HBA LAUNCHES CAMPAIGN IN PENNSYLVANIA
(HARRISBURG, Pa.) – The Hemp Beverage Alliance (HBA), the trade association for the hemp beverage industry with nearly 400 members in the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom, is establishing a coalition to create and support a sensible regulatory framework for hemp beverages in the Keystone State.
Hemp beverages are seltzers, sodas, mocktails, coffees, teas, and other non-alcoholic drinks that contain an 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.
“Hemp beverages are the fastest growing category in adult beverages, but we need a regulatory framework to protect consumers, keep products away from children, and allow the category to thrive,” said Christopher Lackner, president, Hemp Beverage Alliance. “We look forward to working with legislators, public health advocates, law enforcement, alcohol distributors and other stakeholders to create a system that works for everyone.”
HBA has retained Jay Wiederhold of Wanner Associates to lead their legislative efforts in the Commonwealth. Mr. Wiederhold served for 20 years as President of the Pennsylvania Beer Alliance (PBA).
“A sensible regulatory framework will allow a safe, thriving and transparent hemp beverage industry along with permitting the Commonwealth to generate tax revenues and create jobs. This is especially important as we see state budget shortfalls and employment declines in the beer, wine and spirits sectors,” said Wiederhold.
States with a regulatory framework for hemp products enjoy significant tax revenues. In 2024, Minnesota taxed hemp products at 10 percent and generated $11.6 million in revenue. Tennessee, which taxes hemp products at six percent, generated more than $11 million in revenue in 2024. That number jumped to $17 million for 2025. These numbers are expected to increase as awareness of the category grows.
“As a much larger state than Tennessee or Minnesota, Pennsylvania can expect significantly higher tax revenues from hemp beverages,” said Wiederhold.
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 at hempbeveragealliance.org/principles.
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.
ABOUT WANNER ASSOCIATES
Wanner Associates is a leading government relations firm and dual association management organization. It is recognized for exceptional service and unwavering commitment to client success. The firm celebrated 40 years in business earlier this year, following their recent achievements of being named a top 50 lobbying firm by City & State Magazine, as well as having both the President and Vice President named in the Central Pennsylvania Business Journal Government Relations Powerlists. More at wannerassoc.com.
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