Hemp Beverage Alliance at BevAge
HBA members and staff shared the stage with leading distributors in the hemp beverage industry at BevAge last month.
Check out ”The Modern Beverage Portfolio: Embracing Innovation & Consumer Trends” and see what we had to say.
And thank you, EncompassTech, for your hospitality!
PRESS RELEASE: Hemp Beverage Alliance urges Texas Governor to veto job-killing hemp ban bill
(AUSTIN) – The Hemp Beverage Alliance, the trade association of the hemp beverage industry with more than 300 members in the U.S., Canada and the United Kingdom, today urged Governor Greg Abbott to veto legislation that would have a catastrophic impact on Texas small businesses, consumers, and taxpayers.
The Hemp Beverage Alliance is strongly opposed to the recent passage of SB3, which severely curtails the sale of hemp beverage products throughout Texas. This legislation will substantially harm small businesses throughout the state and destroy the economic livelihoods of thousands of Texans. More concerningly, the legislation overlooks the overwhelming public support the hemp beverage industry has received from adult consumers who have embraced this new adult beverage category.
“Low-dose hemp beverages are a lifesaver for the craft brewing industry and others who are affected by a downturn in alcohol consumption,” said Christopher Lackner, president, Hemp Beverage Alliance. “Regulation, not prohibition, is the best way to keep THC products away from children and protect public health while allowing responsible adults to enjoy these products..”
The Hemp Beverage Alliance supports regulatory principles that set sensible limits for THC content, keep products away from children, provide robust product testing, and create tax revenues for the public benefit. These principles can be found on the trade association’s website: https://www.hempbeveragealliance.org/principles-overview.
The passage of SB 3 runs counter to the desires of most adults in the state. According to a March 2025 public opinion poll, an overwhelming 68% of Texas voters want consumable THC to remain legal but strictly regulated, with measures such as age restrictions and warning labels.
States throughout the country are increasingly seeing significant employment opportunities, tax revenues as a result of a safe, age-gated, well-regulated hemp beverage industry.
"This ban is a direct hit to Texas jobs, veterans, and responsible consumers – killing an industry President Trump legalized and forcing companies to flee the state just to ship products back in,” said Ben Meggs, HBA member and founder of Houston-based Bayou City Hemp. “We urge Governor Abbott to veto this misguided bill and stand with us in regulating, not eliminating, an industry that saves lives and livelihoods."
Hemp beverages are seltzers, sodas, mocktails, coffees, teas, and other non-alcoholic drinks that contain a small infusion of hemp-derived cannabinoids. Since hemp was legalized in the 2018 Farm Bill, states like Minnesota, Kentucky, Georgia, Tennessee and others have developed regulatory frameworks to create a safe and thriving industry. The Hemp Beverage Alliance expects other states to develop similar frameworks in 2025.
The Hemp Beverage Alliance will hold its second annual Expo in Atlanta, Georgia this year to build more awareness for the category. More than 1,200 people from around the country are expected to attend the three day event.
About the Hemp Beverage Alliance
The mission of the Hemp Beverage Alliance is to create a safe and thriving industry through education, advocacy, best practices and partnership. We achieve this by providing consumers, retailers, and distributors with the information they need to better understand the industry; developing best practices to create consistency in labeling and manufacturing; working with elected officials and regulators to encourage common-sense regulation; and collaborating with cannabis and alcohol industries to create a marketplace that benefits everyone. More at hempbeveragealliance.org.
The Hemp Beverage Alliance will host its second annual Expo in Atlanta, July 9-11. Visit https://hempbeverageexpo.com/ for more information.
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Letter to Texas Governor Greg Abbott re: SB 3
June 3, 2025
The Honorable Greg Abbott
Office of the Governor
P.O. Box 12428
Austin, Texas 78711-2428
Dear Governor Abbott:
The Hemp Beverage Alliance is the trade association of the hemp beverage industry with more than 300 members in the U.S., Canada and the United Kingdom.
We urge you to veto SB 3, as it will destroy the livelihoods of thousands of Texans and deny responsible adults the opportunity to enjoy this new beverage category.
The Hemp Beverage Alliance supports regulatory principles that set sensible limits for THC content, keep products away from children, provide robust product testing, and create tax revenues for the public benefit. These principles can be found on our website: https://www.hempbeveragealliance.org/principles-overview.
In addition to the economic impact, the passage of SB 3 runs counter to the desires of most adults in the state. According to a March 2025 public opinion poll, an overwhelming 68% of Texas voters want consumable THC to remain legal but strictly regulated, with measures such as age restrictions and warning labels.
