Concerns are growing among Illinois craft breweries over proposed regulations regarding THC-containing beverages

CHICAGO – Two bills currently making their way through Springfield have the state’s craft brewing industry concerned.

Both involve the right to produce beverages containing THC.

These two measures may have serious financial consequences for breweries that want to expand their offerings after the pandemic and acquire new sources of revenue.

Senate Bill 3926 would create the Cannabis Consumer Products Act.

Under the measure, brands would need licenses from retailers and processors and introduce new regulations on how these products are produced and sold.

Meanwhile, Senate Bill 0776 amends the criminal code as it relates to these products.

Breweries argue that further regulation would only harm their business and a high-potential revenue source.

According to Crain’s Chicago Business, there are approximately 280 craft breweries throughout Illinois.

About 30 of them sell drinks containing THC, and another 40 develop their own versions of such products.