Congress has passed a surprise bill that would effectively shut down Minnesota's thriving THC beverage market. The provision, which was tucked into a federal government shutdown bill, bans products containing more than 0.4 milligrams of hemp-derived THC – significantly lower than the 5 milligrams per serving currently authorized under state law.
Breweries and beverage producers are sounding the alarm, warning that the ban would be a "life-or-death" issue for their businesses. Drew Hurst, president and COO of Bauhaus Brew Labs in Minneapolis, says that if the bill goes through as worded, there's no chance his business will survive beyond the one-year mark.
The impact of the ban won't just stop at breweries; it would also affect can manufacturers, distributors, and liquor stores. Matt Kenevan, owner of Dabbler Depot in St. Paul, notes that this provision would have a ripple effect throughout the entire beverage supply chain.
Minnesota was among the first states to authorize the production and sale of THC drinks, making it a pioneer in what's now a multibillion-dollar industry. The state has seen hemp-derived THC beverages as a vital lifeline for breweries struggling with declining beer sales since the COVID-19 pandemic.
Surly Brewing founder Omar Ansari emphasizes that these products have become essential for keeping people employed and generating revenue. "We've put millions of dollars into our original facility, which probably would have closed if not for THC beverages," he says.
However, until the ban takes effect in late 2026, consumers can continue to purchase hemp-derived THC beverages without any changes to their existing legal status. The state Office of Cannabis Management plans to continue licensing businesses and overseeing all THC products during this interim period.
Industry leaders argue that a comprehensive regulatory structure is a more effective solution than wholesale bans. Matt Schwandt, an attorney, notes that Minnesota's system has allowed hemp businesses to operate responsibly and keep bad actors out of the market.
Minnesota Sens. Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith expressed support for federal hemp regulations that account for existing successful THC regulatory systems like the one in Minnesota. The Senate proposal to remove the hemp provision from the shutdown deal ultimately failed, leaving producers and retailers to rally behind building public awareness and pushing for re-legalization of hemp-derived THC products before the ban takes effect.
For now, breweries are relying on consumer outrage to push for change. Bob Galligan, director of government and industry relations at the Minnesota Craft Brewers Guild, says that while the bill came as a surprise, he's feeling more hopeful than ever about the potential for change within the next year.
Breweries and beverage producers are sounding the alarm, warning that the ban would be a "life-or-death" issue for their businesses. Drew Hurst, president and COO of Bauhaus Brew Labs in Minneapolis, says that if the bill goes through as worded, there's no chance his business will survive beyond the one-year mark.
The impact of the ban won't just stop at breweries; it would also affect can manufacturers, distributors, and liquor stores. Matt Kenevan, owner of Dabbler Depot in St. Paul, notes that this provision would have a ripple effect throughout the entire beverage supply chain.
Minnesota was among the first states to authorize the production and sale of THC drinks, making it a pioneer in what's now a multibillion-dollar industry. The state has seen hemp-derived THC beverages as a vital lifeline for breweries struggling with declining beer sales since the COVID-19 pandemic.
Surly Brewing founder Omar Ansari emphasizes that these products have become essential for keeping people employed and generating revenue. "We've put millions of dollars into our original facility, which probably would have closed if not for THC beverages," he says.
However, until the ban takes effect in late 2026, consumers can continue to purchase hemp-derived THC beverages without any changes to their existing legal status. The state Office of Cannabis Management plans to continue licensing businesses and overseeing all THC products during this interim period.
Industry leaders argue that a comprehensive regulatory structure is a more effective solution than wholesale bans. Matt Schwandt, an attorney, notes that Minnesota's system has allowed hemp businesses to operate responsibly and keep bad actors out of the market.
Minnesota Sens. Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith expressed support for federal hemp regulations that account for existing successful THC regulatory systems like the one in Minnesota. The Senate proposal to remove the hemp provision from the shutdown deal ultimately failed, leaving producers and retailers to rally behind building public awareness and pushing for re-legalization of hemp-derived THC products before the ban takes effect.
For now, breweries are relying on consumer outrage to push for change. Bob Galligan, director of government and industry relations at the Minnesota Craft Brewers Guild, says that while the bill came as a surprise, he's feeling more hopeful than ever about the potential for change within the next year.
The sudden shutdown of MN's THC market is super worrying 
. Small breweries like Bauhaus Brew Labs could collapse with such drastic restrictions 
. This move feels like a huge step back in innovation & progress 
. What's the logic behind capping THC content so low? 0.4mg seems arbitrary, especially considering how many people already enjoy hemp beverages 
. We should be looking for solutions to regulate these products responsibly, not just blanket bans 
.
. It seems like Minnesota is taking steps back on its progress with cannabis beverages. I think it's wild that they're not allowing brews with 5mg of THC or more. That just doesn't seem right to me. These businesses have been working hard and creating jobs, which is awesome. I'm all for responsible regulations but this feels like an overreach to me. It's gonna be super interesting to see how the whole situation unfolds in the next year 
! they've already been struggling since covid and now this federal ban thingy comes out of nowhere? it's like, 0.4mg vs 5mg - what's the diff? 
meanwhile, some ppl are saying it's all about regulatory structure... sounds good to me 
let's get that comprehensive system in place ASAP! 
(source: IBISWorld). And it's not just breweries that are impacted - the entire supply chain is at risk 
.
(source: Statista). And it's not just about the money - this industry is also a vital lifeline for breweries struggling with declining beer sales since COVID. The average brewery in MN produces around 1,500-2,000 barrels of beer per year, but hemp beverage sales have been averaging around 10,000 units per month 
(source: Minnesota Craft Brewers Guild).
! Let's keep the momentum going and push for re-legalization of hemp-derived THC products before it's too late 
i cant even imagine how hard it must be for these breweries and businesses to know they might have to shut down in just one year 
matt kenevan's point about the ripple effect throughout the entire beverage supply chain is so true, its not just about one or two companies that will struggle. what can we do to help these businesses fight back against this ban?! 
. But at least consumers can still buy them until 2026, so maybe there's still time for change? 
. I mean, it's not like they're just slapping some weed extract on a beer and calling it a day 
. Can you imagine the ripple effect on all those jobs and businesses that rely on it? it's a total mess 
.