Consumer tastes are changing, and increasingly adult consumers are turning to hemp beverages - seltzers, sodas, mocktails, coffees, teas, and other non-alcoholic drinks that contain a small infusion of hemp-derived cannabinoids - instead of alcohol. Since hemp was legalized in the 2018 Farm Bill, Minnesota, Kentucky, Georgia, Tennessee and other states have developed regulatory frameworks to create a safe and thriving industry. The Hemp Beverage Alliance expects other states to develop similar frameworks in 2025.
The Hemp Beverage Alliance has sixteen member organizations in Texas. These brands, supply chain partners, service providers and advocates are all committed to creating a safe, transparent and thriving hemp beverage industry.
Please veto SB 3 and together we can develop a regulatory framework that works for Texas.
Thank you for your consideration.
Hemp Beverage Alliance Board Candidate: Rick Schepp of Señorita THC Margaritas (Green Thumb Industries / Agrify Corporation)
HBA will elect three members to the board of directors in June. Each candidate has been invited to post information about their candidacy for voters to review.
As a passionate advocate for cannabis, and hemp-derived THC beverages in particular, I am committed to working with my HBA colleagues to ensure the long-term success of this transformative category. At Green Thumb Industries, we believe THC beverages and regulated cannabis can and should coexist to bring the power of cannabis to more Americans through accessible, social, and wellness-driven formats.
Hemp beverages represent one of the most exciting growth opportunities in the cannabis space. The future depends on uniting the strengths of both the cannabis and hemp sectors—bridging regulatory, commercial, and cultural divides to build a stable, consumer-first market.
My candidacy is rooted in a belief that hemp beverages must be protected and elevated—not just as an extension of cannabis, but as a powerful platform in their own right. I bring a commercial mindset shaped by leadership roles in both alcohol and cannabis, having worked across distribution, policy, and brand building on brands like Jim Beam, Maker’s Mark, and now Señorita THC Margaritas.
Alongside GTI’s dedicated Government Affairs team who has years of experience on these very topics, I am committed to working with HBA to legitimize and safeguard this category for the long haul.
On the Board, I will champion:
Strong, sensible regulatory standards that ensure safety without unnecessary complexity or bureaucracy;
Collaboration between cannabis and hemp stakeholders to align on shared goals;
Clear, unified messaging to policymakers and retailers about the legitimacy and potential of hemp beverages;
A strategic, long-term approach that favors lasting growth over short-term wins.
We have a rare opportunity to define the future of this category. I’m eager to bring clarity, unity, and bold leadership to the table—and to ensure hemp beverages thrive for generations to come.
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Hemp Beverage Alliance Board Candidate: Brandon Pollock of Theory Wellness
HBA will elect three members to the board of directors in June. Each candidate has been invited to post information about their candidacy for voters to review.
My experience of founding Theory Wellness, which is the country’s largest employee-owned cannabis company, will be helpful in supporting the HBA in navigating this dynamic time. I have the bandwidth to dig into issues as needed, as well as six years of experience on the Board of the marijuana trade group in Massachusetts. While over the last ten years Theory had been focused on marijuana markets, we launched our Hi5 beverage brand in 2025 via the hemp channel and have been producing THC beverages since 2021.
I am running for the board of the HBA as our collective product lines face several inflection points, all of which will need engagement with a variety of stakeholders to reach satisfactory compromises for our brands. Areas that will require attention include:
• State by state hand to hand combat relating to restrictions and regulations of hemp derived THC products – importantly this takes working with other hemp trade groups + marijuana trade groups to reach consensus with lawmakers
• Collaboration with, and education, of alcohol wholesalers, balancing their support without reducing the long-term viability of the DTC channel
• Federal – HBA can and should take a leadership role relating to the next iteration(s) of the farm bill (or other applicable legislation and regulation)
• Promoting responsible business practices especially as it relates to navigating on-premises sales, to reduce the risk of negative headlines that could hamper the growth of the category
While I have only been a member of the HBA for 6 months, I have already helped put together a coalition in Massachusetts that has introduced legislation to permit hemp beverages here. I look forward to the opportunity to help create a stable and sustainable environment where all brands have a chance to win and would welcome anyone who wishes to discuss this further!
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Hemp Beverage Alliance Board Candidate: Glenn McElfresh of Plift
HBA will elect three members to the board of directors in June. Each candidate has been invited to post information about their candidacy for voters to review.
