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Tag: hemp beverages

  • Texas Works to Save Its Hemp Beverage Industry

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    Texas works to save its hemp beverage industry amid federal uncertainty and booming sales in convenience stores and liquor retailers.

    Texas works to save its hemp beverage industry as it is at a crossroads as it moves to preserve a booming hemp beverage industry. The state finds itself caught between evolving state regulations and looming federal restrictions. What started as a niche segment of the hemp market has quickly become a mainstream category, with hemp-derived drinks now available on convenience store shelves and even at large liquor retailers like Total Wine & More. Yet lawmakers in Austin and policymakers in Washington are locked in a debate which could redefine the future of this sector.

    RELATED: The Rebel Heart Of The South Includes Cannabis And Rock

    The hemp beverage market took off in Texas following the 2018 federal Farm Bill, which legalized hemp and its derivatives with limited amounts of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive compound found in cannabis. Without clear federal guidelines specifically addressing consumable products, hemp drink manufacturers expanded rapidly — forming a product category that includes seltzers, sodas and “zero alcohol, buzz-oriented” beverages that appeal to adults seeking alternatives to traditional alcoholic drinks. These products often provide mild psychoactive effects, making them especially attractive to consumers who want a social buzz without the calories, hangovers or legal complexities of alcohol.

    Major brands have taken notice. Hemp-derived beverages from companies such as Bayou Beverage, hi Seltzer and Wana Brands have secured distribution deals with Total Wine & More, bringing THC-infused seltzers and sparkling drinks to hundreds of stores nationwide, including locations in Texas. These offerings deliver carefully measured doses of hemp-derived THC, often paired with cannabidiol (CBD) or other cannabinoids, positioned as adult recreational or relaxation beverages. The presence of these products in both convenience marts and big-box liquor stores signals how quickly the category has transcended its counterculture origins to enter mainstream retail channels.

    Yet that mainstream success has heightened scrutiny. At the state level, Texas lawmakers have grappled with how to regulate — or even whether to allow — intoxicating hemp products. Earlier legislative proposals sought a total ban on THC-containing hemp products, which business groups warned would dismantle a roughly $5 billion industry supporting tens of thousands of jobs. Critics of the ban argued that restrictive laws would push consumers toward unregulated black-market products while depriving adults of legally recognized alternatives.

    Gov. Greg Abbott’s administration vetoed an outright ban and directed regulators to create a workable regulatory framework, leading the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission to finalize rules requiring age verification and setting ongoing rule-making processes to oversee consumable hemp products. These regulations mirror some alcohol industry controls, such as restricting sales to adults 21 and over.

    RELATED: Marijuana Use And Guy’s Member

    Complicating matters further is federal action. Legislation passed by the U.S. Senate is poised to impose strict THC limits on hemp products nationally, effectively outlawing most of the current hemp beverage offerings when it takes effect in 2026. This shift would place Texas’s state-level market directly at odds with federal law, potentially forcing companies to reformulate products or face legal challenges.

    For consumers, hemp beverages represent a growing lifestyle trend. Their positioning as an alternative to alcohol resonates with adults who are cutting back on traditional drinking but still want social experiences or relaxation. As the market and regulatory landscapes evolve, Texas stands as a bellwether for how states and the federal government will balance innovation, public safety and commercial growth in an increasingly popular segment of the beverage world.

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    Anthony Washington

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  • What The Polymarket Says About Cannabis Rescheduling And More

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    Markets reveal expectations on weed policy, Greenland, Bond, and beyond in what the polymarket says about cannabis rescheduling and more.

    Prediction markets have quietly become one of the most closely watched indicators of public expectations, and few platforms illustrate this better than Polymarket. Built on blockchain technology, Polymarket allows users to wager on real-world outcomes ranging from elections and public policy to pop culture and geopolitics. The resulting prices act as a constantly updating forecast, reflecting how traders collectively assess the likelihood of major events. Here is what the polymarket says about cannabis rescheduling and more.

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    One of the most closely followed policy questions on the platform has been whether the United States will reschedule cannabis under federal law. Markets asking whether marijuana would be moved out of Schedule I during 2025 collapsed to near zero by year’s end. Even contracts extending into early 2026 show limited optimism, with implied probabilities remaining in the single digits. Despite growing bipartisan rhetoric and widespread state-level legalization, traders appear unconvinced federal agencies will act quickly. The market suggests skepticism administrative or political hurdles will be resolved in the near term.

    Another surprising area of activity involves Greenland. Polymarket users have actively traded contracts speculating on whether the United States will acquire Greenland before the end of the decade. While the odds remain well below 50 percent, they have at times climbed into the low-to-mid teens, driven by renewed media attention on Arctic security, rare-earth minerals, and strategic shipping routes. The presence of meaningful trading volume indicates many participants see Greenland as more than a fringe geopolitical thought experiment.

