Episode Details

The hemp beverage industry is thriving, but a federal "cliff" in November could bring it all to a screeching halt. With a looming ban on products over 0.4mg of THC, the stakes have never been higher for operators and consumers alike.

About This Episode:

In this episode of High Spirits, hosts Ben Larson & AnnaRae Grabstein sit down with Dawson Hobbs, EVP of Government Affairs at the Wine and Spirits Wholesalers of America (WSWA). As a key player representing 80% of the nation’s wine and spirits distribution, Dawson provides a high-stakes look at the legislative battle in Washington D.C., the push for a three-tier regulatory model, and why the industry must choose between strict regulation or total extinction.

💡 What You’ll Learn:

• The November 2026 Deadline: Why federal funding bills currently threaten to criminalize nearly every hemp beverage on the market.
• The Power of the Three-Tier System: How the alcohol model of "Producer-Distributor-Retailer" can provide the safety guardrails Congress is demanding.
• Legislative Strategy for 218 Votes: Why standalone bills matter and how to find champions on the Hill who prioritize public safety over "gas station weed."
• The "Perfect vs. Good" Trap: Why the hemp industry must stop suing over state regulations if it wants to survive at the federal level.

🌟 Meet Dawson Hobbs:

Dawson Hobbs is the EVP of Government Affairs for the Wine and Spirits Wholesalers of America (WSWA). With over two decades of experience navigating alcohol policy, Dawson is one of the most influential voices in Washington regarding the intersection of traditional beverage and emerging THC categories. He leads advocacy efforts for over 380 member companies, bridging the gap between legacy distribution and the future of hemp-derived intoxicants.

📅 Why Tune In?

Whether you are a hemp operator, a cannabis MSO, or a beverage investor, this conversation is your roadmap for the next six months. Dawson breaks down the exact "proof of concept" the industry needs to present to Congress to ensure THC beverages stay on shelves and out of the shadows.

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