Hemp-Derived THC Beverage Keg Labels: A Federal Compliance Checklist (USA)

Hemp-Derived THC Beverage Keg Labels: A Federal Compliance Checklist (USA)

Hemp-Derived THC Beverage Keg Labels: A Federal Compliance Checklist (USA)

Download your FREE THC Beverage Label Check List HERE

As hemp-derived THC beverages expand into draft and on-premise service, one question comes up fast:

What needs to be on a THC keg collar or label to cover federal regulations?

Unlike beer, wine, or spirits, there is no single federal agency that provides a clear labeling roadmap for THC beverages. That doesn’t mean “anything goes.” It means brands need to follow best-practice disclosures that align with FDA and FTC expectations for ingestible consumer products—while avoiding alcohol-specific rules that don’t apply.

This guide focuses on non-alcoholic, hemp-derived THC beverages sold or served in the United States, and outlines a federal risk-minimization checklist for keg collars and container labels.

⚠️ Important note: This article covers federal considerations only. State laws may require additional warnings, symbols, or disclosures.

Does the TTB regulate THC beverage kegs?

No.

The Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) only regulates alcoholic beverages. If your product contains no alcohol, TTB rules—including alcohol “Government Warning” statements—do not apply.

Hemp-derived THC beverages instead fall into a regulatory gray area overseen primarily by:

  • FDA (food and drug safety expectations)

  • FTC (truthful labeling and advertising)

  • State hemp or cannabis authorities (not covered in this article)

What is the goal of a federal-compliant THC keg label?

Because there is no official federal THC labeling standard, the goal is to:

  • Clearly identify the product

  • Disclose potency and dosing

  • Provide reasonable consumer safety warnings

  • Identify a responsible party

  • Support traceability and transparency

In short: avoid misleading consumers and demonstrate good-faith compliance.

Federal THC Beverage Keg Collar Checklist (USA)

Below is a practical checklist of items that should appear on a keg collar or label for a hemp-based THC beverage.

✅ Product identity

  • Product name

  • Clear product type (e.g.,
    “Hemp-Derived Delta-9 THC Beverage”)

Why it matters: Consumers must understand what they are consuming. Ambiguous labeling increases enforcement risk.

✅ Net contents (keg volume)

  • Net contents by volume (e.g., 5 gallons / 18.9 L)

Why it matters: Aligns with standard U.S. consumer packaging and weights-and-measures expectations.

✅ THC content & dosing (critical)

  • THC per serving (mg)

  • Total THC per container (mg)

  • Serving size

  • Number of servings per container

Why it matters: Potency clarity is one of the top FDA enforcement priorities for ingestible cannabinoid products.

Best practice:

“Contains X mg hemp-derived delta-9 THC per serving.
Total THC per container: X mg.”

✅ Ingredients list

  • Full ingredient list in descending order by weight

  • Identification of sweeteners, acids, flavorings, preservatives

  • Allergen disclosure (if applicable)

Why it matters: Ingredient transparency is a baseline expectation for consumable products in the U.S.

✅ Responsible party information

  • Manufacturer, processor, or distributor name

  • City and state (full address recommended)

  • Website or phone number

Why it matters: FDA labeling principles require a clearly identifiable responsible party.

✅ Hemp legality statement

  • A brief statement such as:

    “Contains hemp-derived delta-9 THC compliant with the 2018 Farm Bill.”

Why it matters: Establishes intent to comply with federal hemp definitions (≤0.3% Δ9 THC on a dry-weight basis).

✅ Consumer safety warnings (recommended)

There is no federally mandated THC “Government Warning”, but reasonable warnings are strongly advised.

Include:

  • “For use only by adults 21+”

  • “Keep out of reach of children”

  • “Do not drive or operate machinery after consumption”

  • “Not recommended for use during pregnancy or breastfeeding”

  • “Contains hemp-derived THC (intoxicating)”

Why it matters: Warnings demonstrate responsible marketing and reduce liability exposure.

✅ Lot / batch identification

  • Lot or batch number

  • Manufacture date (optional but recommended)

Why it matters: Supports traceability, quality control, and recalls.

✅ Pressure warning (for kegs)

  • “⚠️ Pressurized container — contents under pressure. Follow proper handling procedures.”

Why it matters: This is a standard workplace and venue safety disclosure for draft systems.

✅ Optional but recommended: QR code

  • Link to Certificate of Analysis (COA)

  • Lab results confirming THC content

Why it matters: Transparency builds trust with regulators, retailers, and consumers.

What is NOT required federally (but often confused)

  • ❌ TTB alcohol “Government Warning”

  • ❌ Cannabis universal symbol

  • ❌ State cannabis license numbers

  • ❌ Track-and-trace IDs (e.g., METRC)

  • ❌ State-specific warning language

These may be required at the state level, but they are not federal requirements.

Final takeaway

For hemp-derived THC beverages, there is no single federal labeling rulebook. The safest approach is to design keg collars and labels that:

  • Clearly disclose THC content and dosing

  • Identify the responsible party

  • Provide reasonable safety warnings

  • Follow familiar consumer-product labeling norms

A well-designed keg collar isn’t just about compliance—it protects your brand, your retail partners, and your customers.

Download your FREE THC Beverage Label Check List HERE

 

Purchase Stock THC Keg Collars here:

 

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