    Beyond policy and geopolitics, Polymarket has become a venue for cultural forecasting. One of its most popular entertainment markets centers on who will be cast as the next James Bond. Following the conclusion of Daniel Craig’s run as 007, traders have assigned varying odds to a shortlist of actors rumored to be under consideration. While no single candidate commands overwhelming confidence, the market fluctuates rapidly with casting rumors, studio comments, and betting activity tied to press speculation surrounding the James Bond franchise and its future direction.

    Financial markets are also a major focus. Bitcoin price targets routinely attract large pools of liquidity, with traders betting on whether the cryptocurrency will reach specific milestones by set dates. These markets often respond instantly to macroeconomic news, regulatory announcements, and shifts in institutional sentiment. Observers note that Polymarket’s Bitcoin odds frequently move faster than traditional analyst forecasts, offering a real-time snapshot of market psychology.

    RELATED: The Rebel Heart Of The South Includes Cannabis And Rock

    Taken together, these bets highlight how Polymarket has evolved into a broader forecasting tool rather than a novelty platform. Unlike opinion polls or expert panels, prediction markets force participants to quantify their beliefs with capital at risk. While they are not guarantees of future outcomes, they provide a useful signal of how informed traders interpret available information.

    From cannabis reform and Arctic geopolitics to the future of James Bond and cryptocurrency prices, Polymarket’s odds offer a revealing glimpse into what people truly think will happen next — not just what they say publicly, but what they are willing to bet on.

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    Anthony Washington

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  • Congress Rides To The Rescue Of Your Favorite Hemp Drink

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    Congress rides to the rescue of your favorite hemp drink, delaying bans, sparking debates, and keeping America’s buzzy beverages flowing.

    For a brief, buzzy moment, it looked like America’s favorite chill-in-a-can was about to get iced out by Washington. But it now seems Congress rides to the rescue of your favorite hemp drink.

    Tucked deep inside the sprawling, ironically nicknamed “big beautiful bill,” Congress quietly slammed the brakes on hemp-derived drinks. The low-dose THC seltzers and mocktail alternatives have exploded in popularity from Austin patios to suburban dinner parties. With a few lines of legislative fine print, lawmakers effectively banned products derived from federally legal hemp, sending shockwaves through the beverage industry and confusing consumers who had no idea their sparkling lemon-lime was suddenly controversial.

    RELATED: The Best Cocktails For Holiday Day Drinking

    And yet, just as quickly as the ban arrived, Congress appears to be backing off—at least for now.

    Hemp drinks didn’t become popular by accident. As Americans continue drifting away from alcohol, these beverages hit a cultural sweet spot: social, functional, low-dose, and hangover-free. They offer a gentle buzz without the baggage, making them especially appealing to health-conscious consumers, professionals, and anyone tired of next-day regrets.

    Nowhere has this trend been louder—or more ironic—than Texas. Despite the state’s famously strict cannabis laws, hemp-derived THC drinks have flourished thanks to federal loopholes allowing products made from legal hemp. From Houston to Dallas to Austin, these drinks line bar menus, brewery fridges, and convenience store shelves. Texans, it turns out, like their rebellion cold and carbonated.

    Photo by GeorgePeters/Getty Images

    So who pulled the plug? The opposition to hemp drinks largely comes from a coalition of alcohol interests, prohibition-minded lawmakers, and regulators uneasy about how quickly the category has grown. Their argument: hemp drinks exploit a loophole, blur regulatory lines, and lack oversight. Critics warn of inconsistent dosing, youth access, and a marketplace moving faster than the rules designed to govern it.

    Supporters counter that this “loophole” is simply the law as written—and that hemp drinks are often more transparent, responsibly dosed, and safer than alcohol.

    Now comes the unexpected plot twist.

    Facing backlash from small businesses, farmers, distributors, and consumers—not to mention states suddenly staring at enforcement chaos—Congress has opted to delay the ban. Rather than pulling hemp drinks off shelves overnight, lawmakers are pressing pause, buying time to reassess how (or whether) these products should be regulated.

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    For fans of hemp drinks, this is a temporary stay of execution—and possibly a sign of something bigger.

    The delay doesn’t mean the issue is settled. It means Congress has recognized banning a fast-growing, wildly popular category without a clear alternative may create more problems than it solves. Regulation, not eradication, is now back on the table.

    For now, your favorite hemp drink survives—still fizzy, still legal, still very much part of America’s evolving relationship with alcohol alternatives. Whether Congress ultimately becomes the hero of this story or just buys time for another showdown remains to be seen.

    But one thing is clear: hemp drinks aren’t going quietly.

    And Congress just learned banning America’s buzz—especially in Texas—isn’t as easy as it sounds.

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    Anthony Washington

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  • What’s Next for Cannabis in 2026

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    What’s next for cannabis in 2026 a look at federal policy, medical research, hemp drinks and state action.

