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Rep. LaBeouf Seeks to Apply Bottle‑Deposit Rules to Carbonated THC/Hemp Beverages
Summary
Representative LaBeouf urged the committee to make carbonated THC or hemp‑infused beverages subject to the state's bottle‑deposit law to align packaging handling and recycling with other carbonated drinks and to avoid regulatory gaps as hemp beverages enter retail channels.
Representative LaBeouf asked the committee to consider H.3982, which would make carbonated THC or hemp‑infused beverages subject to Massachusetts' bottle‑deposit (deposit‑return) law. LaBeouf told the committee the bill is intended to standardize disposal and recycling: many hemp or THC seltzers already carry multi‑state container‑deposit markings, and carbonated THC beverages resemble other canned beverages in packaging. She said the proposal is meant to be narrow — focused on carbonated products — and not to expand deposit laws to noncarbonated products or other novel container types. Why it matters: Witnesses said the change would ensure consistent recycling treatment and that the bill would help avoid confusion as retailers expand sales channels for hemp‑infused beverages. Committee members asked about whether nonstandard or online‑sold container types might create recycling facility issues; Rep. LaBeouf said the bill is deliberately limited to carbonated containers that follow standard canning formats. Ending: The representative left sample cans with the committee and asked staff to consider consistent statutory language as the Legislature addresses THC product modernization.
