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THC in beer: details of consumption, demographics
According to a report published by the European Industrial Hemp Association (EIHA), the general European guidance for Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) consumption in beer is a minuscule 5 micrograms (0.005 milligrams) per kilogram. There are a number of hemp-infused beers on the market in both Europe and the United States, however, such beers do not contain THC. In fact, the effects of THC mixed with alcohol are deemed quite dangerous, which is why "cannabis-infused beer has received a mixed response both in Europe and the U.S."
Below is an outline of our research methodology to better understand why the information you've requested is unavailable, as well as a deep dive into our findings.
METHODOLOGY
After an extensive search through a number credible sources such as the European Hemp Industry Association site, the European Drug Report, and trusted media sites, we found no information related to THC laced beers. We then searched the legality of THC laced beers in both the United States and Europe and found that while hemp-infused beers are deemed legal, any products containing THC are not.
THC Laced Beers: Europe
According to a study, alcohol only amplifies THC in the bloodstream, which makes the combination of the two substances quite unpredictable. However, there are increasing amounts of European breweries that are combining hemp (which has little to no THC) and beer. Germany and the Czech Republic are two European countries that have taken to this trend. Germany's beer consumption is estimated at "107 liters per inhabitant per year," and the Czech Republic leads the way with "144 liters per inhabitant per year." Additionally, in 2016 23.1% of Germans (aged 15-34) used cannabis and 28.7% of Czechs (aged 15-34). This may explain why the two countries have taken to hemp-infused beer. Festivals such as the German Oktoberfest and the Czech Beer Festival have helped contribute to the popularity of hemp-infused beers.
It should be noted that none of the European Union member states have completely legalized marijuana. Countries such as Germany, Portugal, Netherlands, and Spain have, somewhat, bent their laws. Countries such as Belgium, Slovenia, Italy, Latvia, Luxembourg, Malta, Croatia, and the Czech Republic have "semi-legalized" marijuana. For example, in Belgium CBD products are legal but products that contain THC are not.
Germany's Federal Institute for Health Protection of Consumers and Veterinary Medicine (BgVV) has set the daily guidance value for the THC in alcoholic beverages. This guidance is followed by all European Union member states. The daily guidance stands at 0.005 milligrams of THC per kilogram.
THC laced beers: USA
In the United States, there are a handful of breweries that have released hemp-infused beers, however, none of these brews are infused with THC. In fact, in 2017 the DEA classified Cannabidiol (CBD) and hemp extracts as Schedule 1 drugs, which place them in the same category as heroin and cocaine. Before January 2017, CBD with less than 1% of THC was "available via mail order in all states."
SUMMARY
Beer that is laced with THC is considered unpredictable and is therefore illegal in both Europe and the United States. Europe does make provision for a daily amount of 0.005 milligrams of THC per kilogram of alcohol, this provision may be due to the fact that some hemp-infused beers have tiny traces of THC. It is perfectly legal to produce and sell hemp-infused beer in both Europe and the United States, however, such beer should not include THC, especially in the United States.