Van Duyne and Landsman Introduce Hemp THC Beverage Act

U.S. Representatives Beth Van Duyne and Greg Landsman introduced the Beverage Regulatory Parity Act on August 11, 2026, to establish a legal framework for hemp-derived THC beverages. The bipartisan bill proposes a three-tiered distribution system modeled after alcohol regulations, limiting THC content to 5 milligrams per beverage for consumers aged 21 and older. The legislation would implement a tax of 8 cents per milligram of THC and place oversight under the Tax and Trade Bureau, the Department of Health and Human Services, and the Department of Agriculture.

The introduction of the act comes as the industry faces a federal ban on hemp products containing more than 0.4 milligrams of THC, scheduled for November 12. This ban threatens a $28 billion market. Although the Senate recently voted to delay the ban by one month, the bill's sponsors argue that formal regulation is required to protect businesses in North Texas and Southwest Ohio and to prevent the market from moving underground.

Van Duyne stated that the legislation provides sensible regulations that protect children while allowing adults to choose their preferred beverages. Landsman noted that many people in Southwest Ohio have invested significantly in these products and that the current federal stance prevents them from selling their goods.