449: Christopher Lackner of the Hemp Beverage Alliance Is Fighting for the Loophole that Became an Industry

When President Trump signed the bill to reopen the government on November 12, he also enacted a law that will—unless changed within a year—effectively ban hemp-derived THC beverages and other products nationwide. Virtually overnight, the government had moved to close the book on a broadly popular industry worth an estimated $30 billion—even as adults in many states can, for now, still legally shop for their hemp beverages alongside beer and wine.

As President and Founder of the Hemp Beverage Alliance, Christopher Lackner represents brewers, distributors, retailers, can manufacturers, and others who have a stake in these drinks that have become increasingly mainstream. His focus now is on lobbying for any outcome that can keep this new industry on its feet, grounded in sensible regulations and responsible business practices.

In this episode, Lackner and host Jamie Bogner discuss:

• how the 2018 Farm Bill loophole led to a lucrative, popular industry that became “no big deal”
• why sensible limits on THC in beverages—perhaps 10 milligrams per 12 ounces—may be a way forward
• why hemp beverages don’t belong in marijuana dispensaries
• the need for rules that keep out bad actors
• why skeptics of hemp-derived THC products should pay a visit to Minnesota
• how an all-you-can-drink hemp-beverage fest became the chillest affair ever
• what brewers and consumers who support hemp beverages should be doing now

And more.

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