ATLANTA, Ga. — The fate of THC-infused beverages in Georgia hangs in the balance as state lawmakers push forward with a bill that could remove them from shelves entirely. The proposed ban, introduced as an amendment on Crossover Day, has sparked backlash from hemp industry leaders, business owners, and consumers who see it as a threat to their livelihoods and personal freedoms.
A Surprise Move in the Legislature
Until now, Georgia has maintained strict regulations on THC beverages—limiting them to 10 milligrams per serving, banning alcohol content, and restricting sales to hemp stores and gas stations. But on Thursday, State Senator Randy Robertson introduced a sweeping amendment that could outlaw the drinks altogether, catching many by surprise.
The original bill’s sponsor, Senator Bill Cowsert, argued that even with existing restrictions, these drinks pose a significant public risk. He claimed that a single 10-milligram THC drink is equivalent in effect to consuming four beers, four shots, or an entire bottle of wine.
“We are putting loaded guns in people’s hands in the form of a can or a gummy,” Cowsert said, underscoring his concerns about public safety.
Robertson doubled down, emphasizing that lawmakers should be considering the broader societal impact rather than rushing to meet industry demands.
“It’s not about those of us in this room, it’s about our children, it’s about my five granddaughters,” Robertson said. “Think of the world they’re coming to while we are making these fast decisions about something that we have limited studies on.”
The measure passed the Senate 42-14, pushing the bill to the Georgia House for further debate.
Industry Leaders Call the Ban a Devastating Blow
For Georgia’s hemp industry, which includes more than 4,100 licensed businesses, the move was an unexpected gut punch. Business owners like Omari Anderson, who developed The Best Dirty Lemonade—a THC-infused drink inspired by his late mother’s lemonade recipe—say they were blindsided.
“It felt like a slap in the face, it almost felt un-American,” Anderson said. “We’re doing our best to follow the rules, but it seems like every time we do, they just move the goalpost.”
Anderson, who exclusively sells THC beverages, invested $300,000 in his business last October. If the bill passes, his entire operation could be at risk.
Retailers Say ID Laws Already Protect Minors
For retailers like Diana Padron, owner of Hemp Haven in Decatur, the justification for a total ban doesn’t hold up. She argues that businesses selling THC drinks are already subject to stringent regulations.
“They’ve already changed the laws,” Padron said. “You can’t purchase any of these products without showing ID, being 21 years of age, you can’t get through the door without being 21.”
She also pointed out the double standard when it comes to alcohol and tobacco sales.
“I know people that will buy a 12-pack of beer and go through it in one night. I know ladies that will buy a bottle of wine, sometimes two if they’re with friends,” she said. “Adults should have the freedom to choose what they put in their bodies.”
The Next Steps for the Bill
The legislation now moves to the Georgia House, where it faces further scrutiny and potential modifications. While the Senate’s swift approval signals strong support for tighter THC regulations, industry advocates and business owners are rallying to oppose the measure.
With livelihoods, consumer rights, and industry growth at stake, the battle over THC beverages in Georgia is far from over.
