The Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) announced that no alcoholic beverages containing hemp, including CBD (with the exception of hemp seeds and hemp seed oil) will be approved. This policy is aligned with the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) position that CDB is not considered GRAS (generally regarded as safe) for food or other edible products.

In a release, the TTB said, “It remains TTB’s policy that it will not approve any formulas for alcohol beverages that contain ingredients that are controlled substances under the CSA. Even if an ingredient derived from cannabis is not a controlled substance because it meets the new definition of 'hemp,' TTB continues to consult with the FDA to determine if the use of hemp ingredients would violate the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FD&C Act)."

"After consultation with FDA," the release continues, "TTB has determined that, at this time, it will return for correction any applications for formulas containing 'hemp' ingredients (other than ingredients derived from hemp seeds or hemp seed oil). Applicants will have the option of resubmitting the formula to TTB upon receipt of a favorable individual determination from FDA on the regulatory status of their ingredients. TTB will continue to process applications for formulas for alcohol beverages that contain ingredients derived from hemp seeds or hemp seed oil.”