The Georgia Senate has made its stance on hemp-derived cannabinoids clear: they want them gone. In a recent move, lawmakers have gone from limiting Delta-9 THC beverages to completely banning all cannabinoid-infused drinks. This drastic shift comes at the same time they are proposing to increase the potency of Georgia’s medical cannabis program—a move that raises serious questions about their true intentions.

This legislation is not about consumer safety. If it were, lawmakers would not be banning hemp-derived beverages while expanding medical cannabis. Instead, this appears to be an attempt to eliminate the hemp industry in favor of a state-controlled system.

What is Happening?

Originally, the Georgia Senate proposed limiting Delta-9 THC beverages to 10 milligrams per 12-ounce unit. While restrictive, this at least allowed the sale of infused drinks. Now, they are pushing for a complete ban on all cannabinoid-infused beverages.

This move raises concerns because it directly contradicts efforts to expand Georgia’s medical cannabis program. While lawmakers claim they are acting in the interest of public safety, the timing suggests a different motive—shutting down the hemp industry entirely.

Why is the Georgia Senate Doing This?

Georgia lawmakers are making it clear that they want to restrict access to hemp-derived products while expanding state-controlled medical cannabis. This approach raises several issues:

• Hemp is federally legal. The 2018 Farm Bill legalized hemp-derived cannabinoids, including Delta-9 THC at 0.3 percent by dry weight. Banning infused beverages in Georgia contradicts federal law and limits consumer access to legal products.
• The medical market is not widely accessible. Georgia’s medical cannabis program is restrictive, requiring patients to meet strict qualifications and register for a low-THC oil card. Many people rely on hemp-derived products because they do not qualify for medical cannabis.
• This is an economic attack. The hemp industry in Georgia has created jobs, tax revenue, and small business opportunities. Removing infused beverages is another step toward dismantling an entire industry.

What This Means for Consumers

If this ban passes, hemp-derived THC beverages will no longer be available in Georgia. Consumers will have fewer choices, less access to legal alternatives, and higher costs when seeking cannabinoid-based products.

Just like the ban on hemp flower, this move will push many consumers toward the black market, where products lack regulation, testing, and safety standards. Instead of keeping consumers safe, the Georgia Senate is making it harder for people to access tested, compliant products while increasing the risk of unregulated alternatives flooding the market.

How to Get Involved and Fight Back

This issue is not just about business owners. It affects consumers who rely on hemp-derived products and those who believe in a free and competitive market. Georgia legislators are counting on people to remain silent, which is why it is important to take action.

What You Can Do:

• Contact your legislators. Call and email your state representatives and senators to let them know you oppose the ban on cannabinoid-infused beverages. Find your lawmakers at the Georgia General Assembly website.
• Support the hemp industry. Continue purchasing from local hemp businesses that are working to fight back against these unfair regulations.
• Join advocacy groups. Alpine Dispensary is working with organizations that are actively pushing against these restrictions. More details on how to get involved will be available soon.
• Stay informed. Follow Alpine Dispensary and industry groups like the Georgia Cannabis Industry Alliance (GCIA) for updates.

Conclusion: The Fight for Hemp is Not Over

The Georgia Senate’s attempt to ban hemp-infused beverages is a direct attack on consumer choice and small businesses. If they succeed, it is likely they will move to restrict other hemp products next. The state has already banned hemp flower, and now they are targeting beverages. What will be next—edibles, tinctures, or vapes?

Alpine Dispensary is committed to keeping hemp-derived products accessible and legal in Georgia. This fight is not just about one product; it is about standing against unfair government overreach. Contact your representatives, support local hemp businesses, and stay informed. Together, we can work to protect an industry that belongs to the people, not the politicians.

Stay updated and take action. The future of hemp in Georgia depends on it.