As THC Beverages Surge, WSWA Steps Into The Conversation In Chicago

Strong networks have always shaped the cannabis and hemp landscape. Companies and trade groups that sit both inside and alongside the industry rely on these relationships to navigate shifting regulations and a market that continues to expand in unexpected directions. That cross‑sector dialogue is becoming even more important as intoxicating hemp products move into the mainstream. Those conversations will take center stage when the industry gathers in Chicago for IgniteIt’s Cannabis Capital Conference on June 15 and 16.

WSWA’s Push for a Clear Regulatory Path

For the Wine and Spirits Wholesalers of America, the priority is clear. The organization wants hemp‑derived THC beverages to remain legally available under an alcohol‑style regulatory framework that includes age verification, licensed retail, state authority, and a federal baseline. Francis Creighton, WSWA’s president and CEO, says in a written interview with IgniteIt that the urgency is real and that “the answer is smart regulation, not a ban.”

The category’s rapid growth underscores the stakes. THC beverage sales have climbed into the hundreds of millions of dollars, with more than 1,000 products already on the market and strong consumer interest. Creighton sees Chicago as a chance to bring that message to a wider audience. With an impending federal ban on hemp THC, he says the industry needs to recognize that “getting this right requires the whole ecosystem working together, not at cross‑purposes.”

Why a Non‑Operator’s Voice Matters

WSWA has been expanding its engagement with the broader THC market, not just beverage producers. Creighton expects to continue that dialogue in Chicago with businesses, investors, and advocates who share an interest in building a fully regulated market. He believes that kind of structure is essential for long‑term trust and stability. 

Wholesalers, he notes, have spent decades developing systems that verify age, ensure compliance, and operate within state regulatory structures. 

“Hemp‑derived THC beverages are intoxicating products, and they deserve the same guardrails,” he says.

Events like IgniteIt’s Chicago conference bring every part of the supply chain into the same room. Leaders like Creighton help broaden the conversation and highlight why collaboration across sectors will shape the future of both hemp and cannabis.