The Beer Institute, America’s oldest national trade organization representing the beer industry, has introduced a set of guiding principles to address the surge of largely unregulated intoxicating hemp and cannabis products. The organization emphasizes that decisions regarding the legalization of these products should rest with American voters, state legislatures, and federal policymakers. As policy discussions continue, the Beer Institute’s principles outline a framework focused on four core areas: revenue, regulation, responsibility, and research.
“For decades, America’s brewers and beer importers have shown a strong commitment to promoting moderation and responsible consumption, all within a well-established regulatory and taxation system,” said Brian Crawford, president and CEO of the Beer Institute. “The existing patchwork of hemp and cannabis laws fails to meet the standards that the beer industry willingly upholds.”
Should these products become legalized, the Beer Institute advocates for regulatory frameworks at both state and federal levels that prioritize consumer safety, responsible marketing, and sales. The newly released principles aim to guide policymakers in establishing standards for safe consumption, appropriate taxation, consumer protection, and the advancement of essential research on intoxicating hemp and cannabis products.