“I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t scared,” McElfresh said. “Fear is one emotion that I am definitely feeling. I saw that in other business owners, but the OCM saw that, too. So, I’m hopeful and cautiously optimistic that we’re going to get something done here in the next few weeks before we start to see more negative effects in the market.”
THC-infused drinks have exploded in popularity in Minnesota since 2022, when the Legislature passed a law allowing the sale of products containing THC, with cans popping up on shelves in restaurants and grocery stores, and breweries embracing the beverages.
“Minnesota is the single most competitive hemp beverage market in the country,” McElfresh said. “And if you can make it here, you can make it anywhere.”
Jon Halper, Top Ten Liquors owner and CEO, who signed the letter sent to the OCM, said selling hemp beverages has prevented some liquor stores in the state from going out of business. In two years, THC drinks have grown to make up almost 15% of his sales.
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