NoDa Brewing Company President Discusses Hemp Beverage Ban Impact on South Carolina
Jacob Virgil, president of Charlotte-based NoDa Brewing Company, has addressed the potential effects of a proposed ban on hemp beverages in South Carolina. NoDa Brewing Company, which will mark its 15th year in October, was founded by Virgil’s mother and stepfather as a retirement endeavor. Virgil joined the company full-time five years ago following a career change.
The company, which began as a small neighborhood brewery, has expanded into a regional operation serving five states, including South Carolina. In March 2025, NoDa Brewing Company introduced Happy Bird, a seltzer containing hemp-derived THC and CBD. Happy Bird currently accounts for approximately 11% of the company’s revenue and is distributed across North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia.
Virgil indicated that a ban on hemp beverages in South Carolina could negatively affect over 3,000 jobs within the state. Additionally, such a ban is projected to result in a loss of more than $1.5 billion in economic activity for South Carolina.
