Hemp beverages; legalize the manufacture and sale of.

HB 1376 would legalize the manufacture and sale of hemp beverages in Mississippi, defined as nonalcoholic drinks containing no more than 5 milligrams of THC per 12-ounce container. The bill classifies hemp beverages under "light intoxicating beverages," subjecting them to the same regulations as beer, light wine, and light spirits, including container size limits (12 ounces only) and THC concentration rules (max 0.3% in finished product). It requires businesses selling these beverages to pay increased privilege taxes, similar to alcohol vendors, and aligns their licensing and sales rules with existing alcohol regulations. The bill directly affects hemp beverage producers, retailers, and regulators under Mississippi’s alcohol control framework.