What is a hemp beverage?
Hemp beverages are seltzers, sodas, mocktails, coffees, teas, and other drinks that contain an infusion of hemp-derived cannabinoids.
What is a cannabinoid?
Cannabinoids are chemical substances found in cannabis and other plants. CBD and THC are the most common cannabinoids found in cannabis but there are hundreds of other "minor cannabinoids" as well. In addition, the human body makes its own cannabinoids called endo-cannabinoids (as compared to phytocannabinoids, which are found in plants). All cannabinoids are regulated by the body's endogenous cannabinoid system (ECS).
CBD is a common cannabinoid that has no psychoactive activity (doesn't get you "high"), According to the US National Institute of Health, "CBD has shown promise as an analgesic, anticonvulsant, muscle relaxant, anxiolytic, antipsychotic and has shown neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant activity, among other currently investigated uses."
Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the psychoactive cannabinoid extracted from the cannabis plant. Simply put, THC is what gets you high. Unlike cannabis sold in dispensaries, hemp-infused beverages commonly have a lower amount of THC in them. Nonetheless, consumers should be careful when consuming hemp-derived beverages.
Hemp-derived THC is often referred to as Delta-9, D9, or intoxicating hemp-derived cannabis (IHDC).
Delta-8-tetrahydrocannbinol (D8) is a minor cannabinoid that has gained attention for its mild psychoactive effects. Although it is found naturally in the cannabis plant, Delta-8 products are converted from CBD.
What is the Farm Bill as it relates to hemp beverages?
The 2018 Agriculture Improvement Act (aka the “Farm Bill”) allowed for the production of any varietal of cannabis sativa L. plant as long as it the amount of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) was less than 0.3% by weight. Cannabis sativa L. as “hemp” or “industrial hemp” with less than 0.3% THC by weight was now called “hemp” or “industrial hemp” and was removed from the definition of marijuana in the Controlled Substances Act.
Recognizing the opportunity to be found in the hemp plant, hundreds of companies started developing tinctures, lotions, foods and beverages with hemp-derived cannabinoids, specifically cannabidiol (CBD). Shortly thereafter, companies started developing products with low amounts of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) derived from hemp.
he 2018 Farm Bill explicitly legalized hemp. According to the law:
”The term `hemp' means the plant Cannabis sativa L. and any part of that plant,including the seeds thereof and all derivatives, extracts, cannabinoids, isomers, acids, salts, and salts of isomers, whether growing or not, with a delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol concentration of not more than 0.3 percent on a dry weight basis.” (Sec. 297a)
The 2018 Farm Bill was scheduled to be renewed in 2023. It is currently expected to be renewed in 2025.
What's the difference between hemp and cannabis?
Cannabis and hemp are essentially the same plant, the difference being how much delta-9 tetrahydrocannibinol (THC) it contains. If 0.3% or less of the weight of the plant is THC, then it's hemp. If the weight of the THC is more than 0.3% of the plant, then it’s cannabis. Beyond that, the plants are very similar: Same look, same smell, same cannabinoids.
However…
From a regulatory perspective, cannabis and hemp are very different. Cannabis (with its capacity for higher levels of THC) and cannabis products can only be sold in licensed dispensaries in states that have legalized it, whereas hemp (with its lower levels of THC) and hemp products are federally legal under the 2018 Farm Bill.
What can I expect when drinking a hemp beverage?
When consumed responsibly, you can expect feelings of relaxation, amusement, and a general sense of well-being.
New consumers should approach hemp beverages as you would alcohol. A light beer can be a refreshing treat after a hard day of yard work. Several light beers, on the other hand, can lead to intoxication and a terrible morning after. A hemp beverage at the end of the day can be a relaxing alternative. But drink too many and you might end up “high.”
The Hemp Beverage Alliance urges consumers to enjoy hemp-beverages responsibly. That means moderation, knowing your limits, and taking steps to ensure you and others around you are safe:
Start low and go slow when consuming a hemp beverages.
Never drink a hemp beverage if you are planning on driving a car or operating heavy machinery.
Stay away from hemp beverages if you are pregnant or nursing.
Consult a physician if you are taking any medications prior to consuming beverages.
Beware that consuming hemp beverages may cause you to fail a drug test.
Approach hemp beverages just like you'd approach alcohol, especially if you are a first-time consumer. Be smart and don't overdo it. Err on the side of caution.
Are hemp beverages going to put dispensaries out of business?
The Hemp Beverage Alliance strongly believes that cannabis and hemp can thrive alongside each other.
Most consumers are going to choose hemp beverages for a lighter experience. For those wanting something a bit heavier, the dispensary is going to be their best bet.
Again, it's best to look at the alcohol industry as a model. In many states, beer and wine are for sale everywhere but spirits must be purchased at a state-licensed store. That's how the Alliance sees cannabis and hemp co-existing together.
How do I get hemp-derived THC beverages into my store/bar/venue?
Email us and we'll help you connect with brands and distributors that can bring the highest quality beverages for your customers to enjoy.