Emergency Podcast: What the Federal Crackdown Means for Functional Beverages
Free Spirits: Insights on Functional BeveragesShow Notes
In our first-ever emergency episode of Free Spirits, hosts Lars Miller and David Gonzalez sit down with Chris Lackner, founder and president of the Hemp Beverage Alliance, to unpack the breaking news around proposed federal restrictions that could reshape the future of the functional beverage business.
Chris has been on the front lines of the policy debate, leading national efforts to protect the category and rally industry leaders. This episode offers clarity, action steps, and a behind-the-scenes look at what’s happening in Washington and what it means for adult beverage operators, retailers, brand founders, and investors.
We cover:
What’s actually in the bill and what changes are being proposed
What operators can expect in the next 12 months
The real risks to the beverage industry, and the myths
How distributors, consumers, and brands are responding
Why staying calm and strategic is critical right now
What constructive regulation might look like moving forward
Whether you’re a startup founder, part of a national brand, or just passionate about Hemp THC drinks, this episode breaks down the policy, the politics, and the path forward.
🎧 Listen now and subscribe to stay informed as the fight for the future of functional beverages continues.
More from Free Spirits: Insights on Functional Beverages
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What happens when a craft beer veteran brings creative collaboration into the functional beverage space?
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What does it take to build a multi-brand functional beverage platform in an industry where most startups struggle to launch just one?