My name is Glenn McElfresh and I’m a cofounder of Plift, a brick and mortar and e-commerce hemp beverage brand, and Perfectly Dosed, a leading emulsion supplier. I am asking for your vote to continue to serve as an effective and transparent board member of the HBA. I would also encourage you to vote for my fellow incumbent board member, Will Spartin of Triple. Together, we have spearheaded efforts in Illinois and Florida, respectively, to protect and expand two of the largest and influential states, and have been actively contributing to HBA lobbying efforts across the US.
As a board member, I will continue to do what I’ve done since 2022: defend against bad legislation and expand the markets for hemp beverages through traditional and DTC channels. Whether it’s passing small changes in Minnesota to allow for smoother interstate sales, working hand in hand with industry stakeholders in new states like Illinois and Arizona, or fighting alongside my amazing board members in dozens of states across the country, I’m here to put in the work and deliver results that are good for you and your business.
I’m also working alongside HBA leadership and the amazing staff to ensure the HBA is a healthy, sustainable organization for the future. We’ve quadrupled our operational and lobbying budgets and nearly doubled our membership. I will continue to make sure the organization has a healthy foundation upon which we expand our industry.
Finally, I’m an active member of the HBA community - answering your questions in slack, and staying on top of my day-to-day board responsibilities, like drafting agendas and approving press releases. I’m committed to helping all of us grow!
Please make sure to vote for Glenn and Will to finish the work we’ve started – please message me on Slack with any questions!
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Hemp Beverage Alliance Board Candidate: Will Spartin of Picco Beverage Group
HBA will elect three members to the board of directors in June. Each candidate has been invited to post information about their candidacy for voters to review.
Hi, I’m Will Spartin, co-founder of Picco Beverage Group, the makers of Triple Cannabis Beverages. I’m asking for your vote to continue serving on the board of the Hemp Beverage Alliance. I also encourage you to vote for fellow incumbent board member Glenn McElfresh, whose perspective and work ethic have been a strong asset to the Alliance.
Over the past year, I’ve worked to protect and grow the hemp beverage category, not just for my brand, but for the entire industry. I’ve built strong relationships with regulators across the country, and helped ensure that both DTC and traditional distribution models have a seat at the table.
In Florida, I’ve led the HBA’s lobbying efforts through one of the most aggressive regulatory environments in the country. I’ve also worked closely with Glenn McElfresh in Missouri, helped draft legislative language in Iowa, and was deeply involved in Georgia’s efforts, working directly with the Department of Agriculture. These efforts have resulted in real protections and momentum for our category.
I’ve also played a key role in bringing several large distributors/retailers into the conversation and building relationships between our industry and state beer wholesalers associations, that benefits all members. Beyond policy, I’ve contributed to PR initiatives, the planning of the upcoming Hemp Beverage Expo, and relationship building with allied associations outside of hemp.
I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished as a board, and I’m energized by the opportunity to keep pushing forward. We’re at a critical moment for our category, and I want to continue ensuring we have thoughtful, strategic voices in the room as new policies are shaped across the country.
I strongly encourage you to vote for both myself and Glenn McElfresh. Together, we’ve helped lay the groundwork for this industry’s future, and we’re just getting started.
—Will
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Hemp Beverage Alliance Board Candidate: Hilary Fox of Tejas Tonic
HBA will elect three members to the board of directors in June. Each candidate has been invited to post information about their candidacy for voters to review.
Hilary Fox is a brand strategist at heart, the Chief Marketing Officer for Tejas Tonic by day and an adjunct professor by night, Hilary’s professional bingo card checks all the boxes. She began her career more than 18 years ago on the agency side of advertising, where Hilary worked with B2C, B2B and DTC brands across all consumer segments—General Market, African American and Hispanic.
Hilary’s track record includes leading marketing strategies for industry giants like Anheuser-Busch, Kimberly-Clark (Kleenex, Kotex, Pull-Ups, Huggies), HEB, YETI and Google, driving growth across categories like CPG, retail, beverage and spirits, tech, health and wellness, and QSR. Hilary also owns her own consulting company, The Brand Fox, where she has helped local Austin start-ups such as Cowboy Pools, Carabuena Tequila and Milk and Honey Spa (and many more) grow beyond Austin and Texas and now have national presence. Hilary’s approach is rooted in data, consumer insights, innovative creative messaging strategies, and always ensuring a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion—what she believes are the key ingredients for building brands that resonate and stand the test of time. Hilary is currently an active member in the Texas Hemp Coalition and has been a part of several local Austin non-profit boards and committees that help support Austin from its parks to its people with raising funds for many city projects, as well as being a previous committee member for a non-profit that helps underprivileged students interested in marketing learn hands skills through her mentorship.
