Cannabuzz, a Lexington, Kentucky-based manufacturer of hemp-infused beverage products, has joined the Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America (WSWA), one of the nation’s top alcohol industry trade groups.
Cannabuzz’s CEO and Founder, Annie Rouse, stated that the move will position the company to help grow the adult-use hemp beverage sector.
“We’re proud to be the first THC brand to join WSWA’s THC beverage category. We look forward to collaborating with the organization and providing our industry expertise to help grow a safe and accessible market.” — Rouse, in a press release
The company also suggested its WSWA membership would grant access to “distributor expertise, best-practice frameworks, and policy engagement as the Cannabis category matures.”
“Our goal isn’t just to sell drinks — it’s to help retailers, distributors, and regulators align on simple guardrails that protect consumers and give stores confidence to stock the category,” Rouse said in a statement. “We believe standardized labeling, potency appropriate serving sizes, and clear age-gating will define the next chapter of adult cannabis beverages. We’re excited to join beverage-alcohol’s leading trade group to help build these responsible standards for hemp-derived THC [beverages].”
Meanwhile, a 2024 survey found that the number of daily cannabis consumers in the U.S. now exceeds the number of daily alcohol drinkers. However, alcohol use remains more prevalent in terms of monthly use.
