Hemp Beverage Alliance Launches Regulatory Framework Campaign in PA

*HARRISBURG, Pa. –* The Hemp Beverage Alliance (HBA), the trade association
for the hemp beverage industry with nearly 400 members in the United
States, Canada, and the United Kingdom, is establishing a coalition to
create and support a sensible regulatory framework for hemp beverages in
the Keystone State.

Hemp beverages are seltzers, sodas, mocktails, coffees, teas, and other
non-alcoholic drinks that contain an infusion of hemp-derived cannabinoids.
Since hemp was legalized in the 2018 Farm Bill, states like Minnesota,
Kentucky, Georgia, Tennessee, and others have developed regulatory
frameworks to create a safe and thriving industry.

“Hemp beverages are the fastest growing category in adult beverages, but we
need a regulatory framework to protect consumers, keep products away from
children, and allow the category to thrive,” said Christopher Lackner,
president, Hemp Beverage Alliance. “We look forward to working with
legislators, public health advocates, law enforcement, alcohol distributors
and other stakeholders to create a system that works for everyone.”

HBA has retained Jay Wiederhold of Wanner Associates to lead their
legislative efforts in the Commonwealth. Wiederhold served for 20 years as
President of the Pennsylvania Beer Alliance (PBA).

“A sensible regulatory framework will allow a safe, thriving and
transparent hemp beverage industry along with permitting the Commonwealth
to generate tax revenues and create jobs. This is especially important as
we see state budget shortfalls and employment declines in the beer, wine
and spirits sectors,” said Wiederhold.

States with a regulatory framework for hemp products enjoy significant tax
revenues. In 2024, Minnesota taxed hemp products at 10 percent and
generated $11.6 million in revenue. Tennessee, which taxes hemp products at
six percent, generated more than $11 million in revenue in 2024. That
number jumped to $17 million for 2025. These numbers are expected to
increase as awareness of the category grows.

“As a much larger state than Tennessee or Minnesota, Pennsylvania can
expect significantly higher tax revenues from hemp beverages,” said
Wiederhold.

The Hemp Beverage Alliance supports regulatory principles that set sensible
limits for THC content, keep products away from children, provide robust
product testing, and create tax revenues for the public benefit.
About Hemp Beverage Alliance

The mission of the Hemp Beverage Alliance is to create a safe and thriving
industry through education, advocacy, best practices and partnership by
providing consumers, retailers, and distributors with the information they
need to better understand the industry; developing best practices to create
consistency in labeling and manufacturing; working with elected officials
and regulators to encourage common-sense regulation; and collaborating with
cannabis and alcohol industries to create a marketplace that benefits
everyone.
About Wanner Associates

Wanner Associates is a government relations firm and dual association
management organization. The firm celebrated 40 years in business earlier
this year after being named a top 50 lobbying firm by City & State
Magazine, as well as having both the President and Vice President named in
the Central Pennsylvania Business Journal Government Relations Powerlists.