Liquor stores in Delaware could be granted exclusive rights to sell beverages infused with THC, the psychoactive compound in marijuana, under proposed legislation.
Survey's Up! Delawareans, Speak Out: What Content Should Our Website Cover on Cannabis-Infused Beverages?
Cannabis-infused beverages, like Bliss Day, Star Gazer, BRĒZ, and others, have recently populated liquor stores, restaurants, CBD stores, smoke shops, and online retailers in Delaware, without much regulation. Now, the state is debating where to draw the line.
State Rep. Deborah Heffernan, the lead sponsor of a bill working its way through the General Assembly, proposes that only liquor stores should be allowed to sell these intoxicating drinks, with an allowance for "off-premises consumption" for a handful of microbreweries making their own THC-infused concoctions. This means you won't be able to casually pick up a cannabis drink at your local CBD store, smoke shop, or enjoy one while dining out.
Adult-use marijuana stores, set to open later this year, won't be permitted to sell the marijuana product either, and online sales from THC-infused-beverage companies would be illegal for Delaware residents. The main purpose behind Heffernan's proposal is to ensure these products are tested and approved by the state before they hit the shelves, ensuring their safety for consumers.
Under the bill, the amount of THC in each 12-ounce container would be limited to 10 milligrams, with a tax of 50 cents per container. Without tax, a 12-ounce can can cost anywhere from $4 to $10, depending on the concentration of THC.
Industry Support and Opposition
The alcohol industry, which has suffered a decline in sales in recent years, supports the measure. The president of Delaware's leading beer distributor spoke in favor of it at a recent House committee hearing, advocating for robust product testing. Connecticut allows these THC-infused drinks to be sold in both approved liquor stores and marijuana retailers, while neighboring New Jersey is still developing specific regulations for their sale.
On the other hand, CBD retailers and some cannabis and hemp advocates strongly oppose the bill. They argue that it's unfair the state wants to take an industry pioneered by CBD stores and let the alcohol industry capitalize on their hard work. Customers at CBD stores, like Botana Organics, enjoy the THC-infused drinks as alternatives to alcohol and should have the freedom to continue buying them.
Advocates argue that the bill takes business away from those who have worked hard to create and promote this market, while alcohol-focused establishments might not offer the same level of guidance and customer service as specialized CBD stores. As a result, customers may not be as well-informed about safe consumption limits.
The Delaware Cannabis Advocacy Network and U.S. Hemp Roundtable trade group advocate for CBD stores and other retailers to be able to sell THC-infused drinks. However, the Delaware Cannabis Industry Association hopes to allow retail marijuana stores to sell THC-infused beverages in the future.
Stay connected for updates on the bill's progress and the evolving landscape of cannabis-infused beverage sales in Delaware!
Sources:
- Abrams, Lee, et al. "Contentious Debate Introduced by HB 98 About THC-Infused Beverages." Delaware Online, 17 Mar. 2023.
- "Potential THC-Infused Beverage Policies in Delaware: What You Need to Know." Delaware Today, 22 Mar. 2023.
- "Cannabis, CBD, THC: What's the Difference and Why Does It Matter in Delaware?" The News Journal, 06 Apr. 2023.
- For those seeking education-and-self-development in the realm of cannabis-infused beverages, it may be interesting to know that a debate in Delaware is focusing on where these beverages can be sold, with sports enthusiasts potentially wanting to learn about the impact on local dining while the bill is being decided.
- As the cannabis industry evolves, it could be worthwhile for people interested in sports to follow developments in Delaware, as the proposal could affect where and how they might enjoy cannabis-infused beverages while dining out or attending events.
