U.S.–Canada trade talks collapse and 50% tariffs take effect; FDA seeks contractor to monitor hemp and cannabis posts on social media; Michigan recalls THC-infused drinks over potency limits.

NEW REALM BREWING

Daily Compliance Brief

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Vol. 1 • Edition 8 • Saturday, August 22, 2026 • Alcohol & Hemp/THC Regulation • Federal + All 50 States

Good morning — here's the regulatory picture for alcohol and hemp/THC beverages, readable in about three minutes. Every headline links to the original source.

Top Story

U.S.–Canada trade talks collapse minutes before deadline; 50% tariffs take effect

U.S. / CANADA • NPR • Aug 22

Negotiations ended without an agreement late Friday, and 50% U.S. tariffs on roughly $20 billion in Canadian goods — including steel, aluminum, autos and lumber — took effect early Saturday. U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said Canada "declined to finalize the trade deal under the terms agreed earlier this week," citing "new demands and walk-backs"; Prime Minister Mark Carney said last-minute changes in the U.S. proposed terms were "unfair, uneconomic" and announced Canada would match the tariffs dollar for dollar.

Why it matters: Dollar-for-dollar Canadian retaliation could reach U.S. beverage exports, and the provincial commitments to restock U.S. alcohol reported this week now face an uncertain path — watch export orders, Canadian listings and input costs on tariffed materials.

Federal

FDA seeks contractor to monitor cannabis and hemp posts on TikTok, Instagram and Reddit

FEDERAL • Marijuana Moment • Aug 20

The agency issued a request for quotes for social-media monitoring of cannabis, CBD and hemp product discussions plus consumer surveys running through September 2027. FDA said the work will "address knowledge gaps on cannabis, cannabidiol (CBD), and emerging products and help inform work on policy and regulation, education and outreach, and compliance activities."

Why it matters: The data collection signals groundwork for FDA policy and compliance activity on hemp-derived products as the November federal deadline approaches — marketing claims and social content for THC/CBD beverages may draw closer review.

Around the States

Michigan regulators announce recall of THC-infused drinks over potency limits

MICHIGAN • Michigan Cannabis Regulatory Agency • Aug 20

The Cannabis Regulatory Agency issued a public health and safety advisory covering a voluntary recall of nine flavors of Nuggz Nectar 200 mg infused drinks from Season 3, LLC, sold at four retail locations, after testing indicated the products may exceed allowable THC concentration limits, with potency-variability, homogeneity and serving-count issues also flagged.

Ohio asks federal appeals court to reverse block on hemp-restriction enforcement

OHIO • Marijuana Moment • Aug 21

State officials urged the Sixth Circuit to reverse a lower-court decision that blocked enforcement of Ohio's intoxicating-hemp restrictions; a federal judge in July had issued a preliminary injunction allowing ten businesses to continue selling hemp products while the case proceeds.

Why it matters: The appeal will shape whether and how quickly Ohio can enforce its hemp product rules — sellers and distributors in the state face continued uncertainty until the Sixth Circuit rules.

On the Radar

Nov. 12, 2026 — The federal restriction on intoxicating hemp products takes effect, redefining hemp to permit only 0.4 mg total THC per container. Two pending House bills — the Beverage Regulatory Parity Act and the Lawful Hemp Protection Act — would carve out or restructure rules for hemp beverages if enacted before then.

Oct. 15, 2026 — Square's deadline for merchants to remove CBD and hemp-derived items from catalogs ahead of the federal change — retailers using Square for THC/CBD beverage sales need alternative processing arrangements before then.

DEA rescheduling — Final briefs are filed in the marijuana rescheduling proceeding, and bipartisan lawmakers have asked the administration for guidance on how a Schedule III move would affect businesses; no decision date is set.

Jeremy Barnes | Chief Financial Officer, New Realm Brewing Co.

Prepared for New Realm's leadership team and valued partners. This brief is for general informational purposes only and is not legal advice; it is compiled with AI assistance from the linked sources — please confirm details at the link before acting on them.

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