Episode 7 - Hemp Trends and Legislation

In Episode 7 of "MC Talk with Bret Worley" special guests Bob Hoban and Philip Snow discuss the emerging trend of hemp beverages, with notable brands like Stizzy and Keef entering the market. It talks  about the shift towards low-dose, sessionable hemp beverages, driven by declining alcohol sales and the need for alternative intoxicants. This episode also discusses the regulatory challenges, consumer preferences, and the potential for hemp to disrupt traditional markets, emphasizing its versatility in various industries, including pharmaceuticals and agriculture.

• The biggest trend in the cannabis industry is the rise of hemp-derived THC beverages. Many marijuana companies and individuals are jumping into this space, seeing it as a way to reach new consumers outside of traditional dispensaries.
• Hemp-derived beverages offer a "sessionable" low-dose THC product that can be sold in mainstream retail outlets like liquor stores and sports arenas, unlike high-dose marijuana beverages. This is creating a bridge between the hemp and marijuana industries.
• There are still regulatory challenges around selling THC beverages in public venues, with concerns about age restrictions, over-consumption, and lack of clear impairment standards. But the industry is working to navigate these issues.
• The hemp industry has been able to innovate and bring new products to market faster than the more established marijuana industry, which has faced more restrictive regulations in some states.
• There is tension between the marijuana and hemp industries, with some marijuana companies trying to block hemp-derived products. But many are also realizing the business opportunities in embracing hemp.
• Overall, the podcast discusses the rapid growth of the hemp-derived THC beverage market and how it is reshaping the cannabis industry landscape.

Time Stamps
-Beverage Trends in the Cannabis Industry 0:00
-Mainstream Distribution and Product Variety 2:51
-Legal and Policy Considerations 3:57
-Consumer Preferences and Market Potential 7:55
-Challenges and Opportunities in the Hemp Industry 30:21
-Global Perspectives and Future Prospects 32:27
-Political and Regulatory Challenges 32:53
-Innovation and Market Dynamics 41:03
-Global Competition and Market Potential 42:29
-Future Prospects and Investment Opportunities 44:45

Guests:
Bob Hoban (Cannabis Attorney and Strategic Advisor, Clark Hill Law)

Philip Snow (General Counsel -  MC Nutraceuticals, Director of Legislative Affairs - American Healthy Alternatives Association) 

Host:

Bret Worley - CEO/Founder of MC Nutraceuticals & MC Global Holdings

Executive Producer:
Alex Danell