When President Trump signed the bill to reopen the government on November 12, he also enacted a law that will—unless changed within a year—effectively ban hemp-derived THC beverages and other products nationwide. Virtually overnight, the government had moved to close the book on a broadly popular industry worth an estimated $30 billion—even as adults in many states can, for now, still legally shop for their hemp beverages alongside beer and wine.
As President and Founder of the Hemp Beverage Alliance, Christopher Lackner represents brewers, distributors, retailers, can manufacturers, and others who have a stake in these drinks that have become increasingly mainstream. His focus now is on lobbying for any outcome that can keep this new industry on its feet, grounded in sensible regulations and responsible business practices.
In this episode, Lackner and host Jamie Bogner discuss:
- how the 2018 Farm Bill loophole led to a lucrative, popular industry that became “no big deal”
- why sensible limits on THC in beverages—perhaps 10 milligrams per 12 ounces—may be a way forward
- why hemp beverages don’t belong in marijuana dispensaries
- the need for rules that keep out bad actors
- why skeptics of hemp-derived THC products should pay a visit to Minnesota
- how an all-you-can-drink hemp-beverage fest became the chillest affair ever
- what brewers and consumers who support hemp beverages should be doing now
And more.
G&D Chillers
For years G&D Chillers has chilled the beers you love, partnering with 3,000+ breweries across the country. We’re proud of the cool partnerships we’ve built, offering 24/7 service and support. We build with nonproprietary parts, expert craftsmanship, and constant innovation! Our in-house engineering crew have been piping breweries, wineries, and distilleries for more than 30 years. We offer FREE piping design and consultation with the sale of every chiller we build. Reach out for a quote today at gdchillers.com or call to discuss your next project.
Berkeley Yeast just launched Dry Tropics London! Our best-selling liquid yeast strain, now with all the ease-of-use benefits of dry yeast. Dry Tropics London delivers the soft, pillowy mouthfeel and juicy character you’d expect from a top-tier London Ale strain, but with a serious upgrade: a burst of thiols that unleash vibrant, layered notes of grapefruit and passion fruit. A lot of brewers love the clean passion fruit you get from Tropics, but they don’t want every IPA to be a tropical fruit bomb. At the dry-yeast price point, you can pitch and ditch without breaking the bank. Or, you can co-pitch with your house strain to adjust the intensity of the notes. And with nationwide free shipping, there’s never been a better time to try Dry Tropics. Order now at berkeleyyeast.com and experience the ease and impact of Dry Tropics London Yeast.
Every beer menu could use a refresh button on the fruit flavors. That's why it's time to revisit Old Orchard's flavored craft juice concentrate blends, where the latest additions include Fruit Punch, Guava, Kiwi, and Pomegranate. We aren't stopping there and welcome flavor suggestions from the brewing industry. More information and free samples are waiting at oldorchard.com/brewer.
Give your customers a pleasant surprise with Audacia in your next IPA. Brought to you by Indie Hops, this descendant of Strata brings her own flare of catchy lilac/lavender aroma and flavors of sweet-tart berries with tangy lychee. Audacia loves family reunions with Strata and has even more fun when Citra, Simcoe, Amarillo, and others join the party. Let Audacia loose and watch the smiles spread. Indie Hops — Life is short. Let’s make it flavorful!
Looking for a powerful, no-rinse sanitizer that gets the job done fast? Meet Saniclean PAA Pro from Five Star Chemicals. This EPA-registered, PAA-based acid sanitizer is tough on beerstone and perfect for everything from kegs to packaging lines. Available in two convenient sizes, it’s ideal for coarse sprayers, fermentors, and more. Trusted by pros, designed for performance—Saniclean PAA Pro helps you brew with confidence. Learn more at fivestarchemicals.com. Brew better. Brew with Five Star.
This episode is sponsored by PakTech—delivering craft-beer multipacking you can trust. PakTech’s handles are made from 100 percent recycled plastic and are fully recyclable, helping breweries close the loop and advance the circular economy. With a minimalist design, durable functionality you can rely on, and custom color matching, PakTech helps brands stand out while staying sustainable. Trusted by craft brewers nationwide, we offer a smarter, sustainable way to carry your beer. To learn more, visit paktech-opi.com.
When it comes to packaging your brew, think Hart Print, the original in digital can printing. With three locations across North America, the Hart Print team has your back from concept to can. Count on fast turnarounds, no minimums, graphic-design support, and rock-solid can quality, all on 100 percent infinitely recyclable cans. Get 10 percent off your first can order when you mention the Craft Beer & Brewing podcast. Open an account at hartprint.com or email info@hartprint.com for details.
Brightly Software, a Siemens company, partners with organizations at every stage of their asset lifecycle journey. Brightly is a complete asset management and operations software that enhances organizational sustainability, compliance, and efficiency through data-driven decision making. Streamline maintenance, simplify capital planning, and optimize resources with solutions uniquely designed to support long-term goals. Learn more at brightlysoftware.com.
Here’s a toast worth raising your glass to ... back in 2016, UNESCO gave Belgian Beer Culture a huge shoutout, naming it an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Fast-forward to 2026 and Visit Flanders is celebrating 10 years of that honor. A whole decade of raising glasses to the creativity, craftsmanship, and community that make Belgian beer legendary. Now, Flanders might be small, but when it comes to beer, it’s a giant. You can find more than 3,000 unique beers—from classic Trappist ales to funky new experiments. If you love beer, Belgium’s got something with your name on it. Come to Flanders in 2026 to celebrate the 10th anniversary of UNESCO recognition and drink in the Belgian beer culture.