Hemp Drinks Disappear After California Crackdown

Shoppers in California are seeing a popular new drink vanish from shelves, and it’s all thanks to a full-blown crackdown on hemp THC beverages.

Governor Gavin Newsom is turning up the heat by making an emergency ban permanent, triggering massive backlash across the cannabis and retail industries. This ban is already causing chaos.

These drinks, packed with hemp-derived THC, the stuff in weed that gets you high, have been showing up in corner stores, liquor shops, and regular grocery stores. They technically became legal when Congress passed the Farm Bill in 2018, but they slipped through with little regulation. That’s where Newsom stepped in.

Back in September, he hit the brakes with an emergency ban. Then he renewed it in March. And now? The California Department of Public Health is locking in a permanent ban. Their reasoning? These drinks are way too easy for kids to get, and they haven’t been properly tested or licensed.

But not everyone is thrilled. Cannabis companies, who already follow super strict rules and only sell through licensed dispensaries, say the hemp drink industry has been getting a free ride. The ban might level the field, but it comes with major consequences.

What’s happening with the California hemp THC drink ban?

• Governor Gavin Newsom started with an emergency ban in September 2024.
• Renewed in March 2025
• On Friday, California moved to make the ban permanent.
• Target: Drinks with hemp-derived THC sold outside licensed dispensaries
• Public health officials fear child exposure and unregulated sales.

And the economic hit? Massive.

Projected Impact Over 5 Years

Still, there’s a silver lining for licensed cannabis brands. Without competition from hemp drink makers, they’re likely to rake in big business again. That’s especially important in California’s saturated weed market.

Other Banned Grocery Items You Should Know About

This isn’t the only ban hitting your favorite shops.

• Plastic Bags: Banned in 12 states, including California, New York, and Oregon
• Breakfast Foods: 20 states have banned at least one beloved item (details vary).
• Kitchen Essentials: One state is even eyeing a ban on a popular cooking item.
• Some areas even fine shoppers for carrying plastic bags.

So if you thought it was just hemp drinks on the chopping block, think again.

Which States Have Banned Plastic Bags?

• California
• Colorado
• Connecticut
• Delaware
• Hawaii
• Maine
• New Jersey
• New York
• Oregon
• Rhode Island
• Vermont
• Washington

And this trend? It’s spreading.

Bottom line: The ban is just one piece of a much bigger puzzle. It’s not just about cannabis, it’s about what products the public is allowed to access. With regulations tightening, businesses are bracing for a shake-up, and shoppers might want to keep an eye on their go-to items before they’re gone.

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Leo Cruz

Politics Correspondent at T.H.E - Music Essentials

Leo Cruz brings sharp insights into the world of politics, offering balanced reporting and analysis on the latest policies, elections, and global political events. With years of experience covering campaigns and interviewing world leaders, Leo ensures readers are always informed and engaged.

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