In a recent appeal, the Beer Institute, a leading organization representing U.S. breweries, has proffered a compilation of policy recommendations aimed at compelling legislators to adopt more rigid controls and heftier tax levies on marijuana products in comparison to those on alcohol.
Amidst the escalating prevalence of psychoactive hemp and marijuana offerings, the Institute raises alarms about potential threats to consumers and public wellbeing due to ingestion of THC.
Brian Crawford, President and CEO of the Beer Institute, remarked, “The assortment of laws and regulations pertaining to intoxicating hemp and marijuana is currently inconsistent and does not align with the rigorous standards the beer sector voluntarily observes.”
Within its suggestions, the institution proposes an uncompromising approach towards THC-impaired driving and advocates for zero tolerance until advancements are made in technology that can accurately gauge levels of safe usage.
With the emergent legal status of marijuana in various states, the Beer Institute stresses the critical need for regulatory structures to protect consumers and to oversee responsible marketing and utilization of hemp and marijuana goods.
The guiding principles set forth by the trade group include calling for a ban on the simultaneous sale of alcoholic drinks and intoxicating cannabinoids at the same locations. They also demand that clear packaging and labeling are utilized to deter appeal to individuals under the age of 21.
Moreover, the principles propose that more investigation is necessary regarding the safety of cannabis-infused and hemp-based beverages
The effort to outline these regulations has been somewhat commended by Governor Newsom, who has taken steps towards governing these goods. This initiative is seen amid financial reports, one such from a global investment banking firm, which emphasizes marijuana as a growing rival to alcohol, predicting that its sales could hit $37 billion by 2027, with marketplaces for it expanding exponentially.
The U.S. Hemp Roundtable’s General Counsel, Jonathan Miller, has expressed mixed responses to the proposed regulations, citing the complexity of the situation for industry participants.
“There’s a level of opposition from us, though we have yet to finalize our stance,” he stipulated, noting the unlikelihood of any legislative progression within the current term, which provides an opportunity for possible amendments to be discussed.
The Beer Institute has abstained from issuing statements about the comparative harm of cannabis and alcohol. Nevertheless, research conducted by the Alcohol Research Group alongside RTI International indicates that alcohol’s indirect harm is significantly higher than that of cannabis, being almost sixfold more damaging, with opioids and other substances contributing to a greater level of perceived dangers than marijuana.
As these conversations around legislature evolve, there are expectations for a more inclusive approach to integrating hemp enterprises into the legitimate advertising market of products such as CBD as dietary supplements.
A recent legislative proposal by a Democratic senator aims to establish a federal framework for the regulation of hemp-sourced cannabinoids, paving the way for states to impose their individual rules while empowering the FDA to enforce safety protocols in the commercial sphere, particularly in relation to marketing targets like children.
