The American Beverage Licensees (ABL), an alcohol industry trade association representing alcohol licensees in 26 states, this month called on states to “draw upon the proven structures and practices used to regulate beverage alcohol” when considering regulations for intoxicating THC products.
In an April 4 policy memo, ABL listed a series of recommendations regarding intoxicating THC products that started with: “States should restrict the sale of intoxicating THC products to businesses licensed to sell beverage alcohol and that are regularly inspected for compliance with laws aimed at preventing sales to individuals under 21.”
ABL’s affiliates include establishments offering on-site alcohol consumption, like restaurants and bars, and retailers selling packaged beer, wine, and spirits, like grocery stores and liquor stores.
“Given their considerable experience with beverage alcohol regulation, beverage alcohol retailers are best positioned to not only sell [intoxicating THC products], but also to provide practical advice to states on how to implement a robust regulatory model that inherently balances public safety, business interests, and consumer access.” — ABL Executive Director John Bodnovich, in a statement
Currently, it is illegal in every regulated U.S. cannabis market for licensed retailers to offer alcohol products or any other intoxicating substance besides cannabinoids. However, the markets that depend on hemp-derived THC products currently often see THC products sold alongside alcohol in retailers like gas stations and liquor stores.
The policy memo also calls for product testing regulations, a “transparent” tax structure, and penalties for underage sales.
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