If elected to the board of the HBA, Hilary would help drive awareness and growth of the organization, as well as provide strategic guidance and alignment across the incredible brands and people that make up the heart and soul of the Hemp beverage industry.
Hilary holds a BA in Communications from St. Edward's University and an MA in Advertising from the University of Texas at Austin. She is also currently an Adjunct Professor at both universities, teaching undergrad and graduate students Advertising Campaigns, Strategic Communications and Brand Strategy.
When she’s not advising brands or students, Hilary can be found training for a half marathon, catching live music somewhere in Austin, or eating her way around town with family and friends.
Thank you for your consideration and look forward to continuing being a part of this great organization be it as a member and staunch supporter or as a leader on the front lines.
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Hemp Beverage Alliance Board Candidate: Ben Meggs of Bayou City Hemp
HBA will elect three members to the board of directors in June. Each candidate has been invited to post information about their candidacy for voters to review.
Elect Ben Meggs, CEO of Bayou City Hemp, to the HBA Board.
Bayou City Hemp is proud to support the candidacy of our CEO, Ben Meggs, for the Hemp Beverage Alliance Board of Directors. Bayou City Hemp has been operating since 2019, based in Texas, the largest hemp market in the country. From the beginning, our core focus has been hemp beverages.
We’ve built one of the most diverse and scalable beverage portfolios in the industry: single-serve 2oz shots, 12oz and 16oz cans, 750mL large-format bottles for at-home consumption, and kegs for on-premise sales. We oversee our manufacturing as well, making us one of the few truly vertically integrated hemp beverage brands in the country. Our distribution is also vast, spanning convenience, grocery, restaurants, bars, and event venues, providing practical insights into every tier of the market. Simply put, under Ben’s leadership, Bayou City has expanded its business footprint to touch practically every sector in hemp beverages.
Ben has also been instrumental in fighting against a blanket ban on all hemp products in Texas. Bayou has funded a full lobbying team in Austin this session, working closely on a regulatory bill with House leadership for months. Ben is now using his time, talents, and treasure to push for a veto from Governor Abbott while simultaneously lining up a lawsuit that impacts the entire industry in Texas. With Texas hanging in the balance, Ben will lead from the front to defend our industry in this critical state.
As a board member, Ben will bring the perspective of a founder who’s built a brand from the ground up, fought for the industry in the policy arena, and scaled hemp beverages across one of the most competitive markets in the country. He will work tirelessly to grow the Alliance, expand our influence, and ensure every member has a voice in shaping the future of our industry.
Vote Ben Meggs for the Hemp Beverage Alliance Board.
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Hemp Beverage Alliance Board Candidate: Elizabeth Anderson Schmidt of Flying Cloud THC Beverages
HBA will elect three members to the board of directors in June. Each candidate has been invited to post information about their candidacy for voters to review.
I’m Elizabeth, founder of Flying Cloud THC Beverages and Fat Pants Brewing Company—but more than that, I’m a small business owner just like many of you. I’ve bootstrapped my way through this industry, learned the hard lessons in real time, and built everything from the ground up without a playbook or a war chest of capital. My journey has included late nights, tough calls, and figuring out compliance while cleaning kegs.
Today, my businesses include a taproom, restaurant, and a growing THC beverage brand that’s reaching into multiple states—but I never forget where it started: scrappy, passionate, and fueled by belief in the purpose, product and the people behind it.
I’m running for the HBA board to be a voice for the small, medium, and emerging brands that make this industry dynamic—but often go unheard. Not everyone has deep pockets or lobbying connections. Many of us are learning in real time, navigating complex regulations while building trust with consumers and retail partners from scratch.
I bring a pragmatic, roll-up-your-sleeves approach to problem-solving, backed by real-world experience. I know what it’s like to secure compliant production, fight for shelf space, and explain cannabinoids to skeptical retailers—while managing cash flow, employees, and evolving laws.
As a board member, I will advocate for:
Regulatory clarity that allows all responsible operators—not just the biggest—to compete and grow.
Support structures that help emerging brands gain retail traction, navigate compliance, and scale sustainably.
Industry unity through transparency, inclusion, and amplification of voices across business sizes and backgrounds.
I believe the future of this industry is powered by innovation, integrity, and access. If elected, I’ll bring my full energy to ensuring HBA champions a fair, informed, and resilient path forward for everyone.”
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