Rhode Island Bars and Restaurants Oppose Proposed Ban on Hemp THC Drinks

Rhode Island is seeing a bit of a showdown over those buzzy hemp-derived THC drinks. Right now, around 120 bars and restaurants in the Ocean State are serving up these low-dose refreshments, but state regulators are floating a plan to pull the plug on on-site sales. Naturally, the hospitality industry is pushing back hard. They argue that enjoying a chilled THC beverage in a social, supervised setting like a pub is actually one of the safest ways to indulge.

Beyond the potential ban, the state is looking at slapping on higher taxes—possibly up to 15%—and tightening up testing rules. It is a classic case of red tape tangling up a growing local scene. For everyday tokers, this matters because it is about having options. Social consumption is a huge part of the community vibe, and losing the ability to grab a THC drink while out with friends would be a major step backward for accessibility. We should be normalizing these options, not hiding them away behind strict retail counters.