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Newport Prevention Coalition warns hemp-derived THC drinks sold in liquor stores risk undetected use and youth access
Summary
A Newport Prevention Coalition representative told the City Council hemp-derived THC beverages, legal under the 2018 hemp law, are being sold at local liquor stores, are not FDA-regulated and could increase underage access; the council received the communication.
The Newport City Council on the record received a communication from the Newport Prevention Coalition raising concerns about hemp-derived THC beverages being sold in local liquor stores.
Grace Ragazzino, speaking for the Newport Prevention Coalition, told the council she and coalition members recently found THC-infused beverages on island liquor-store shelves and described how they differ from products sold at licensed cannabis dispensaries. "These beverages ... are hemp derived THC products. They are not derived from the lehi cannabis or marijuana plant that we know," Ragazzino said in public comment, adding that the products are legal under the "2018 hemp law" but are not regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
The coalition’s concern centers on labeling and testing standards and on retail access. Ragazzino said the cans often carry a "not FDA approved" statement and that dispensaries perform repeated ID checks and track purchases, controls absent in liquor-store retail. She also described single- and multi-serving formulations and said resealable tabs and small-can formats make it easy to consume a full dose quickly. "The biggest issue ... is the regulation and the possibility of it getting into the hands of underage kids," she told the council.
Councilor Colin, responding after Ragazzino’s remarks, said similar products have been a problem in Providence and expressed concern about packaging and flavors that attract minors, noting state-level regulatory authority lies with the Rhode Island General Assembly and the Department of Business Regulation. The council echoed appreciation for the coalition bringing the issue forward and discussed potential next steps, including seeking state action.
Action taken: Councillors moved, seconded and voted to receive the communication from the Newport Prevention Coalition. The motion passed by voice vote.
The communication does not propose a specific local ordinance or regulatory change; council members said any binding rulemaking would require state-level action or formal ordinance drafting. Ragazzino said the coalition will conduct environmental scans to collect data on local retail availability to support further work.
Council records show the item was formally received by the council; no ordinance or enforcement action was introduced at the meeting.
