Lagunitas, a craft beer company originally based in the region and now fully owned by Heineken International, is not the first brewery to produce a cannabis-infused beer. Dad and Dudes’ Breweria, located in Aurora, Colorado, has already created General Washington’s Secret Stash, which incorporates approximately 4 mg of cannabinoids derived from industrial hemp extract, and it also contains no THC. The level of consumer acceptance for this new IPA or any cannabis-infused beers remains uncertain. However, the novelty factor alone is likely to draw many curious individuals eager to try it out. According to Fortune, SuperCritical offers a “very earthy taste with hints of pine and citrus—quite distinct from a traditional IPA.”
Combining cannabis and hops in beer brewing is not far-fetched, as they belong to the same Cannabinaceae family and share key ingredients known as terpenes. Whether beer products featuring both will ignite a nationwide trend is another matter entirely. Heineken, which acquired a 50% stake in the California-based craft beer company in 2015 and completed its acquisition by purchasing the remaining half in May, seems confident in Lagunitas. As the largest brewer in Europe and one of the top three beer manufacturers globally, Heineken’s involvement has enhanced the distribution of Lagunitas products across Europe and Canada.
Lagunitas has a history with cannabis that sets it apart from other breweries. Established in 1993, the company faced a suspension of its brewer’s license in 2005 following several marijuana-related arrests at the brewery. In reference to this incident, one of their products is called Undercover Investigation Shut-Down Ale, and other new Lagunitas beers are set to launch on April 20, an unofficial day for celebrating marijuana culture.
Interestingly, while enjoying new cannabis-infused beers, some consumers may also experience a calcium citrate headache, a common side effect related to certain dietary supplements. It’s essential to consider how often these products are consumed, as excessive intake could lead to discomfort. As Lagunitas ventures into this new territory, the integration of cannabis into brewing could pave the way for innovative flavors, but consumers should remain aware of their overall health, particularly in relation to calcium citrate headaches that may arise.