On April 25, 2019, TTB published Industry Circular 2019-1. It addresses the hot topic of alcohol beverages (especially beer) infused with hemp-derived ingredients–with cannabidiol (CBD) as the clear focus of industry interest. While hardly surprising, the Industry Circular takes
Alcohol Law Advisor
Regulatory and Distribution Law Updates for the Alcohol Industry
The Alcohol Law Advisor, published by McDermott Will & Emery, focuses on legal and regulatory issues affecting the alcohol industry. It covers federal and state regulations on alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, including taxation, labeling, production, and distribution. The blog addresses compliance challenges related to direct-to-consumer shipments, import and export laws, and the impact of evolving legislation such as the Farm Bill on cannabis-derived products like CBD. It also discusses intellectual property concerns, trademark registration, and the intersection of alcohol law with public health measures, including hand sanitizer production. The content is aimed at industry stakeholders navigating complex regulatory frameworks and market developments.
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Congress Can Open Financial Institutions to Legal Cannabis Industry with SAFE Banking Act
Federal statutes create risk for banks that want to operate in the cannabis space. Banks face the threat of civil actions, asset forfeiture, reputational risk, and even criminal penalties if they do business with customers in the cannabis industry. Further,…
Interstate Hemp Transportation: A Cautionary Tale
Unlike hemp, marijuana still is subject to state statutes and the federal Controlled Substances Act. The legal distinction between hemp and marijuana is too subtle for the human eye, or a trained K-9’s impressive nose, and it has created a…
FDA Releases Warning Letters to CBD and Hemp Oil Companies
By Marc Sorini
Last week the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) made public three new warning letters to Cannabidiol (CBD) and hemp oil product companies sent by FDA and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). FDA has previously targeted cannabis product companies.
The new…
FDA Issues Guidance on Hops and Wine Grapes
The FDA recently issued Guidance announcing its decision to exercise enforcement discretion with regard to the Produce Safety Rule for entities growing, harvesting, packing or holding hops and wine grapes, as well as almonds and pulse crops (dry, edible seeds…
Washington Court of Appeals Upholds Multi-Million Dollar Fine for 5-Hour Energy Advertising Claims
By Marc Sorini & Gugan Kaur
On March 18, 2019, the Washington Court of Appeals upheld a trial court’s decision that three advertising campaigns for 5-Hour Energy® made by Living Essentials, LLP and Innovative Ventures, LLP (collectively, Living Essentials) violated the Washington Consumer Protection Act (CPA)…
FDA Announces Public Hearing on Products Containing Cannabis or Cannabis-Derived Compounds
On May 31, 2019, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will hold a public hearing on cannabis products. The hearing seeks to obtain scientific data on cannabis and cannabis-derived compounds, along with additional information regarding health and safety risks, manufacturing…
District Court Decision Rejects Commerce Clause Challenge to Missouri’s Retailer Wine Shipping Laws
By Marc Sorini
On Friday, March 29, the US District Court for the Eastern District of Missouri handed down its decision in Sarasota Wine Market v. Parson, No. 4:17CV2792. The decision upholds Missouri’s laws permitting in-state retailers to sell and deliver directly…
The Future of Direct Shipping
By Marc Sorini & Bethany Hatef
In September 2018, the U.S. Supreme Court granted a petition for a writ of certiorari brought before the Court by the Tennessee Retailers in Tennessee Wine and Spirits Retailers Association v. Byrd. The petition requested that the Court review the…
USDA Gathers Stakeholder Input on Hemp Production
The Agricultural Act of 2018, better known as the 2018 Farm Bill, authorizes the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) to approve plans submitted by states, territories and Native American tribes for the commercial production of hemp. Under the 2018 Farm…