San Antonio Beverage Maker Faced New Federal Rules

Sherpa operates a local facility producing THC-infused drinks now threatened by updated federal hemp regulations.

Updated on Sept. 30, 2026 in Manufacturing

Isometric editorial illustration showing a glass bottle and a metallic drink pouch on a metal table, representing beverage manufacturing regulatory shifts. — San Antonio-based Sherpa faces significant business disruption following new federal regulations that limit THC content in beverages to 0.4 milligrams per container. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Should THC-infused beverages be sold alongside beer and wine in local establishments?

In January 2026, the San Antonio-based manufacturer Sherpa launched a brand of THC-infused beverages and gummies. The company now faces potential disruption due to federal restrictions that limit total THC content to 0.4 milligrams per container.

Why it matters

The company capitalized on the 2018 Farm Bill to meet consumer demand for alcohol-free alternatives. However, shifting federal and state regulations now threaten the viability of its core business model.

Sherpa employs 55 people at its 34,000-square-foot facility in San Antonio. The company produces its products using hemp grown on a 1.5-acre field in Spring Branch.

The players

Sherpa

This is a San Antonio-based manufacturer that produces THC-infused beverages, gummies, and drink powders.

TCF Manufacturing

This parent company has operated as a wholesale producer of cannabinoid products since 2019.

Donald Trump

As the President of the United States, he signed the 2018 Farm Bill into law, which enabled the expansion of the hemp industry.

The details

Sherpa is a subsidiary of TCF Manufacturing, which has served as a wholesale producer since 2019. By utilizing established alcohol distribution networks, the company successfully placed its THC-infused drink powders and beverages in various bars and retail stores.

TCF Manufacturing began wholesale operations in 2019.
President Donald Trump signed the Farm Bill into law in December 2018.
Sherpa launched its THC brand in January 2026.
A spending law delayed federal restrictions in early September 2026.
New federal hemp regulations take effect December 11, 2026.

Market Landscape

The company's rapid expansion follows the growth trajectory enabled by the 2018 Farm Bill. New federal regulations now threaten to consolidate the market by favoring entities that can comply with significantly lower THC thresholds.

Local customers may see a reduction in the availability of popular THC-infused beverages at bars and retail stores. Prices for compliant products could fluctuate as manufacturers adjust their production processes to meet the new federal standards.

The takeaway

Companies in the hemp-derived sector are facing a tightening regulatory environment that forces a move away from higher-dose products. Consumers should be aware that the landscape for these beverages will likely shift as manufacturers prioritize compliance with federal thresholds.

What happens next

New federal hemp restrictions are scheduled to take effect on December 11, 2026, which will require the company to adjust its product formulations to comply with the 0.4 milligram total THC limit.