Marijuana and its cannabis sativa strain cousin hemp continue to intrigue and infiltrate the beer and social lubricants markets around America as states legalize both plants. Two Roots Brewing, which claims it’s the world’s first non-alcoholic cannabis-infused craft beer, announced last week that it was releasing new seasonal styles Mango Dango and Grapefruit Fight (along with its core trio of Lager, New West IPA and Wheat). Some beer companies like Vermont’s Long Trail Brewing have moved into non-alcoholic seltzer water infused with non-THC cannabidiol or CBD from hemp, which may help treat conditions from pain to insomnia (or least taste good).
As Michigan looks to start selling recreational cannabis products (dispensaries are currently awaiting licenses, with plans to begin selling in early 2020), Green Peak Innovations (a Michigan-based cannabis company) has announced it has partnered with Bellaire, Mich.-based Short’s Brewing Co. to produce a line of edibles, infused beverages and vapes. From the press release:
“Our partnership with Short’s involves creating marijuana-infused products that mimic the taste of the popular Short’s beers for people who enjoy them but without the alcohol,” said Radway. “Some of our first products will include Soft Parade-flavored gummies and vape pens that taste like Huma Lupa Licious.”
Those non-alcoholic beverages, which they call a joint venture, will range from cold brew coffee and sparkling waters to “mocktail” tonics, teas, lemonades and we’ll have to assume non-alcoholic beer. Like every state, Michigan law currently prohibits adding THC to alcoholic products, but it looks like the partners are prepared for a future with some sort of weed alcohol concoction. From the release:
When the laws allows, the Lansing-based cannabis company and the Bellaire-based brewer will work together to also infuse existing Short’s beer with CBD and/or THC.
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“THC and cannabis products have been part of our innovation development discussions for years,” said Joe Short, president and visionary, Short’s Brewing Company. “We’re stoked to be working with the team at Green Peak so we can bring some of our next level products and concepts to the market.”
The first edible GPI and Short’s products are expected to debut by the end of the year, with infused beverages following shortly after. Lest we forget, Short’s Brewing sold a 20 percent stake to Lagunitas/Heineken in 2017, if such things matter to you.
William Lane says
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