WSWA to U.S. Senators: Support the Paul Amendment

Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America (WSWA) strongly urges Senators to support the Paul amendment to strike Section 781 of the Ag-FDA Appropriations legislation.

As written, Section 781 would override state regulatory hemp frameworks, disrupt responsible distribution channels, and undermine significant investments that wholesalers have already made in legally compliant hemp-derived products.

Wholesalers have a long, proven record of promoting public health and safety in the regulated alcohol market. Our distribution system ensures age verification, retailer accountability, product traceability, and prompt removal of unsafe or non-compliant items from the marketplace. This system exists to prevent youth access, protect public health, and stop illegal diversion. It works because it regulates the market openly and transparently.

Section 781 moves in the opposite direction. History shows that when legal access is eliminated without creating a workable regulatory framework, illicit markets expand, bringing untested and unsafe products, no age controls, and no enforcement accountability.

According to Whitney Economics, the market value of hemp-derived cannabinoids is $28.4 billion. What is needed is regulation, not prohibition. Wholesalers know how to handle age-restricted and sensitive products. We do it every day in communities across the country. We keep products out of the hands of minors and ensure that only safe, labeled, and traceable products reach consumers.

We stand ready to help build a responsible national regulatory framework, similar to the well-established alcohol regulatory system that has protected public health since the end of Prohibition. The passage of Section 781 will put an end to constructive debate surrounding the appropriate regulation of hemp derived products and will be a step backwards when it comes to public safety.

We respectfully urge Senators to support the Paul amendment and work with us to establish a balanced regulatory system that protects consumers, ensures product safety, and supports state authority.

We are ready to work with you to get this right.

Please contact Dawson Hobbs or Ben Castagnetti with any questions or comments.