Let's All Support Our World Class, Local Breweries.
Last week, many of our local craft breweries got a punch in the gut. In a last-minute amendment to the bill that reopened the government, Congress closed the 2018 Farm Bill loophole that allowed hemp-based THC to be made and sold without Federal narcotic status. In doing so, Congress essentially made Hemp THC no different than Marijuana THC, a schedule 1 narcotic in the eyes of the law.
Some of you will say “what’s the big deal? Marijuana is legal in Minnesota, so if Hemp THC is now the same, won’t it be legal also?”
You’re technically right… but…
If nothing changes, next November, Hemp THC will no longer be available in your favorite local liquor store, bar, restaurant, co-op, grocery store, convenience store, department store, etc,etc. It will only be available at a MN licensed dispensaries. You simply cannot replace over 5,500 establishments in Minnesota selling THC with a handful of local dispensaries. This change also means that breweries will not be able to produce THC seltzers anymore, since it’s now considered a narcotic. It means farmers, sales reps, warehouse employees, delivery drivers, and so on will be out of jobs. It means some of our beloved local breweries, where 15-50% of their sales revenue is THC, will have to close the doors and say goodbye.
If nothing chances, this bill will destroy the Minnesota Hemp THC industry as it exists today.
But Wait, There's More
Ok, sounds real bad for some of the local breweries right? Oh wait… it gets worse.
Last year, beer sales nation-wide were down about 5%. This year, it’s looking like they will be down closer to 8%.
Those are huge losses when you pile them on top of increased manufacturing costs due to tariffs, increased insurance cost, increased rent, increased taxes and a decrease of consumers. It’s bleak right now for a lot of breweries.
So, What Can You Do?
Reach out to your local representative and tell them you oppose the new change to our THC law. Come in and buy a beer from your favorite local brewery. Or come in and let us help you find your next new favorite brewery. Go out and support them at their taproom.
We are spoiled with an amazing, world class, selection of breweries in the Twin Cities. Crack open a beer this Thanksgiving and remind yourself how good some of these outfits are. I’d hate to lose some of them because of all this mess.
Your local breweries all need a little love right now.
We will continue to sell and stock THC until we are told we can no longer. We will continue to stock and pile into the beer cooler the best selection of beer we can find. We will support our local breweries as much as we can and I’d ask you to do the same.
Thank you,
Bill, your friendly neighborhood beer buyer
