Keep Leisure Legal

by Katerina ↪ 6 min

Jump to:
– How did the THC beverage market get to this moment?
– Why are hemp beverages at risk right now?
– Is there another way?
– What happens next?
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A new policy debate puts the future of Wims at risk

Wims belongs in mocktails and iced teas and seltzers, at birthdays and picnics and bars—but recently, it’s found itself somewhere rather unexpected: at the center of a policy debate.

At the moment, the future of hemp-derived beverages like Wims is at risk—and the clock is ticking. Unless Congress takes action, new federal restrictions will eliminate a whole category of responsibly made hemp beverages that people already know, love, and rely on. And it’s all set to take effect December 11th, which means there’s no time like the present to let your representatives know where you stand. As it turns out, we can’t take it for granted that our favorite leisure beverage stays legal.

How did the THC beverage market get to this moment?

It all started when Congress passed the 2018 Farm Bill, which reopened the door for hemp to become a legitimate agricultural crop in the United States. Farmers planted it, businesses began to sell it, and consumers discovered entirely new ways to enjoy a variety of hemp-derived products, including THC-based beverages, like Wims.

It didn't take long for hemp-based beverages to catch on in popularity. As people have discovered the joy of the light, lifted buzz that sippable THC delivers (not to mention mornings without hangovers) these drinks have become more and more popular. In 2025, THC beverage sales reached an estimated $850 million dollars. By 2028, that number is projected to balloon to $4 billion [1] —that is, if they stay legal. Clearly, these delightful drinks have a lot to offer a lot of people.

As the category has grown, regulations have not kept pace and today, hemp beverages exist within a patchwork of federal and state rules. While the Farm Bill legalized hemp, many of the finer details—like how products are regulated, where they're sold, and what standards they follow—have been left undefined and deferred for states to decide. That means at a national level, the category is a bit complicated, inconsistent, and leaves room for bad actors.

Why are hemp beverages at risk right now?

There is a clear need for a more consistent approach to regulation nationwide. And of course, we at Wims are all in favor of setting high standards: age gating, clear labels, manufacturing and testing standards are musts. In fact, we believe the right rules can be beneficial for everyone.

The problem is, Congress is set to ban the sale of many of the high-quality, thoughtfully crafted products that are already on the market—including Wims [2]. Instead of establishing sensible regulations, the new law is effectively prohibition, putting an entire category of responsibly made products at risk of no longer being sold. This new rule is set to take effect in December. Come fall, when you’re craving your favorite after-work treat, or social sidekick, or good mood shortcut, it might not be available.

Is there another way?

Fortunately, there are other options on the table. We just need Congress to act.

One of the latest bills to enter the conversation is Representative Andy Barr's Lawful Hemp Protection Act [3], which takes a different approach. Rather than removing hemp-derived THC products from the market, the proposal would establish standards around things like testing, labeling, manufacturing, age restrictions, and product oversight—all while preserving access to hemp-derived products for adult consumers.

Taking a similar route, Congresswoman Beth Van Duyne and Congressman Greg Landsman also recently introduced the Beverage Regulatory Parity Act [4]. With many of the same priorities and processes as the Barr Bill, this one focuses specifically on hemp-derived THC beverages, rather than the broader market.

These are exactly the kinds of approaches we at Wims are hoping for: ones that recognize that the hemp-based beverage market gives adults more options when they socialize, but establishes clear and sensible rules to keep the marketplace safe. Adults should be able to consume what they please, how they please. Regulations should help keep that experience positive, and possible.

What happens next?

Right now, there's still a lot in motion. Lawmakers continue to debate how hemp should be regulated, and the final outcome is far from settled. That means the coming weeks and months will be an important time—not just for businesses like Wims, but for farmers, retailers, and the millions of adults who've made hemp beverages part of their lives.

If you love Wims, there are a few simple ways to help. You can stay informed, and let your friends and family know this is an ongoing issue. But the most impactful thing you can do by far is reaching out to your elected representatives and encouraging them to support legislation that creates sensible, long-term regulation rather prohibition. This website makes it incredibly easy to send a message—and when you do, might we recommend you reward your activism with a Wims?

Sources

[1] The New York Times. “Cannabis THC and Alcoholic Beverages,” January 25, 2026.

[2] CNBC. Coverage of federal restrictions affecting hemp-derived THC drinks, September 4, 2026.

[3] U.S. Congress. Lawful Hemp Protection Act, H.R. 9830, 119th Congress.

[4] Office of Rep. Beth Van Duyne. Beverage Regulatory Parity Act, 2026.