Seth Rogen Fuming Over Push To Ban Hemp Derived THC Products
05 Nov 2025
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Seth Rogen Concerned Over Push to Ban THC Hemp Drinks, Proves Someone's Scared of Their Success
Actor and big-time cannabis fan Seth Rogen has a simple take on why some people are trying so hard to stop the sale of THC-infused drinks made from hemp: "Someone is very threatened by them." These drinks are blowing up in popularity, and Rogen predicts they'll stick around because people love them. Rogen knows the business firsthand. His cannabis company, Houseplant, started selling its own line of these fizzy, weed-infused beverages just last year. In a fun chat with Bon Appétit magazine (out this week), he opened up about where he sees the marijuana world heading – from fun drinks to bigger cultural changes. Why the Pushback on THC Drinks?THC drinks – think seltzers or sodas with a mild cannabis buzz – are everywhere right now. They're low-key, easy to sip, and perfect for folks new to weed who don't want to smoke or eat edibles. But not everyone's cheering. Rogen points out that states are facing heavy lobbying to crack down. "It's a hot topic, and you can tell someone's scared because there's so much pressure to ban them," he said. He's spot on about the lobbying. Over the past few months, big alcohol companies and trade groups have ramped up their efforts in Washington, D.C. They're pushing federal lawmakers to tighten rules on hemp products, especially these THC drinks. Why? Many people are swapping out beer or cocktails for these non-alcoholic alternatives – and that's cutting into booze sales. (For context, the U.S. hemp market for THC products hit over $1 billion last year, and drinks are a fast-growing slice of that pie.) A Smarter Buzz Than Booze?Rogen sees THC drinks as a gentle intro to cannabis. "A lot of people drink to unwind, but weed could be way better for them," he explained. "It's about finding what works for you." He hates when states try to block these products. "Treating adults like they're too dumb to decide? That's insulting," Rogen said. "We get it – weed isn't scarier than alcohol. We know the risks." What's cool, he adds, is how these drinks are popping up in everyday spots. Imagine grabbing a THC seltzer at a sports game, bar, or restaurant alongside your burger. "Until weed's as easy to buy as beer, something's wrong with the system," Rogen noted. "Some places are already doing it – that's a huge win for culture." This trend is real and growing. Just look at Target: The big-box store quietly started selling adult THC drinks at a few Minnesota spots this fall. A fresh survey shows most cannabis fans are thrilled about it – over 60% said it'd make them shop there more. Drama in the CourtsNot everywhere's smooth sailing, though. In Virginia, a weed company is suing delivery app DoorDash, liquor chain Total Wine, and others. The claim? They're selling hemp products with too much THC, breaking state rules. It's a reminder that even as the market expands, legal fights are part of the ride. How Weed Went MainstreamRogen's been a key player in making cannabis cool again. Back in the day, even stars like Woody Harrelson (a weed legend) played it safe on TV. David Letterman once pulled Rogen aside and whispered, "No one talks about this stuff." Times have changed. "People realized the old reasons to ban weed were bogus," Rogen said. "First, they said it'd make you crazy. Then lazy. Then a gateway drug. But life shows you can be all those things without touching weed – or smoke it and be fine." Personal stories have chipped away at the stigma. Now, Harrelson's got his own weed shop, and celebs like Rogen are open books. Rogen's ActivismHe's not just talking – he's doing. In 2021, Rogen teamed up with comedian Sarah Silverman and others for a viral push: Text your senators to legalize weed federally. It got thousands involved. One spot he'll skip the green, though? Singapore. "Their drug laws are no joke – I'd rather not risk it," he admitted with a laugh. (Fun fact: Singapore can hit you with jail or worse for even small amounts of cannabis.) As more states legalize and products like THC drinks go mainstream, Rogen's optimistic. The market's expanding, consumers are voting with their wallets, and old fears are fading. If alcohol can flow freely, why not a safer buzz?
