A concurrent resolution directing the Legislative Management to consider studying the regulatory framework and potential economic impact of tetrahydrocannabinol infused beverages.

69th Legislative Assembly (2025-26) Introduced by Ryan Braunberger and 6 co-sponsors

Directs Legislative Management to study North Dakota's regulation of hemp-derived THC beverages and their economic impact, then report findings and potential policy steps.

Second reading, failed to adopt yeas 41 nays 49

Overview

Document: House Concurrent Resolution No. 3031 (HCR 3031)

Purpose: A concurrent resolution directing the Legislative Management to study the regulatory framework and potential economic impact of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) infused beverages in North Dakota.

Status: Second reading, failed to adopt (yeas 41, nays 49)

Introduced: February 21, 2025

Sponsors: Representatives Conmy, Vetter, Hendrix, Christianson, Dockter, Dobervich; Senator Braunberger

Type: Concurrent resolution (not a bill)

Purpose and Intent

The resolution directs the Legislative Management to consider and study:

The current regulatory framework governing THC-infused beverages in the state.
The potential economic impact of these beverages within North Dakota.

It acknowledges that:

The North Dakota Department of Agriculture regulates hemp and other forms of cannabis sativa for agricultural and industrial purposes.
THC in cannabis beverages is frequently derived from hemp, which is legal to produce under federal law.
THC and cannabinoid hemp beverages are emerging in the national market as alternatives to alcoholic beverages, potentially with different after-effects.

Key Provisions

Directive: Legislative Management shall study and evaluate:

The adequacy and structure of existing regulations governing THC-infused beverages.
The potential economic implications for North Dakota (e.g., market size, employment, tax revenue, consumer safety, and regulatory costs).

Reporting Obligation: The Legislative Management must report its findings and recommendations, including any proposed legislation needed to implement the recommendations, to the Seventy-0th (70th) Legislative Assembly.

Scope Notes: The study is to consider regulatory alignment with hemp-derived THC products and broader beverage regulations, as context for policy decisions.

Who is Affected

State agencies: Legislative Management, North Dakota Department of Agriculture (and potentially other regulatory bodies involved in hemp and beverage regulation).

Industry stakeholders: Producers and distributors of hemp/CBD/THC beverages, cannabinoid beverage manufacturers, and the broader alcoholic beverage sector in North Dakota.

Consumers: End users of hemp/CBD/THC beverages.

Legislature: Members who would review the study findings and any implementing legislation.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

Introduction: Feb. 21, 2025

Committee Action: Feb. 25, 2025 — committee hearing and disposition

Hearing: 9:00 a.m.
Reported back without recommendation: 7-5-1

Floor Action: Feb. 25, 2025 — Second reading, failed to adopt (yeas 41, nays 49)

Next Steps: As a concurrent resolution, it is non-binding. If reintroduced or reconsidered, it could again direct Legislative Management to pursue a formal study and potentially lead to proposed implementing legislation for the 70th Legislative Assembly.

Potential Impact and Considerations

The resolution seeks to inform policy discussions by examining regulatory adequacy and economic effects before any new framework is considered.

If advanced, findings could influence regulatory modernization, public safety considerations, taxation, licensing, and the interaction between hemp-derived products and existing beverage laws.

The resolution itself does not enact policy; it initiates a study that could lay groundwork for future legislative action.

Bill