The Beer Institute, the national trade organization representing the beer industry that was first founded in 1862, unveiled guiding principles to address the proliferation of largely unregulated intoxicating hemp and cannabis products. The beer industry believes that the decision to legalize these products should be made by American voters, state legislatures and federal policymakers. As policy discussions unfold, these principles will serve as a framework addressing four key areas: revenue, regulation, responsibility and research.
“For decades, America’s brewers and beer importers have demonstrated their commitment to fostering a culture of moderation and the responsible consumption of our products, all within a robust regulatory and taxation system,” said Brian Crawford, president and CEO of the Beer Institute. "The current patchwork of intoxicating hemp and cannabis laws and regulations do not meet the same standards to which the beer industry willingly adheres.”
If these products are legalized, the Beer Institute believes that policymakers should implement appropriate regulatory frameworks at the state and federal levels that inform and protect consumers and ensure intoxicating hemp and cannabis products are marketed, sold and consumed responsibly. The Beer Institute’s principles provide a path to inform policymakers about safe consumption, differentiated taxation, consumer protection and the vital need for more thorough research.
The Beer Institute maintains the following principles on intoxicating hemp and cannabis:
- The legalization of consumable cannabis products is for American voters, state legislatures and Congress to decide.
- The Beer Institute supports efforts underway by lawmakers to close an unintended federal loophole that is enabling the proliferation of unregulated intoxicating hemp products across the country, including those containing synthetically derived THC.
- Government experts have publicly highlighted the lack of scientific data regarding the consumption of intoxicating hemp and cannabis products.
- Intoxicating hemp and cannabis products are fundamentally different than beer and the taxation of them by government entities should reflect these stark differences just as governments at all levels in the United States have consistently reaffirmed the different tax treatment between beer, wine and hard liquor.
