Rhode Island Hospitality Industry Fights Hemp THC Beverage Ban
Bar and restaurant owners argue on-premise consumption offers safer alternative to retail sales
Bar and restaurant owners across Rhode Island are pushing back against state regulators' proposal to prohibit hemp-derived THC beverages in licensed establishments, arguing that on-premise consumption actually provides the safest environment for these products.
During a virtual public hearing with state officials, hospitality and liquor industry representatives made their case that trained staff and controlled environments offer better consumer protection than retail sales. "Putting hemp THC-derived beverages on premise at a restaurant or bar is actually the safest way to consume these products," said Christopher Shea of Rhode Island Current.
The proposed ban comes as Rhode Island grapples with how to regulate hemp-derived intoxicating products that exist in a legal gray area between the state's recreational cannabis program and federal hemp regulations. Unlike traditional marijuana products sold through licensed dispensaries, hemp THC beverages containing compounds like delta-8 THC have proliferated in bars, restaurants, and retail stores under the 2018 Farm Bill.
The Industry's Argument
Hospitality representatives argue that bars and restaurants provide built-in safeguards that retail environments lack. Bartenders and servers are trained to monitor consumption, check IDs rigorously, and cut off patrons showing signs of overintoxication—the same protocols used for alcohol service.
The industry also points to the economic reality. Many establishments have already invested in inventory, staff training, and marketing around these beverage products. A sudden ban would force them to write off those investments while potentially pushing consumers toward unregulated retail channels.
Regulatory Crossroads
Rhode Island launched its adult-use cannabis market in December 2022, but hemp-derived products remain in regulatory limbo. State regulators face pressure to either integrate these products into the existing cannabis framework or restrict them entirely.
The issue mirrors debates playing out across the country. Several states have moved to ban or strictly regulate hemp THC products, citing concerns about potency, testing standards, and competition with licensed cannabis markets. Others have taken a more permissive approach, viewing hemp beverages as distinct from traditional cannabis products.
What's Next
The state hasn't announced a timeline for final regulations, but industry observers expect a decision within the coming months. Bar and restaurant owners are mobilizing to make their case through additional public comments and direct outreach to state lawmakers.
For Rhode Island's hospitality sector, the stakes extend beyond just beverage sales. Many view hemp THC drinks as a gateway product that could normalize cannabis consumption in social settings—potentially paving the way for future integration of full-spectrum cannabis beverages once federal restrictions ease.
The outcome could set precedent for how other states handle the increasingly blurred lines between hemp and cannabis products, particularly in hospitality settings where consumption context matters as much as product composition.
This article is based on original reporting by www.marijuanamoment.net.
Original Source
This article is based on reporting from Marijuana Moment.
Read the original articleOriginal title: "Rhode Island Bars And Restaurants Push Back On Proposal To Ban Hemp THC Drink Sales"
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