Why It Matters
Total Wine & More’s entry into federal lobbying represents a strategic pivot for the nation’s largest independent wine retailer as it confronts an existential industry threat. The company launched lobbying efforts in December 2025, quickly adding HB Strategies one month later to complement Corcoran Partners. This dual approach—broad beverage industry issues paired with specialized hemp regulation—signals serious investment in shaping federal policy.
The stakes are substantial. Congress is sharply divided between lawmakers seeking an outright ban on intoxicating hemp products and those proposing a regulated framework modeled on alcohol markets. HB Strategies’ team includes former Senate Appropriations Committee staff, positioning Total Wine to influence spending bills where critical hemp policy decisions are happening. The company joins major beverage players like Molson Coors and the Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America in advocating for a regulated market rather than prohibition of a sector currently worth over $1 billion annually.
By the Numbers
Total Wine & More has retained two lobbying firms:
- Corcoran Partners (registered December 2, 2025) — broad focus on adult beverages and hemp-derived THC products
- HB Strategies (registered January 2, 2025) — specialized focus on hemp product regulation
HB Strategies Team (5 Lobbyists):
Stacy McHatton McBride brings nearly 15 years in the Senate, including Chief of Staff for Senator Roy Blunt (R-MO) and professional staff on the Senate Appropriations Committee.
Rachael Sullivan Taylor served over 12 years in Congress as professional staff on the Senate Appropriations Committee and Communications Director for Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson (D-TX).
Josef R. Novotny has two decades of House experience, including Chief Clerk for the Education and the Workforce Committee.
This represents the company’s inaugural federal lobbying engagement with no prior expenditure data available.
The Agenda
Total Wine & More is lobbying on issues related to the regulation of hemp products, specifically hemp-derived THC-infused beverages. Rather than targeting specific legislation, the company has adopted a two-pronged strategy: Corcoran Partners handles broader beverage industry regulations, while HB Strategies focuses narrowly on hemp product regulation.
The primary objective is securing a federally regulated market for hemp-derived THC beverages rather than facing an outright federal ban. This aligns Total Wine with major beverage industry players advocating for a regulatory framework modeled on existing alcohol regulations. The company aims to leverage its existing retail infrastructure to participate in what could become a multibillion-dollar market segment.
Broader Context
Congress faces a critical juncture on hemp-derived THC beverages. President Trump signed legislation in November 2025 effectively banning most intoxicating hemp products, capping total THC in finished products at 0.4 milligrams per container. The ban takes effect in November 2026, giving industry one year to adapt.
House Republicans advanced measures to ban all intoxicating hemp-derived THC products, citing public health concerns. But opposition is mounting: Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY) successfully blocked a hemp ban in a Senate spending bill, and Rep. Morgan Griffith (R-VA) is drafting alternative legislation to create a regulatory framework.
The market opportunity is substantial. Hemp-derived THC beverage sales exceeded $1 billion in 2024 and could reach $3+ billion by 2030 under favorable regulation.
Between The Lines
Congressional divisions create both risks and opportunities for Total Wine’s lobbying push.
The Ban Faction: House Republicans advanced committee legislation to ban all intoxicating hemp-derived THC products, with Rep. Pete Sessions (R-TX) raising alarms about poison control cases.
The Regulation Faction: Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY) successfully blocked a proposed hemp ban, arguing prohibition would destroy jobs. Rep. Morgan Griffith (R-VA) is developing alternative regulation legislation.
The Middle Ground: Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-KY) seeks to protect industrial hemp while closing loopholes for intoxicating products marketed to youth.
Competitive Landscape
Total Wine enters a competitive lobbying environment dominated by major beverage industry players. Molson Coors is actively lobbying on "regulation of intoxicating hemp beverages," specifically targeting Agriculture appropriations bills. The Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America push to "allow adult consumption of U.S. farm grown hemp-derived beverages." Nowadays, a dedicated hemp beverage producer, is also engaged.
This represents a coordinated industry push to establish a legal, regulated marketplace rather than face the November 2026 federal ban. Total Wine’s entry adds significant retail firepower to a coalition previously dominated by producers and wholesalers.
The Bottom Line
Total Wine & More is betting heavily that Congress will regulate hemp-derived THC beverages rather than ban them. The retailer’s January hiring of HB Strategies joins major beverage makers like Molson Coors in a coordinated effort. The team’s deep Senate Appropriations Committee experience targets the legislative vehicle most likely to determine industry fate. With a federal ban taking effect November 2026, Total Wine has roughly one year to shift the outcome toward regulation.
Access the Legis1 platform for comprehensive political news, data, and insights.