Hemp Beverage Alliance applauds Senate vote on continuing resolution (CR)

DENVER - The Hemp Beverage Alliance, the trade association for the hemp beverage industry with 375 members in the U.S. and Canada, released the following statement regarding this morning’s Senate vote to include a temporary delay in prohibiting the manufacture and sale of hemp beverages.

“This morning’s vote was a huge turning point in the pursuit of safe, responsible federal regulation,” said Christopher Lackner, founder and president, Hemp Beverage Alliance. “On behalf of our members and their responsible adult customers, we thank the Senate for this critical and reasonable extension.

”The next chapter begins today. The Hemp Beverage Alliance stands ready to work with Congress, the White House and stakeholders throughout the country to pass federal legislation that is strong, sensible, reliable, and prioritizes public safety.”

The hemp beverage industry has been a boon to local economies throughout the country. Craft brewers, wine & spirits distributors, liquor retailers and others have embraced the new category as sales of their legacy products continue to decline. In addition, states with regulatory frameworks have gathered significant tax revenue for the public benefit. 

HBA recently released an industry data report that showed 133% growth in the category. With a federal framework in place, that growth is expected to accelerate and create more jobs, more opportunity, and more consumer choice.

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