The federal redefinition of hemp, enacted in late 2025 and effective December 11, 2026, limits finished products to 0.4 milligrams of total THC per container, well below the 5-milligram doses common in current seltzers and other hemp-derived beverages. Congress approved a one-month delay from the original November date via a continuing resolution signed in September 2026, allowing time for potential legislation to replace the cap with age-21 restrictions, per-serving limits, or a three-tier alcohol-style system. Industry groups are lobbying for carve-outs while sales have risen ahead of the deadline; dozens of states already impose their own potency, licensing, or sales rules that could interact with federal changes. Resolution depends on whether new bills advance before December or if the 0.4-milligram threshold takes effect unchanged.