When signed into law on November 12th, 2025, a bill ironically known as the "Government Shutdown Prevention Act," included language that would all but shut down the multi-billion dollar hemp industry, of which beverages are a major piece.

In this bonus episode we dive into seven questions that define what's next for an industry picking itself off the mat, and how consumers might respond. Questions we address include:

1) How will the hemp industry, accustomed to playing defense against state legislative banning efforts, shift their focus to going on offense?
2) With November, 2026 as the timetable for the new restrictions, will that allow enough time to lobby the federal government to change course?
3) Will a large number of consumers pursue a medical cannabis card to continue access to products they have become used to buying in traditional retail stores?
4) How might this impact efforts to re-schedule cannabis from a Schedule I controlled substance?
5) Will hemp beverage brands turn to other functional ingredients to try and fill the void? Ashwagandha, l-theanine, Lion's Mane and other nootropics have been promoted for their functional benefits, which aren't nearly as obvious as THC.
6) Are unhappy consumers likely to turn their focus toward legalizing recreational cannabis in more states?

7) How might this impact the overall non-alcoholic beverage space?

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Also mentioned in this episode:

Free Spirits Podcast (interview with HBA's Chris Lackner)

Gary Long, Botanical Sciences (past U.S. of N/A episode)

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