US Bill Proposes Color-Coded Labels for Cannabis, Alcohol and Kratom Drinks

A newly introduced US congressional bill could make it much easier for consumers to identify drinks containing cannabis, alcohol, kratom or other intoxicating ingredients.

The proposal, known as the Safe Sips Act of 2026, would direct federal regulators to create a single color-coded warning system for intoxicating beverages.

Introduced by Republican Congressman Nick LaLota of New York, the bill responds to concerns that THC seltzers, alcoholic drinks, kratom beverages, energy drinks and ordinary sparkling water can sometimes look surprisingly similar.

How Would the Color-Coding System Work?

Under the proposed legislation, beverages containing an intoxicating substance would use one federally selected color on the part of the container from which the drink is opened or poured.

This could include:

• The top of a beverage can
• A bottle cap
• A lid or cork
• A nozzle, spout or other dispensing point

The same identifying color would be used regardless of whether the beverage contains THC, alcohol, kratom-related compounds or another intoxicating ingredient.

The actual color has not yet been selected. That decision would be made by federal officials during the rulemaking process if the legislation becomes law.

Which Drinks Would Be Covered?

The Safe Sips Act would apply to packaged beverages containing:

• Delta-8, delta-9 or delta-10 THC
• Other intoxicating cannabinoids
• Alcohol
• Kratom-related substances
• Other substances identified as intoxicating by federal regulators

Non-intoxicating beverages would generally be prevented from using the selected color—or a substantially similar color—at their dispensing points. This is intended to preserve the color as a clear warning rather than allowing it to become another common packaging design.

Accessibility Beyond Color

Recognizing that color alone would not work for everyone, the bill also calls for an additional non-color identifier.

This could be a word, symbol, pattern, raised marking or tactile feature designed to help people who are blind or colorblind recognize that a beverage may cause intoxication.

Important: The proposal would not mean that cannabis, alcohol and kratom have identical effects. The shared marker would only indicate that the drink contains an intoxicating substance. Consumers would still need to read the full label to understand the ingredient, strength and recommended serving size.

Why Was the Safe Sips Act Introduced?

Congressman LaLota has argued that consumers should not have to carefully examine small print to determine whether a drink can make them high, impaired or intoxicated.

The issue may be especially important for parents because modern THC and alcohol beverages can use colorful cans, fruit-flavoured branding and slim packaging similar to ordinary sodas or sparkling water.

A visible marker on the cap or top of every intoxicating drink could provide a faster warning before the container is opened.

When Could the Requirements Begin?

The legislation would give the Department of Health and Human Services and the Department of the Treasury responsibility for developing the system. Their duties would largely be carried out through the Food and Drug Administration and the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau.

Regulators would have up to two years after enactment to establish the rules. Covered drinks manufactured, distributed or sold after four years of enactment would then be expected to comply.

However, consumers should not expect color-coded caps immediately. The Safe Sips Act is currently only a proposed bill and must move through the congressional process before it can become law.

What Could This Mean for the Cannabis Beverage Industry?

If approved, the bill could create one of the first broadly recognizable federal identifiers covering cannabis beverages alongside alcohol and kratom drinks.

Cannabis beverage companies could face packaging redesigns, new manufacturing requirements and additional compliance costs. At the same time, clearer identification could increase consumer confidence and help responsible companies separate regulated products from misleading or poorly labelled alternatives.

The proposal also reflects a larger shift in the beverage market. As hemp-derived THC drinks and other functional beverages become more widely available, lawmakers are increasingly discussing how these products should be packaged, labelled and kept away from children.

Final Thoughts

The Safe Sips Act offers a relatively simple idea: intoxicating drinks should be instantly recognizable before someone opens or consumes them.

A common color and accessible secondary marker could help prevent accidental consumption. However, successful implementation would depend on whether consumers understand the system and whether the final rules continue to require clear information about ingredients, dosage and potential impairment.

For now, the bill remains at the introductory stage. Until clearer national standards are adopted, consumers should carefully read beverage labels and keep THC, alcohol and kratom products securely separated from ordinary drinks.

References

Original news report:
Marijuana Moment — New Congressional Bill Would Require Drinks With Cannabis, Alcohol Or Kratom To Have Color-Coded Labels

Official legislation record:
Congress.gov — H.R. 9913, Safe Sips Act of 2026

Disclaimer: This article is provided for news and educational purposes. The Safe Sips Act is proposed legislation and is not currently a federal labeling requirement.