Minnesota may can "two serving" label law for 10 mg THC drinks
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THC beverages that pack a bigger buzz could shed their "two servings" labels under legislation that cleared the State Capitol over the weekend.
State of play: Minnesota law allows the sale of drinks with up to 10mg of hemp-derived THC in a single can, as long as they're marketed as containing two 5mg servings.
- Those higher-potency products are "by far the most sought after" by consumers, Bob Galligan, director of industry and governmental relations for the Minnesota Craft Brewers Guild, told Axios.
Friction point: The stronger drinks are often sold in the same 12- or 16-ounce cans as the lower-dose, 5mg versions.
- That led to confusion among health-conscious consumers comparing nutrition labels for calories and sugar, Galligan said.
What's new: A cannabis policy bill heading for Gov. Tim Walz's desk lifts the labeling requirement, allowing both 5mg and 10mg cans to be sold as "one serving" on the shelves.
- Walz spokesperson Claire Lancaster told Axios that he will review the measure.
Zoom out: The potency limit only applies to hemp-derived THC drinks that are sold widely at liquor stores, breweries and restaurants.
- Minnesotans will be able to buy even stronger beverages at recreational cannabis retailers when that market launches later this year.
What we're watching: A separate budget bill is expected to include a tax increase on both hemp-derived THC and future recreational cannabis sales.
- Legal marijuana advocates are pushing back against the proposed hike, arguing that it will hurt new cannabis retailers and push consumers back to the black market.