A version of the following article appeared in the November 6, 2026, edition of The Charlotte Ledger, an e-newsletter with local news and insights for Charlotte, N.C.
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While some business owners are hoping for a last-minute change to the law, the industry is already responding to uncertainty by pulling back
THC seltzers have been available at some local bottle shops and chain stores, such as these at Total Wine & More in south Charlotte, but they could become illegal later this year. (Photo: Tony Mecia/The Charlotte Ledger)
by Daniel Larlham Jr.
The federal redefinition of hemp slated to go into place later this year would effectively bring an industry that employs thousands of people in the Tar Heel State to its knees.
While some business owners anxiously hope for an 11th-hour change to the law, at least one expert in the industry says that the damage has already been done.
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