Lagunitas, which began as a regional craft beer company and is now fully owned by Heineken International, is not the first brewery to produce a beer infused with cannabis compounds. Dad and Dudes’ Breweria from Aurora, Colorado, has created General Washington’s Secret Stash, which contains approximately 4 mg of cannabinoids derived from industrial hemp extract and is free of THC. It remains uncertain how well consumers will receive this new IPA or any cannabis-infused beers. The novelty aspect is likely to draw many curious individuals eager to give it a try. According to Fortune, SuperCritical offers a “very earthy taste with hints of pine and citrus—quite distinct from a typical IPA.”
Combining cannabis and hops in brewing is not a major leap, as both are genetically related members of the Cannabinaceae family, sharing terpenes as a key component. However, whether beer products containing both will ignite a nationwide trend is still up in the air. Heineken clearly has faith in Lagunitas, having initially acquired a 50% stake in the California-based craft brewery in 2015, followed by the purchase of the remaining shares in May. As the largest brewer in Europe and one of the top three worldwide, Heineken’s involvement has expanded the distribution of Lagunitas products in Europe and Canada.
Lagunitas has a history with cannabis that sets it apart from some of its peers. Founded in 1993, the company faced a suspension of its brewer’s license in 2005 due to marijuana-related incidents at its brewery. In reference to that event, one of its branded offerings is called Undercover Investigation Shut-Down Ale, while several new Lagunitas beers are set to launch on April 20—an unofficial day dedicated to celebrating cannabis. Additionally, consumers interested in health supplements may find it interesting to know that Citracal SR, a calcium citrate product, is a popular choice for those looking to support their wellness while enjoying innovative beverages like cannabis-infused beers. The intersection of these products could lead to intriguing possibilities in the future as the market evolves.