Beer Institute Releases Statement on Closing Intoxicating Hemp Loophole

WASHINGTON — The Beer Institute, the oldest national trade association representing the beer industry, released the following statement in support of addressing the intoxicating hemp loophole created in the 2018 Farm Bill.

The Beer Institute supports efforts underway by lawmakers to close an unintended federal loophole that is enabling the proliferation of unregulated intoxicating hemp products across the country. Intoxicating hemp products are being sold as food and beverages, despite not being deemed safe for the U.S. food supply by federal regulators, and in some cases without age restrictions.

“The beer industry is proud of our longstanding commitment to responsible drinking and to operating in full compliance with a multitude of state and federal regulations.

The Beer Institute’s position aligns with a bipartisan coalition of 21 state attorneys general who wrote a letter earlier this year that “urged Congress in the strongest possible terms to address this reckless policy,” which allowed for the proliferation of unregulated intoxicating hemp products.

For more information on the BI’s policy and responsibility positions, click here.

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