Total Wine & More CEO Ryan Ross and nearly 300,000 customers call for THC regulation, not prohibition, as new poll finds 85% of Americans oppose a ban

Adult customers of every generation and background buy low-dose hemp-derived THC-infused beverages. CEO Ryan Ross calls for regulation to support consumer safety.

BETHESDA, Md., Nov. 11, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Total Wine & More and its customers are calling on Congress to regulate low-dose hemp-derived THC-infused beverages under the same system America uses for beer, wine and spirits. Congress must act before Dec. 11, when the current deadline expires and federal prohibition takes effect.

History has shown that prohibition does not eliminate demand. It can instead push products outside regulated retail channels, where consumers have fewer assurances about what they are buying. A strong regulatory framework with clear standards for safety, dosing, labeling and age restrictions is the best path for consumer safety.

Adult customers of every background and generation buy low-dose hemp-derived THC-infused beverages. We have more customers over the age of 60 than under the age of 30 buying these beverages. They responsibly purchase them from licensed retailers they trust. A new national poll of more than 2,000 voters, commissioned by Total Wine & More, finds that 85% of Americans oppose a ban.

Total Wine & More's CEO Ryan Ross is joining the conversation to speak up for his customers. Nearly 300,000 messages from customers have been sent to Congress urging them to support access to low-dose hemp-derived THC-infused beverages. "Our customers are responsible adults that want safe access to these beverages. They're veterans, seniors, soccer moms, and busy parents," said Ryan Ross, CEO of Total Wine & More.

America has a solution. The three-tier system, established when Prohibition ended, has for more than 90 years enabled manufacturers, distributors and retailers to share responsibility for selling alcohol legally and safely. Low-dose hemp-derived THC-infused beverages should be sold under the same system, by the same licensed, trusted retailers. Regulating these beverages like alcohol is the overwhelming preference of voters.

Total Wine & More supports the highest standard of compliance and wants Congress to write it into law. That includes age-gated sales, product testing, potency limits, and the exclusive use of U.S.-grown hemp and naturally occurring Delta-9 THC in manufacturing. These safeguards would give regulators consistent enforcement tools and help adults make informed purchasing decisions.

"America has a safe system for wine, spirits, and beer," Ross added. "It's worked for nearly 100 years. It's time to use it for low-dose hemp-derived THC-infused beverages."

Adults who want to urge their representatives to support responsible regulation can visit https://totalwineandmore.quorum.us/campaign/161953/.

About the survey

ChangeMakers Intelligence conducted the survey of 2,001 registered voters nationwide from Oct. 30 to Nov. 2, 2026.

About Total Wine & More

Total Wine & More is the largest family-owned retailer of wine, spirits, and beer in the United States, with more than 300 stores across 30-plus states and approximately $6 billion in annual revenue. The company has built its market leadership through an unmatched selection, deep team member expertise, operational excellence, and a customer-first approach that continues to drive growth and innovation.

To request an interview with Ryan Ross and b-roll of Total Wine & More stores, please contact:

Rob Bratskeir, [email protected], 646-498-0049

SOURCE Total Wine & More