL’S WAR ON HEMP: LOBBYING EMAILS EXPOSE CAMPAIGN TO PROTECT FEDERAL THC BAN
The battle over America’s hemp industry has taken a dramatic turn following revelations that lobbyists representing some of the world’s largest alcohol companies sought support from state attorneys general to preserve sweeping federal restrictions on hemp-derived THC products.
According to reporting by Politico, later examined by High Times and Marijuana Moment, correspondence obtained through public records requests reveals lobbying efforts associated with Anheuser-Busch, Molson Coors and Diageo. Representatives encouraged state attorneys general to oppose congressional attempts to delay or weaken the federal hemp crackdown.
The disclosures raise a significant question: Is the movement to prohibit hemp-derived THC beverages primarily about consumer safety, or is protecting the traditional alcohol market also influencing federal policy?
FOLLOW THE MONEY
Hemp-derived THC beverages have emerged as competitors to traditional beer, wine and spirits, offering adult consumers an alternative in an increasingly competitive beverage market.
For established alcohol companies, the rapid expansion of hemp beverages represents a potential challenge to market share, distribution networks and retail shelf space.
One particularly revealing email, reportedly sent in July by attorney and lobbyist Todd Kranda to North Dakota Attorney General Drew Wrigley, warned that certain senators wanted to extend the federal hemp exemption.
Kranda was reportedly representing Anheuser-Busch.
The correspondence formed part of a broader effort to encourage attorneys general to support federal restrictions rather than give the hemp industry additional time to develop a regulatory framework.
In August, a bipartisan group of 35 state and territorial attorneys general urged Congress not to postpone or weaken the scheduled restrictions.
Although the emails demonstrate lobbying activity, they do not establish that alcohol companies controlled the attorneys general’s decisions.
Nevertheless, the disclosures illustrate the considerable influence traditional beverage interests are attempting to exert over the future of hemp commerce.
THE ALCOHOL INDUSTRY IS DIVIDED
Not every major alcohol retailer or distributor supports prohibition.
Total Wine & More has taken a markedly different position, supporting federal legislation that would allow qualifying hemp-derived THC beverages to remain available under strict regulatory controls.
The company has reported more than $500,000 in federal lobbying involving hemp beverage regulation.
The proposed Beverage Regulatory Parity Act would establish a framework involving age restrictions, product testing, a five-milligram THC limit per serving and distribution requirements modeled on the alcohol industry.
More than 50 beer, wine and spirits distributors have also supported regulating and taxing hemp beverages rather than eliminating the market.
This division reveals an important distinction within the beverage industry: Some established manufacturers appear determined to restrict emerging competition, while other businesses see hemp beverages as a legitimate new retail category.
TEXAS HEMP RETAILERS FACE AN UNCERTAIN FUTURE
For Texas, the stakes extend well beyond beverages.
The state’s hemp economy includes manufacturers, distributors, farmers, independent retailers and hundreds of specialty shops that have invested in products developed under the federal hemp framework established in 2018.
A federal prohibition affecting most consumable THC products could disrupt inventory, supply agreements, employment and long-term business investment.
The legislation signed in November 2025 established a much narrower federal definition of hemp, including a threshold of 0.4 milligrams of total THC per finished container.
Most of those restrictions are now scheduled to take effect December 11, 2026, following a temporary extension. Separate provisions involving certain cannabinoids that cannot occur naturally in cannabis remain scheduled for November 12.
Texas businesses must also navigate existing state regulations and continuing litigation over hemp products.
The question facing lawmakers is whether consumer protection can be accomplished through testing, age verification, labeling, licensing and responsible retail practices without destroying an established industry.
DECEMBER 11: THE CLOCK IS RUNNING
Congress has only weeks remaining to determine whether the scheduled federal restrictions will proceed, be postponed again or be replaced by a workable regulatory system.
The lobbying disclosures have added another layer of controversy to an already contentious debate.
While alcohol companies have legitimate interests in consistent beverage regulation and public safety, the possibility that commercial competition is helping shape federal hemp policy deserves close scrutiny.
For Texas retailers, the issue is straightforward: Businesses operating under established rules need clear, enforceable standards rather than another cycle of uncertainty.
The ultimate question is whether Congress will regulate hemp as a legitimate American industry or allow prohibition to eliminate a growing competitor in the consumer beverage marketplace.
For thousands of hemp businesses and their customers, the answer could determine the industry’s future.
- Source article: https://hightimes.com/news/big-alcohol-hemp-thc-ban-lobbying-emails/
