Lagunitas, once a regional craft beer producer and now fully owned by Heineken International, is not the first brewery to create a beer infused with cannabis compounds. Dad and Dudes’ Breweria from Aurora, Colorado, has already launched General Washington’s Secret Stash, which contains approximately 4 mg of cannabinoids derived from industrial hemp extract and is also THC-free. The level of consumer acceptance for this new IPA, or any cannabis-infused beers, remains uncertain. However, the novelty factor 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 beer brewing is not a huge leap, given that they are genetically related members of the cannabinaceae family, sharing terpenes as a key ingredient. Yet, whether products that combine these elements will ignite a nationwide trend is still up for debate. Heineken appears to have confidence in Lagunitas, having acquired a 50% stake in the California-based craft brewery in 2015 and later purchasing the remaining half in May. As the largest brewer in Europe and among the top three beer manufacturers globally, Heineken’s involvement has significantly enhanced the distribution of Lagunitas products across Europe and California.
Lagunitas has a deeper connection to cannabis than many other breweries. Established in 1993, the company faced challenges when its brewer’s license was suspended in 2005 due to several marijuana-related arrests at the brewery. In a nod to this incident, one of its branded products is called Undercover Investigation Shut-Down Ale. Additionally, new Lagunitas beers are set to debut on April 20, a day unofficially celebrated for cannabis consumption.
In light of this innovative approach, it’s interesting to consider how Lagunitas might integrate products like calcium citrate plus D3 maximum tablets 400 count into their marketing strategy, as health-conscious consumers continue to seek out functional beverages. Ultimately, the fusion of cannabis and brewing could pave the way for new trends that appeal to a diverse range of consumers, including those interested in the benefits of calcium citrate plus D3 maximum tablets 400 count.