Bethesda – November 10, 2026 -- Illinois will remove low-dose, hemp-derived THC beverages from licensed retailers on Nov. 12, a month before federal restrictions take effect on Dec. 11, putting more than $50 million in annual retail sales at risk, according to Total Wine & More.
Illinois caps THC at 0.4 mg per container, tighter than federal rules
The state plans to reclassify the beverages as cannabis and limit THC to 0.4 milligrams per container. Total Wine & More says this is harsher than the federal approach and will push demand to illicit sellers.
Shoppers are stocking up ahead of the deadline and emptying shelves across the state, the retailer said.
About 1,000 Illinois locations sell the drinks, and 70% of breweries are in or want in
Total Wine & More is one of roughly 1,000 Illinois outlets selling low-dose hemp-derived THC beverages. Others include Target, Circle K, Binny's, United Center and Navy Pier. The Brewer's Guild says about 70% of Illinois breweries make or want to make these products.
Illinois is part of a U.S. market that Total Wine & More puts at $289 million and describes as fast-growing.
Total Wine & More urges alcohol-style three-tier regulation instead of a ban
CEO Ryan Ross said the three-tier system used for alcohol for nearly 100 years should be applied to these products. He said, "America already has a solution."
The retailer is lobbying Illinois and Congress for age-gated sales, product testing and potency limits. It also wants to restrict the products to U.S.-grown hemp and naturally occurring Delta-9 THC.
Total Wine & More operates more than 300 stores in over 30 states and reports about $6 billion in annual revenue. It has also launched a campaign urging adults to contact their representatives in support of regulation.