Delaware’s THC beverage law takes effect today, opening sales at package stores and dispensaries

DELAWARE • Delaware General Assembly • Oct 21

House Bill 373, signed July 23, takes effect today and sets Delaware’s first full framework for making, distributing and selling THC-infused beverages. The law names each tier that must hold an authorization: manufacturers (in-state and out-of-state) must be authorized to operate and must deliver product to licensed importers, who must meet notice, testing and shipment-recordkeeping requirements before beverages move to retail; retail sales run through package stores authorized for off-premises sales and licensed retail marijuana stores. The act sets a $0.50-per-container tax collected at the warehouse-distributor level (not at retail) and raises civil penalties for under-21 sales of infused beverages to the greater of $250 or up to 10% of average gross monthly sales; it does not set new license fee amounts on its face. Sales end automatically if federal law reclassifies hemp as a controlled substance. The governor’s signing was reported by Marijuana Moment in July.

Why it matters: A regulated Delaware channel for THC beverages opens today, but market access runs through licensed importers, and the per-container tax is collected at the distributor tier — partners selling into Delaware need importer arrangements, testing documentation and tax handling in place before shipping.

THC drink maker sends six-packs to members of Congress as federal limits approach

FEDERAL • Marijuana Moment • Oct 19

Herb Light, a maker of low-dose hemp THC drinks, launched a “Cheers Against Prohibition” campaign that lets customers buying a 12-pack add a six-pack delivered to their members of Congress with a letter urging support for pending legislation that would keep hemp THC beverages federally legal under a regulatory system. Co-founder Gordy Sang said “most consumers don’t even know there’s a federal ban in the works.” Under current law, products above 0.4 mg total THC per container lose federal hemp status on December 11.

Colorado audit finds gaps in marijuana product-testing oversight

COLORADO • Marijuana Moment / Colorado Newsline • Oct 20

A state audit presented to the Legislative Audit Committee found that the Marijuana Enforcement Division lets businesses select their own test samples (auditors said 24 other legal states use a third party), inspects businesses on a two-year goal cycle, and from 2023–2025 averaged more than seven months before issuing advisories on potentially harmful products. Auditors said they found no evidence of widespread health and safety problems; MED said it agreed with all of the audit’s recommendations.

Why it matters: Auditors recommended strengthening the state reference lab and lawmakers could take up third-party sampling next session — a change that would add testing logistics and cost for Colorado suppliers and the retailers they stock.

Two polls show Massachusetts voters opposed to Question 8 repeal of legal sales

MASSACHUSETTS • Marijuana Moment • Oct 20

Question 8 on the November 3 ballot would repeal the laws allowing regulated commercial cannabis sales and home cultivation while keeping possession and the medical program. A UMass Amherst/WCVB poll found 61% of registered voters would vote no and 31% yes; a Suffolk University/Boston Globe poll found 71% opposed and 21% in support.

Why it matters: A yes vote would close the state’s commercial sales channel; retailers and distributors with Massachusetts exposure have a decision point on November 3.