Delaware Hemp Beverage Licensing Law Takes Effect

SOUTH ATLANTIC, October 21, 2026: Delaware's hemp-derived THC beverage law, House Bill 373, takes effect today, 90 days after Gov. Matt Meyer signed it on July 23, according to Marijuana Moment. Tax provisions begin February 1, 2027.

The law limits infused beverages to 10mg of delta-9 THC per single-serving container. In-state and out-of-state manufacturers must deliver product to licensed importers, who handle notice and testing requirements, and sales are restricted to licensed liquor stores and marijuana dispensaries for buyers 21 and older, according to Delaware's Office of the Marijuana Commissioner. The tax is $0.50 per container, collected at the warehouse distributor. The sale of infused beverages may sunset if federal law changes the definition of hemp. The U.S. Hemp Roundtable opposed the bill, citing the channel restriction and new taxes and fees. The legislature's bill page still lists the measure as awaiting the governor, a status that conflicts with reports of the July signing.

In Georgia, the owner of Soberish, a nonalcoholic bottle shop with locations in Kirkwood and Serenbe, said the federal 0.4mg per-container standard "could gut inventories built around CBD oils, seltzers and gummies," according to Hoodline on October 16. The shop said most of its full-spectrum products exceed the standard by 10 to 100 times. Hoodline noted that sources differ on whether the federal date is November 12 or December 11.

Virginia's 2mg total THC per package cap remains in force after a federal judge denied an injunction on August 14, according to the Virginia Mercury; whether the plaintiffs have appealed to the Fourth Circuit is not confirmed. North Carolina's House Bill 328 remains tabled, with Speaker Destin Hall saying no vote will come before the November election, according to Fox Carolina.