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Prevention coalition warns council THC‑infused 'hemp' drinks are appearing in Newport liquor stores
Summary
A Newport Prevention Coalition representative told the City Council the city is seeing hemp‑derived THC beverages in liquor stores and urged action, citing labeling, dosing and youth‑access concerns and the lack of FDA‑level regulation for these products.
Grace Ragazzino, speaking for the Newport Prevention Coalition, told the City Council that coalition members have found THC‑infused beverages being sold in liquor stores across the island and presented cans as examples.
"The beverages that are in your hands right now are hemp derived THC products," Ragazzino said, explaining the products are legal under the 2018 hemp law but are not regulated like cannabis sold at a dispensary. She described resealable 12‑ounce cans, unclear serving sizes and labeling that states the products are "not FDA approved," and she warned the packaging and point‑of‑sale environment could make the drinks easier for minors to obtain.
Council members acknowledged the concern but said municipal authority to regulate the products is limited. Councilor Carlin said local governments cannot fully regulate the products and offered to sponsor a council resolution requesting the General Assembly and state regulators to strengthen oversight next year. "I would be happy to sponsor a council resolution," Councilor Carlin said, urging state action on labeling and sales restrictions.
The council voted to receive the Newport Prevention Coalition's communication and thanked Ragazzino and coalition members for raising the issue. Several councilors noted that dispensary sales have stricter ID and tracking practices than retail liquor shops, increasing the risk that youth might obtain these hemp‑derived products if regulations and enforcement remain inconsistent.
