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Help Save Hemp Beverages!
Urge lawmakers to support sensible hemp beverage regulation now!
The Important Part
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Fill out this form to sign our petition to tell our lawmakers to vote NO on NC HB 328 and YES on sensible federal hemp regulation.
Our Initiative
Regulate, Don't Ruin is a North Carolina statewide advocacy campaign designed to create awareness on the impending federal hemp ban, as well as urging our NC House members to vote NO on HB 328.
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We serve to promote sensible hemp beverage regulation and urge lawmakers to create legislation that will govern these beverages much like alcohol.
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This is not a protest campaign.
It is not cannabis culture marketing.
And it is not a brand-forward promotional vehicle.
Regulate, Don't Ruin exists to educate the general public about the impending ban, what's at stake, and provide a clear and easy pathway to take action. Lawmakers need to hear from real, everyday people on this issue so they understand its importance and act before it's too late. If we don't act now, come November 12, 2026, these products will become banned -- killing an entire industry, hurting local farmers, and injuring our economy.
The Problem
NC House Bill 328
North Carolina's own version of the federal hemp ban has been introduced via HB 328 Regulate Hemp-Derived Consumables. This bill started out as a licensing and regulation act, but the version the Senate passed in early July 2026 goes much further: It would also ensure that even if these products were federally regulated, they would remain illegal under North Carolina law. The Senate has already adopted this conference report, and the House may take it up when lawmakers return in November.
The Federal Hemp Ban
Tucked into last November's government funding bill was a provision that redefines "hemp" so narrowly that roughly 95% of existing hemp-derived cannabinoid products will become federally illegal starting November 12, 2026. The new standard caps products at 0.4 milligrams of total THC. Analysts have concluded that if this ban takes effect, we will see the loss of a $28 billion industry along with its 300,000+ jobs.
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The Solution
To save this exploding industry, we first need to ensure that the NC House does not vote for HB 328 to become law. Federally, we need either category regulation or time to work out regulation before November's ban takes effect.
Within North Carolina
It is imperative that the NC House vote NO on HB 328 to allow NC's hemp market to thrive under proper regulation. We also support the proposed Protecting Our Community Act/SB 265 which was introduced in the NC General Assembly last year and establishes a comprehensive regulatory framework for hemp-derived consumable products.
βAt the Federal Level
Some of the current bills that this campaign supports include:
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The Lawful Hemp Protection Act
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This bipartisan House bill sponsored by Rep. Andy Barr (R-KY) and Angie Craig (D-MN) delivers the first comprehensive federal framework for hemp-derived products, setting national standards for cultivation, manufacturing, testing, and labeling. Thus far, this bill is the best attempt to create clear federal rules for hemp/THC products (safety, labeling, age limits) for future use.
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The Hemp Safety Enforcement Act
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This bipartisan Senate bill, sponsored by Rand Paul (R-KY) and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), would allow states to opt out of the federal hemp ban set to take effect in November.
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The Hemp Planting Predictability Act
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Rep. James Baird's (R-IN) bill would delay the federal hemp ban by one to two years, giving Congress more time to develop legislation that protects jobs, eliminates bad actors, standardizes labeling, and requires third-party testing.
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Rep. Morgan Griffith's (R-VA) bipartisan bill would create a first-of-its-kind federal regulatory framework for hemp-derived cannabinoid products under the FDA.
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The People Behind The Initiative
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Regulatory Principles
This campaign promotes the following regulatory principles to create a safe, thriving, and transparent hemp beverage industry:
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Age Restriction - The sale of hemp beverages should be restricted to adults aged 21 years or older.
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Safety - The safety of the consumer is paramount and should be a driving force in the industry.
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Serving Size and Potency - THC levels should be safe, effective, and provide value to the consumer.
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Labeling - Clear, consistent labeling is necessary to empower the consumer and build credibility for the industry.
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Regulatory Clarity - Regulations are necessary and should be thoughtful, concise, and support consumer safety and industry growth.
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Marketplace Consistency - A framework is necessary to ensure consumer confidence, marketplace consistency, regulatory clarity and public safety.
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βIn lieu of federal action, state governments should work together to develop guidelines that are consistent across state lines.
The Impact of the Hemp
Beverage Industry
The U.S. hemp-derived THC beverage industry is currently worth about $1.3 billion in annual legal sales. Experts project the total addressable market could eventually reach $10 billion to $15 billion the category grows.
The U.S. hemp and THC beverage market is growing at an explosive compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of roughly 50 - 75%, with some state-level retail data showing double-digit growth.
This isn't just for "stoners." These beverages are enjoyed by real, everyday people like soccer moms, veterans, elderly folks, and those looking for an alternative to alcohol.
Hemp beverages have become a massive lifeline for the struggling craft brewing and traditional alcohol industries, offering higher profit margins and faster inventory cycles than brewing beer.
Hemp beverages have also become a viable revenue stream for independent restaurants, bars, and other retail outlets who face the increasing operation costs. As alcohol consumption continues to decline, many businesses are shifting to hemp beverages to meet consumer demand.
