THC-containing beverages for sale at Savor Growl in Columbus, Ohio, October 13, 2025 (Photo by Megan Henry, Ohio Capital Journal).
Some Ohio craft brewers are positive that changes will be made at the federal level that will allow the continued production and sale of THC-containing beverages next year.
Ohio Senate Bill 56 allows the production, distribution and sale of beverages containing five milligrams of THC until December 31, 2026. The bill also states that if the federal government legalizes THC-containing beverages, Ohio will consider “a more robust regulatory framework for these products,” according to the bill’s language.
“I’m excited that we have another year.” Collin Castore askedco-founder of three breweries in central Ohio. “I hope the federal side gets clarified. …The more regulation and clarity we can get, the better.”
Ohio Republican lawmakers passed the billsending it to Governor Mike DeWine’s desk for his signature. DeWine said will sign the bill.
“I think (the bill) is positive,” he said Bobby Slattery, founder of Fifty West Brewing Company in Cincinnati.
“I was hoping that this bill, if the feds extended it, would have an automatic extension built in. It didn’t quite work out that way, but I think it’s something we can fix in the future.”
However, not all brewers have so much hope for it.
“I am not optimistic that the federal act that would trigger this clause will be issued before the end date of this law in Ohio,” he said Scotty Hunter, co-owner and founder of Urban Artifact Brewing, which produces Coastalo THC sodas.
“I remain positive that the federal authorities (government) will get a regulatory framework. I just don’t expect it to happen in less than a year… I expect some period of prohibition in Ohio.”
THC-containing drinks do not contain alcohol and are regulated by the Ohio Department of Agriculture.
“One of the requirements for these drinks is that you have to send the product to a lab to see if it’s within the milligrams listed on the can,” Slattery said.
Fifty West Brewing produces Sunflower THC Seltzer, which quickly became popular.
“In terms of developments, we see that in the next two years we will overtake this industry and produce more THC products than craft beer,” Slattery said.
Ohio brewers say people looking for an alternative to alcohol are turning to beverages containing THC.
“If you talk to customers who drink them, it’s not because they make you feel good or anything like that.” Slattery said. “Most are just looking for a healthy alternative, whether it’s lower in calories or doesn’t interfere with sleep.”
Roll He was pleased that the bill separated THC-containing drinks from intoxicating cannabis products.
“It’s a different category and should be treated differently,” he said. “We felt like we were good players being thrown into the hands of maybe not so great players.”
THC-containing beverages account for 10% to 15% of their wholesale sales and about 5% of their retail sales, said Castore, co-founder of Seventh Son Brewery, Antiques on High and Getaway Brewing.
Until he hears otherwise, Castore maintains the status quo when it comes to THC drinks. He said his breweries will introduce fresh flavors of THC drinks next year. He said they were going to launch a drink with 10 milligrams of THC, but now they are changing it to a drink with 5 milligrams.
“Overall we are pleased with the regulation and overall we are optimistic that things are moving in the right direction.” Castore said.
A pair of Democratic senators from Oregon recently introduced federal legislation that would overturn the federal hemp ban and, among other things, allow up to 10 milligrams of THC-containing drinks to be allowed in a container.
Follow a Capital Journal reporter Megan Henry in Bluesky.
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