Exclusive: D.C. could greenlight cannabis drinks made by local breweries and distilleries

D.C. could soon open the door to cannabis-infused, alcohol-free drinks under a new bill from Mayor Bowser that would let local breweries and distilleries team up with medical marijuana producers.

Why it matters: The bill connects two big trends — people drinking less and using more cannabis — opening new doors for businesses and consumers.

Driving the news: Bowser introduced the measure Thursday, creating a legal pathway for cannabis-infused, nonalcoholic beverages.

• Breweries and distilleries could partner with licensed cannabis manufacturers.
• They'd need new license endorsements to produce the drinks.

Yes, but: You won't find these at your local bar.

• The proposal limits sales to licensed dispensaries — no sales at breweries/distilleries, restaurants or grocery stores.
• Like for other marijuana products in D.C., buyers would have to be registered for medical marijuana.

The intrigue: The bill tries to solve a practical problem — cannabis companies often lack bottling and large-scale beverage production capacity.

• D.C.'s craft beverage industry already has that infrastructure, and the legislation essentially connects the dots.

Zoom in: D.C.'s once-booming craft alcohol scene has cooled. One reason: producers say younger consumers are drinking less — or swapping booze for bud.

• A wave of distilleries closed last year, while many breweries have already pivoted to seltzers and nonalcoholic options.
• Cannabis drinks could be the next evolution: Meet consumers where they are.

Between the lines: Bowser in her last term is bullish on boosting local beverage producers.

• Another recent proposal, the D.C. Hospitality Act, would allow distillery collaborations, permit existing breweries to open new pubs in several neighborhoods and Downtown, and increase the variety of D.C.-made products — malt beverages, alcohol-infused sweets — to be sold for on-premise consumption.

The big picture: Cannabis beverages are having a moment nationwide — but the rules are all over the map.

• Drinks containing THC — the "fun" ingredient in marijuana — are restricted to dispensaries in 24 states where pot is legal, according to Reuters. D.C. could join them.
• Meanwhile, low-dose hemp THC drinks are popping up everywhere — from gas stations to grocery stores — as beer sales slide and big alcohol companies look to capitalize.

What's next: The legislation heads to the D.C. Council for review.