    The U.S. cannabis industry enters the new year at a crossroads, shaped by federal policy debates, state-level legislative reviews and growing public acceptance of marijuana as both a consumer product and a medical treatment. While sweeping legalization remains uneven, the year ahead could bring some of the most consequential changes the industry has seen in decades. So what’s next for cannabis in 2026.

    At the center of the national conversation is whether marijuana will be rescheduled under federal law. Currently classified as a Schedule I substance — alongside heroin — cannabis is defined as having no accepted medical use. That designation has long conflicted with state medical programs and emerging scientific research.

    RELATED: Cannabis Can Help PTSD

    Federal agencies are now formally reviewing whether marijuana should be moved to Schedule III, a change would acknowledge medical value and significantly alter how cannabis businesses are taxed and regulated. A rescheduling decision would not legalize marijuana nationwide, but it could ease restrictions on research, improve access to banking services and remove a major tax burden faced by licensed operators.

    While momentum has grown, federal officials have not finalized a decision, making 2026 a critical year to watch for regulatory clarity.

    Photo by Anton Petrus/Getty Images

    Another major issue unfolding in 2026 involves hemp-derived THC beverages, which surged in popularity as alcohol alternatives. These drinks, often sold outside licensed cannabis dispensaries, exist in a gray area created by the 2018 Farm Bill.

    New federal and state proposals aim to redefine what qualifies as legal hemp, potentially restricting or eliminating intoxicating hemp products altogether. Some states are moving to regulate hemp drinks like alcohol, while others are considering outright bans.

    The outcome could reshape the beverage market, impact small hemp businesses and determine whether THC drinks remain widely available or move exclusively into regulated cannabis systems.

    If federal rescheduling moves forward, it is expected to unlock greater medical research funding and streamline approval for clinical trials. For decades, cannabis research has lagged due to regulatory hurdles.

    Medical professionals and researchers are increasingly studying cannabis for its potential benefits in treating or alleviating symptoms related to:

    • Chronic and neuropathic pain
    • Cancer-related nausea and appetite loss
    • Epilepsy and seizure disorders
    • Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
    • Multiple sclerosis
    • Anxiety and sleep disorders
    • Inflammatory and autoimmune conditions

    More funding could lead to standardized dosing, clearer safety guidelines and wider acceptance within mainstream medicine.

    RELATED: Is Cannabis Now The #1 Sleep Aid

    At the state level, cannabis remains a legislative priority in 2026. Several states are reviewing or carrying over bills related to legalization, medical expansion or criminal justice reform.

    Among those under active consideration are Pennsylvania, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Texas, each weighing changes ranging from expanded medical access to reduced penalties for possession. While not all proposals are expected to pass, the continued debate reflects shifting public opinion and political pressure.

    Taken together, 2026 could mark a turning point for cannabis in the United States. Federal rescheduling, tighter hemp regulation, increased medical research and renewed state legislative efforts suggest a slow but steady move toward normalization — even as legal contradictions persist.

    For consumers, patients and policymakers alike, the year ahead will help determine whether cannabis continues its gradual integration into American medicine, commerce and culture — or remains caught between reform and restriction.

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    Terry Hacienda

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  • Should You Add Hemp Beverages To Your Tailgating

    Should You Add Hemp Beverages To Your Tailgating

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    Fall is football season which means it is time for tailgate parties!  Maybe you should add hemp to the buffet!

    Football season is here – and whether college or professional, tailgating is a thing. It takes place around sporting events, festivals and concerts. There is usually food, drinks, music and a good time. But, should you add hemp beverages to your tailgating? While marijuana is slowly becoming legal across the national, some big football states aren’t there. But hemp is legal and even some deep anti-marijuana states are embracing it. Texas, a huge football state, has hemp beverages sold at local and national chains. Hemp beverage can be seen as taking a bite out of the White Claw market, yet a bit healthier.

    RELATED: The Most Popular Marijuana Flavors

    The nemesis of marijuana, Senator Mitch McConnell (R-KY) is proud of his blocking federal progress, but he has ensured hemp has a green light. Hemp beverage have become a billion dollar market. Wana Brands, a leader in the cannabis industry, has rolled out 3 beverages.  Bayou Beverages out of Texas has taken the state by storm with products in Total Wine and convenience stores around the state. Hemp is sold like alcohol with restrictions on age and how it is sold.

    Hemp or CBD drinks are created by infusing hemp extract, derived from the cannabis plant, into a liquid base. The most popular hemp-infused drinks include water, juice, tea, and coffee. One of the big differences between marijuana and hemp drinks is the “high”. With  Delta-9 hemp, consumers tend to have a more intense experience and comes on faster than THC. It is a euphoric high when altered sensory perception and a sense of relaxation.

    RELATED: This Natural Cannabinoid Makes You Feel Happy

    California Governor Newsom is supporting emergency rules to curb sale of hemp products with potent high.  The state is struggling with their cannabis industry, high taxes and allowing the black market to run free have hurt mom and pop businesses.  While consumers have been high, the states oversight has been driving them to hemp and to the marijuana black market.

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    Anthony Washington

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