Long lead times for ordering raw materials— sales team  efforts halting—major discounting of overstocked goods – and the drumbeat of the unknown federal response have led to the quickening of hemp product supply chain breakdowns. And a review of brands shows little relief from "doomsday planning" with the addition of 30 days of uncertainty--which was gained by a Senate 62-31 vote for a possible extension to Dec. 11.

       “Once they stop making the drinks,” it’s pretty much over. They are not going back,” said Bob Galligan of the Minnesota Craft Brewers Guild. With the need for long lead time to order aluminum cans—and assuring a manufacturing schedule for skilled workers-- the hope for holding on much longer is fading. And with an estimated 35-40% sales lift that Minnesota breweries enjoyed since 2023 when the new low-THC beverage category took off. “For many of these breweries, this hemp setback will be the last straw to put them out of business,” said Galligan. Led by Sen Amy Klobuchar(D-Minn), the entire Minnesota Congressional delegation has been strong leaders for a HempBanFix for small craft beer and form hemp farmers.

      “We know some want to begin layoffs, some want to discontinue product support” said Diana Eberlaen, lead Washington lobbyist for a broad coalition of hemp beverages firms, in her Aug. 20 national monthly  CABA webinar.   See her calendar chart above. Eberlein touted the successful Senate approval of an amended CR (continuing budget resolution) which may extend the current Nov. 12 HempBan deadline another 29 days to Dec. 11. And even that hope is based upon an upcoming September fight in the U.S. House to pass the CR in time to address another federal shut-down on Oct. 1. the new Rep. Beth Van Duyne(R-TX) will seek a 5mg THC drink carveout as a possible bill rider after mid-term elections on Nov. 3.