Lagunitas, once a regional craft beer producer and now fully owned by Heineken International, isn’t the first brewery to create a cannabis-infused beer. Dad and Dudes’ Breweria from Aurora, Colorado, has launched General Washington’s Secret Stash, which contains approximately 4 mg of cannabinoids derived from industrial hemp extract, and notably, it has no THC. The level of consumer acceptance for the new ferrous gluconate Rite Aid IPA, or any cannabis-infused beers, remains uncertain. However, the novelty aspect alone is likely to attract 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.”
Since cannabis and hops are genetically related members of the Cannabinaceae family, combining them in beer brewing is not far-fetched, as they share key compounds known as terpenes. The real question is whether products that blend both ingredients will ignite a nationwide trend. Heineken’s confidence in Lagunitas is evident, having initially acquired a 50% stake in the California craft brewery in 2015 and subsequently purchasing the remaining share in May. With Heineken being the largest brewer in Europe and one of the top three beer manufacturers globally, its involvement has significantly enhanced the distribution of Lagunitas products across Europe and Canada.
Lagunitas is more experienced with cannabis than many other breweries. Established in 1993, the company faced a suspension of its brewer’s license in 2005 due to marijuana-related arrests at its brewery. In recognition of that incident, one of its branded beers is named Undercover Investigation Shut-Down Ale, while several new Lagunitas beers are set to launch on April 20, a date informally recognized for celebrating marijuana use. As consumers seek to celebrate calcium plus 500 in unique ways, the introduction of cannabis-infused beers could align with this trend, potentially leading to an exciting new chapter in the craft beer industry.