By Morgan Davis, Health & Wellness Attorney
The hemp industry continues to evolve—and fast. Each month, state-level changes are reshaping what hemp businesses can sell, how they can sell it, and where. If you’re operating in multiple states or even just trying to stay compliant in one, it can feel like a full-time job to keep up with the latest legal shifts. That’s where I come in. Here’s your March 2025 hemp compliance update with everything you need to know.
🔥 Trend Alert: “Big Alcohol” Is Coming for Hemp Beverages
Just last month, 2025 was shaping up to be the year of the hemp beverage. But that optimism took a hit in March. Several state legislatures—likely influenced by the alcohol industry—have introduced legislation designed to ban, restrict, or heavily regulate intoxicating hemp drinks.
- Why? Big Alcohol sees hemp beverages as a threat to their bottom line—and they’re fighting back.
- Where? Georgia, Kentucky, and Missouri are leading the charge, with proposed bans or milligram caps.
It’s a critical moment for beverage producers to get involved in advocacy and ensure they’re not shut out of their own market.
📍 State-by-State Highlights
California
- The emergency ban on all THC-containing hemp products has been extended to June 2025.
- Although manufacturing and distribution can still occur, retail sale is prohibited—creating a strange, unspoken carveout that’s not technically in the regs.
Georgia
- Initially celebrated for preserving beverages and gummies, Georgia did a 180.
- A last-minute floor amendment passed, banning all hemp beverages and capping products at 10mg per serving, 150mg per container.
- If enacted, only gummies, topicals, and tinctures will remain legal.
Kentucky
- The bourbon lobby pushed hard for a hemp beverage ban.
- After public pressure, the bill was amended—now a 5mg cap per serving remains, with more regulations coming.
Montana (HB49)
- Proposes extremely low THC caps (5mg per serving, 2mg per container).
- Broadly bans all synthetic cannabinoids.
- Still moving slowly but could close the market dramatically if passed.
Missouri
- HB696 and SB518 introduce standard consumer protections like age limits, testing, and licensing.
- HB393 would allow beverages but forces them into the three-tier alcohol distribution system—which some say opens the door to monopolies.
Ohio (SB86)
- Pushes 99% of the hemp industry into regulated dispensaries.
- Would severely limit access and raise operational costs.
Texas (SB3)
- Would ban all hemp products except for those containing CBD or CBG.
- Advanced out of committee, but has yet to be amended. Unlikely to pass, but still alarming.
Florida
- New rules ban artificial color additives in hemp consumables.
- Natural colors like turmeric and spirulina are allowed—but only when used for flavor, not appearance.
- Florida also now uses the Total THC standard for all products and requires FDACS permits for every retailer and wholesaler.
- Broad new rules on “attractive to children” packaging—watch out for bears, cartoons, or bright colors.
North Carolina (SB265)
- A bright spot: SB265 mirrors HB563, and would create one of the most balanced hemp regulatory frameworks in the U.S.
- Requires licensing for all businesses in the supply chain.
- Includes clear testing protocols (HPLC), labeling, packaging, and reasonable potency limits for edibles, beverages, and vapes.
- No longer tied to medical cannabis—now a standalone bill.
🧠 Why It Matters
The hemp industry’s future is still being written—state by state. Whether you’re a producer, distributor, or retailer, staying ahead of compliance shifts isn’t optional—it’s essential. Enforcement is real, and the wrong move could jeopardize your entire business.
✅ We Can Help
Need help interpreting how these changes affect your product line or state operations? We offer:
- 50-state summaries
- Targeted compliance audits
- Regulatory support tailored to your business
📞 Contact us today and we’ll help you navigate the evolving hemp legal landscape—so your business stays protected and thrives.
Let’s protect your product—and your peace of mind.
See you next month for April’s hemp compliance breakdown.
