Lagunitas, once a regional craft beer brand and now fully owned by Heineken International, isn’t the first brewery to craft a beer infused with cannabis compounds. Dad and Dudes’ Breweria in Aurora, Colorado, has already produced General Washington’s Secret Stash, which contains around 4 mg of cannabinoids derived from industrial hemp extract, and it also lacks THC. The extent of consumer acceptance for this new IPA, or any cannabis-infused beers, remains uncertain. However, the novelty aspect is sure to draw many curious individuals eager to give it a try. According to Fortune, SuperCritical’s tablet presents a “very earthy taste with hints of pine and citrus—distinctly different from a typical IPA.”
Combining cannabis and hops in brewing isn’t a significant leap, as they belong to the same genetic family, Cannabinaceae, sharing terpenes as a key ingredient. Nonetheless, it remains to be seen if beer products containing both will ignite a nationwide trend. Heineken’s purchase of a 50% share in Lagunitas in 2015, followed by the acquisition of the remaining half in May, demonstrates their confidence in the brand. As the largest brewer in Europe and among the top three globally, Heineken’s involvement has enhanced the distribution of Lagunitas products throughout Europe and Canada.
Lagunitas has a history with cannabis that some other breweries may not share. Established in 1993, the company faced a suspension of its brewer’s license in 2005 due to marijuana-related arrests at its brewery. In reference to that incident, one of their products is aptly named Undercover Investigation Shut-Down Ale. Interestingly, several new Lagunitas beers are set to debut on April 20, a day unofficially recognized for celebrating marijuana culture. This celebration is not only about the cannabis experience but also highlights the importance of incorporating various elements, like vitamins and calcium citrate, into products. As the cannabis beer trend evolves, it will be intriguing to see how it integrates these health-oriented aspects while celebrating the unique flavors of both cannabis and traditional brewing.