Chicago brewers are racing to sell off their hemp‑derived THC drinks as a new Illinois law takes effect on Nov. 12, requiring those beverages to be sold only in licensed dispensaries. The change threatens a growing niche that has helped local breweries attract new customers and offset a slowdown in traditional beer sales.
Local breweries feel the impact
Hopewell Brewing Co. in Logan Square says THC drinks account for roughly 20‑25 % of its business. Co‑founder Jonathan Fritz warned that the law will “completely eliminate the THC beverage category” that many consumers have safely incorporated into their routines. Marz Community Brewing Co., an early adopter of both CBD and THC drinks, echoed the sentiment, noting that the dispensary market offers no viable outlet for their products.
Revolution Brewing, which launched its THC‑infused line Reverb last year, announced it will halt sales at its brewery after Sunday. Owner Josh Deth expressed frustration that customers do not understand why the General Assembly and the governor are pulling these drinks from retail shelves.
State and federal action
The Illinois measure treats hemp‑derived THC the same as cannabis, effectively ending the loophole that allowed producers to sell low‑dose THC beverages alongside beer. The law follows a federal ban slated to begin in December, after President Donald Trump signed legislation last year that tightened the legal THC limit in hemp products to 0.3 % of total THC concentration and .4 mg per container. Trump’s action was praised by many who view the loophole as a risk to families and children.
While Governor J.B. Pritzker’s office declined comment, the governor’s office previously suggested the federal delay was the result of “special interests” pressuring for weaker standards. Local brewers, however, have welcomed stricter regulations, calling for third‑party testing, 21‑plus age limits, and taxes to fund public services.
Community response
Binny’s liquor stores across the city have marked down all THC beverages, posting countdown signs to alert shoppers of the impending deadline. Some Chicago aldermen have already banned hemp products in their wards, and the City Council voted in January to ban most hemp‑derived THC items—except beverages—only to see Mayor Brandon Johnson veto that ban.
Advocates for the ban argue that easy access to THC drinks could target underage consumers, while brewers contend the products are responsibly produced and marketed to adults, much like alcohol.
What’s next for Chicago’s craft scene?
With the state deadline looming, breweries are either winding down production or exploring ways to comply with the new regulations. Some hope that future “common sense” reforms will allow these popular alcohol alternatives to return to shelves, but for now, the industry faces an uncertain future.
Original reporting: Block Club Chicago — read the source article.
