Quick Sips: What would a veteran tell a lawmaker about the impending hemp beverage ban?

Send us Fan Mail What would a veteran tell a lawmaker about the impending hemp beverage ban? Jimmy Plunkett didn't hesitate. His biggest fear is what happens when we overtax, overregulate or outright prohibit a product people already buy. Demand doesn't disappear, it moves to the black market, and the money goes to organizations that don't check IDs, don't test products and don't pay taxes. Jimmy says his military background is why he thinks so hard about who gains when that money changes hands. He also brought the numbers for North Carolina when the state's hemp industry supports 16,000 jobs and is worth $4.4 billion, with $3.2 billion coming from sales alone. A ban would wipe out $87.8 million in state tax revenue, and that figure is still growing. Regulation keeps those jobs, that revenue and that oversight in North Carolina, but prohibition hands all three to the black market. This episode is part of the Regulate Don't Ruin NC series. North Carolina is deciding right now whether hemp beverages get a real regulated framework or get pushed back to the gray market. That choice affects retailers, manufacturers, and consumers across the state. Learn more and share your own story at RegulateDontRuinNC.com This series is proudly sponsored by Tryon Distributing Co, Crescent Canna & Torch Drinks. ReadyToDrinkPodcast.com | Spotify | Apple Podcasts | YouTube The FreeMind Group Owner-operator market development and PR, built on the street for the last 18 years. Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. Support the show Presented by The FreeMind Group - FMGStrategy.com