COLUMBUS, Ohio — The Ohio Craft Brewers Association, representing the state’s more than 400 small and independent breweries, supports the continued ability of our member breweries to produce and sell Ohio Department of Agriculture compliant, low-dose, intoxicating hemp beverages. This innovative category offers a vital new revenue stream for our small businesses, meets evolving consumer demands and reinforces Ohio's position as a leader in craft beverage production.
Governor DeWine’s public health emergency declaration and ban of the sale of intoxicating hemp products, while well-intentioned, ignores the diligence and rigorousness of the manufacturing practices Ohio craft breweries follow to ensure the safety of all of their products. The Ohio Craft Brewers Association calls for the General Assembly to put forth reasonable regulation of these products, with input from responsible manufacturers and sellers of intoxicating hemp beverages, rather than enacting a total ban.
"Ohio's craft breweries have always been pioneers, exercising their creativity and innovating to meet the ever-evolving tastes of our consumers," said Mary MacDonald, executive director of the Ohio Craft Brewers Association. "The production and sale of intoxicating hemp beverages are a natural evolution for our industry. They allow local breweries to leverage their existing manufacturing expertise, safety protocols, equipment and distribution networks to tap into the fast-growing markets for alcohol alternatives."
The safe, responsible production of low-dose intoxicating hemp beverages by Ohio craft breweries is a response to clear market demand:
- Consumer Preference Shift: A growing number of consumers, particularly younger adults of legal drinking age, are seeking out mindful, low-calorie and non-alcoholic options for social occasions. Intoxicating hemp beverages manufactured by breweries provide a safe and appealing beverage selection.
- Economic Opportunity for Local Businesses: Ohio's craft brewing industry currently contributes over $1.29 billion to the state's economy and supports thousands of jobs. Diversifying product lines and offering intoxicating hemp beverages provides a crucial new source of revenue, helping brewery taprooms weather economic fluctuations, and continue to invest in their communities.
- A Natural Fit for Craft Production: Craft breweries possess the necessary infrastructure—from quality control and production to established distribution channels—to responsibly manufacture and deliver a safe, consistent, high-quality beverage product.
- Responsible Beverage Service: Craft brewery taprooms already follow the procedures required for serving alcoholic beverages. All staff are properly trained to verify that patrons consuming these products are of legal age, and they observe responsible service practices to ensure the safety and well-being of all guests.
"Brands including Urban Artifact’s Coastalo, Fifty West Brewing Company’s Sunflower Seltzer and Seventh Son Brewing Co.’s Green Buddy are already proving the commercial viability of this segment," added MacDonald. "These products are crafted with the same commitment to quality and transparency that define Ohio craft beer. We are confident in our members’ ability to responsibly manage the manufacture and sale of this product category within all current and future regulatory framework."
The Ohio Craft Brewers Association urges policymakers to recognize this industry pivot as an opportunity to support local, job-creating manufacturers and to establish clear, robust regulations that ensure product safety, quality control and restricted access to adults aged 21 and over.
Founded in 2007, the Ohio Craft Brewers Association is a nonprofit guild that exists to promote, preserve, diversify and unify Ohio’s craft brewing industry. We aspire to be recognized as the industry leader at both state and national levels for preserving the art of making high-quality, unique craft beer; to serve as the unified voice for craft brewers across the state; to advocate on behalf of the Ohio craft beer industry; to contribute to systemic, local community development by driving economic and job growth, while creating experiences that bring people together; to promote safe, responsible enjoyment of Ohio craft beer; and to serve as a beacon for local production and manufacturing through craft beer, resulting in diverse choices for consumers.
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