North Carolina Beverage Distributor Urges Lawmakers to Regulate Hemp THC Drinks, Not Ban

The Argument Against a Ban

Johnston's core argument is that banning hemp THC beverages will drive the market underground and remove compliant distributors from the supply chain. Writing in Carolina Journal, she said consumer demand in North Carolina is clear. A ban would take good actors out of the space while allowing bad actors to flourish. Her op-ed comes as state lawmakers weigh legislation that would effectively prohibit most hemp-derived intoxicating products.

Tryon Distributing operates as a licensed beverage distributor in the state. Since the 2018 Farm Bill federally legalized hemp and its derivatives containing less than 0.3% delta-9 THC by dry weight, the company has positioned itself as a regulated player in the emerging hemp THC drink category—a segment that's grown rapidly.

North Carolina's Legislative Landscape

State lawmakers are considering bills that would impose strict limits or outright bans on hemp-derived intoxicating cannabinoids sold in beverage and edible formats. Proposals under debate include age restrictions, potency caps, and product bans that would effectively eliminate most hemp THC drinks from retail shelves. Johnston's op-ed directly challenges the prohibition approach, framing regulation as the smarter policy path.

North Carolina hasn't yet passed comprehensive hemp regulation. The state allows hemp sales under federal law but lacks state-level guardrails on potency, labeling, or distribution. That gap has created a patchwork market. Products range from low-dose seltzers to high-potency gummies with minimal oversight.

The Case for Regulation Over Prohibition

Johnston argues North Carolina has a unique opportunity to create the best hemp beverage law in the country by setting clear rules instead of banning products outright. Her position echoes arguments from other industry stakeholders who say regulation—age gates, lab testing, potency limits, and licensing—can address safety concerns without pushing consumers into unregulated channels.

This debate mirrors alcohol policy history. Prohibition didn't eliminate demand; it moved supply to untraceable sources. Johnston's argument is that the same dynamic applies to hemp THC drinks. If licensed distributors can't sell tested, labeled products, consumers will find them elsewhere. Without safety guarantees.

Consumer Demand and Market Dynamics

Johnston's op-ed emphasizes that consumer demand for hemp THC beverages is already established in North Carolina, creating a market that won't disappear with a ban. Sales data from other states show hemp-derived delta-8 THC and delta-9 THC drinks have gained traction as legal alternatives to alcohol and traditional cannabis products. North Carolina retailers report strong sales in the category, particularly among consumers who want a controlled, social experience without the legal risks of marijuana.

Tryon Distributing's stake in this fight is straightforward. The company distributes beverages through licensed channels and would lose a revenue stream if the ban passes. But the industry argument is that regulation legitimizes the market and creates tax revenue, job growth, and consumer protection mechanisms that prohibition can't deliver.

What Happens Next

North Carolina's legislature hasn't yet voted on a final hemp THC bill, and the debate is likely to extend into the next session. Lawmakers face pressure from two sides: public health advocates and law enforcement groups pushing for bans, and industry operators and consumer advocates arguing for regulation. Johnston's op-ed is part of a growing chorus from licensed businesses trying to shape the policy before it locks in.

For full background on this story, see the CannIntel topic hub on North Carolina Hemp THC Regulation.

Watch for this signal next: whether North Carolina follows states like Minnesota and Colorado in creating a regulated hemp THC market, or joins states like Arkansas and Oregon in imposing strict bans. That outcome will set the template for how Southern states handle hemp-derived intoxicants in 2027.