Introducing the Colorado Hemp Beverage Coalition: How Industry Leaders Are Shaping THC Drink Policy
Nov 10, 2025
Hemp-derived THC beverages are changing the way consumers experience cannabis by offering low-dose, social, and alcohol-free options that reflect today’s evolving wellness culture. However, while the market evolves rapidly, the laws are still catching up with consumer demand.
To bridge that gap, Vicente LLP helped launch the Colorado Hemp Beverage Coalition, bringing together the state’s leading hemp, cannabis, and beverage pioneers to modernize policy and promote responsible growth for this fast-rising market.
These industry leaders are collaboratively shaping balanced, forward-looking regulations that emphasize safety, access, and innovation, making Colorado a nationwide model for responsible THC beverage policy.
At a Glance
- Founded by: Wana Brands, Cycling Frog, Keef Brands, Fable, Vertosa, and Vicente LLP
- Mission: Promote safe, compliant access to hemp-derived THC beverages in Colorado
- Focus Areas: Modernizing hemp beverage laws, ensuring product safety, and expanding access across retail and hospitality
- Approach: Partnering with regulators and legislators to establish a national model for THC beverage policy
Colorado Leads the National Discussion on THC Beverage Policy
Colorado’s hemp and cannabis beverage leaders are shaping a future where 5mg and 10mg THC drinks can be responsibly enjoyed in bars, restaurants, and venues across the state.
With guidance from Vicente LLP, the Colorado Hemp Beverage Coalition is spearheading efforts to update hemp beverage laws and develop a modern regulatory framework that balances innovation and consumer safety.
“Colorado has always been at the forefront of cannabis innovation,” said Brian Vicente, Founding Partner at Vicente LLP. “Hemp-derived beverages are the next big category, and this coalition is ensuring the rules keep pace with consumer demand.”
With THC drinks gaining popularity as non-alcoholic, health-conscious options, the Coalition is working to expand retail availability, standardize labeling, and enable safe on-premise sales. Its legislative roadmap will help create clear, consumer-focused regulations and economic opportunities for Colorado’s hemp beverage sector.
Engaging Lawmakers and Industry Leaders on Hemp Beverage Reform
The Colorado Hemp Beverage Coalition has quickly become a hub for collaboration and education across the state’s hemp and cannabis beverage industry.
In July, the Coalition hosted a Hemp Beverage Education & Policy Briefing at Sleeping Giant Brewing Company in Denver, bringing together more than 100 stakeholders from across the industry. Speakers included Sen. Julie Gonzales, former Rep. Jonathan Singer of the Boulder Chamber of Commerce, Dawson Hobbs of the Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America, and Vicente LLP partners Brian Vicente and Shawn Hauser.
This fall, the Coalition expanded that momentum with its Policy & Industry Forum, which drew over 130 participants from the cannabis, alcohol, hospitality, and legislative sectors. The event featured leaders such as Sen. Julie Gonzales, Maureen McNamara (Cannabis Trainers), Chris Lafferty (EVG Extracts), and Cory Lake (Lake Group Insurance).
Through these events, the Coalition continues to foster dialogue between lawmakers, regulators, and business leaders, ensuring hemp beverage policy in Colorado is both practical and progressive.
What’s Next for THC Beverages in Colorado
In the year ahead, the Coalition will continue collaborating with regulators and lawmakers to expand retail access, clarify legal sales pathways through the Colorado Liquor Board, and support legislation establishing clear labeling and safety standards for responsibly dosed 5–10mg THC beverages.
Join the Colorado Hemp Beverage Coalition
The Colorado Hemp Beverage Coalition is actively seeking new members to help shape the future of cannabis drinks in Colorado. Members receive access to:
- Weekly strategic meetings and regulatory updates
- Policy advocacy planning sessions
- Visibility through public events, briefings, and media outreach
If your company is interested in advancing hemp-derived THC beverage policy, now is the time to get involved. Contact us to learn more.
Stay Connected
For detailed analysis of federal and state law shaping this market, see our in-depth guide: ‘Frequently Asked Questions About Hemp Beverages’
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