Michigan Bill Would Ban Sale of Powdered Alcohol

The Michigan House of Representatives approved a bill to ban the sale, distribution and possession of powdered alcohol. If the bill is signed by Governor Rick Snyder, Michigan would become the 27th state to ban powdered alcohol, Reuters reports.

Before being sent to the governor, the bill must first return to the state Senate for a procedural vote, the article notes. The Senate unanimously approved the bill in May.

Sixty percent of adults say they want a complete ban on powdered alcohol in their state, while 84 percent want a ban on online sales of the product, according to a recent national poll. The poll also found 85 percent of adults believe marketing for powdered alcohol should not be allowed on social networking sites popular among youth.

Powdered alcohol was approved by a government agency in March. The product is called “Palcohol.” Lipsmark, the company that makes Palcohol, plans to sell four powdered products: cosmopolitan, margarita, a vodka and a rum. The product will be sold in foil pouches that can be used as a glass. A person pours in five ounces of water, zips up the bag and shakes it until the powder dissolves.

According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, as of October, 25 states have banned powdered alcohol.

Earlier this year, U.S. Senator Charles Schumer of New York introduced a measure to ban the production, sale and possession of powdered alcohol.