A Message from the 8th Wonder Team
If you’ve been following the headlines about Congress and hemp, you’ve probably seen some confusing (and frankly, concerning) news about a potential “hemp ban.”
Let’s break down what’s actually happening — and why this isn’t the end of the story for our industry, our partners, or the craft innovation we’ve all built together.
What’s Happening in Washington
Recently, language was added to a federal spending package — known as the “minibus” — that could redefine hemp and restrict how much THC can appear in hemp-derived products.
Specifically, it introduces a 0.4mg THC-per-package limit and switches the definition of hemp to a “total THC” standard. That may sound small, but it would effectively outlaw many responsibly made, low-dose hemp beverages — even those that comply with the 2018 Farm Bill’s limit of 0.3% THC by dry weight.
This language was buried deep in hundreds of pages of unrelated funding measures, forcing lawmakers to choose between keeping the government open or restricting hemp entirely. Unfortunately, that kind of politics doesn’t make for good policy.
Why We’re Not Panicking
Here’s the key: the Senate included a 365-day delay before any new rules could take effect. That year-long window wasn’t an accident — it was a recognition that the hemp industry deserves a thoughtful, data-driven path forward, not a knee-jerk reaction.
That delay gives Congress, regulators, and responsible operators like us the chance to:
- Educate policymakers on the difference between low-dose hemp beverages and high THC flower or Delta-8 products
- Build a fair, consistent framework for hem innoovation
- Prove that craft, responsibly made THC drinks have a legitimate place in the market
Industry Unity and Forward Motion
We’re not alone in this effort. Retailers, distributors, and trade associations across the country have stepped up to defend the future of hemp-derived beverages — and to separate responsible companies from bad actors.
Meanwhile, new legislation is already in the works that would restore clarity to the law and explicitly legalize low-dose, hemp-derived beverages nationwide.
Here in Texas, nothing has changed. Hemp products that meet the state’s ≤0.3% THC by dry weight standard remain legal — and we plan to keep crafting great-tasting, responsibly formulated beverages that stay true to that.
The Road Ahead
While this week’s developments were a setback, they’re also a wake-up call — and an opportunity. The inclusion of that one-year delay shows that lawmakers are listening and learning.
At 8th Wonder, we’ll continue to do what we’ve always done: innovate responsibly, advocate for smart reform, and collaborate with industry partners to ensure this category continues to thrive.
The hemp industry isn’t fading — it’s evolving. And we’re proud to be part of the group shaping what comes next.
Together, we’ll keep pushing the boundaries of craft and culture — responsibly.
