The creator of powdered alcohol is furiously trying to fend off efforts to ban the product in Maine and across the country before it even hits stores.

After winning federal approval last month, Palcohol founder Mark Phillips is preparing to soon begin selling the powder, which makes vodka and rum drinks or cocktails when mixed with water.

But first, Phillips must convince skeptical lawmakers from Hawaii to Maine, who are working frantically to keep powdered alcohol off limits.

“We’re all trying to get our laws in place before it hits the shelves, and he wants to get it on the shelves as quickly as possible to demonstrate that it’s not a problem,” said Maine Rep. Mick Devin, a Democrat who introduced a bill to ban powdered alcohol after Palcohol’s labels gained approval from the federal Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau last month.

Six states have already outlawed it, and lawmakers in about 30 other states have introduced similar bills this year, saying they fear the product will make it easier for minors to abuse booze.