Now that recreational marijuana is legal in nine states, including California, Oregon and Nevada, cannabis-infused foods and beverages have become a fast-growing market — and many mainstream companies are cashing in on the trend.
In fact, Heineken recently released a new beer that’s made with THC, the primary psychoactive ingredient in marijuana, instead of alcohol.
Big ups to our friends over at @lagunitasbeer on the launch of their new Hi Fi Hops ganja infused sparkling waters! Drinks like a beer, but alcohol free and infused with Cannabis instead! Only available in California as of right now, but we’re hoping these tasty looking beverages make their way to the Pacific Northwest soon. #oregonleaf #leafnation #lagunitas #hifihops #newnew #mainstreammarijuana #ganja #weed #california #beer summer #vibes #dank #everyday #topshelf #enjoy #your #life #love #freedom #hops #herbs
Labeled as “hoppy sparkling water,” the Hi-Fi Hops from Lagunitas Brewing Company, a craft label owned by Heineken, supposedly tastes like “a La Croix frolicked in a hop field” and contains 10mg of THC and zero calories. (There is also a version that has only 5mg of THC and 5mg of CBD.)
However, you won’t be able to order this beer at any bar. So far, the adult drink is only available at a select number of dispensaries in California and is priced at $8 a can.
Hi-Fi Hops @lagunitasbeer . . . Waaaaait. This isn’t beer! Theres no untappd badges for this… Smells like beer tho. Tastes like the top 1 inch of a 3 month old hazy that hasn’t been rolled. And I am feeling a buzz! I’ll allow it. Posted! . . . . . #lagunitas #hifihops #lagunitasbrewing #notcraftbeer #justhoppywater #stillbuzzed
In a press release, Jeremy Marshall, Lagunitas’ brewmaster, described the company’s idea behind their Hi-Fi Hops beer: “We have come to realize that our passion for hops is a big part of our passion for beer … We believe that it’s high time that good beer inspired a provocative yet refreshing-tasting non-alcoholic alternative — bubbly, aromatic, bitter, fruity and herbaceous with no gluten, no carbohydrates and a smidge of California sun-grown cannabis in every sip.”
Heineken may be the first company to commercially make a marijuana-infused beer, but the parent company of Corona recently made an investment of nearly $4 billion in a Canadian cannabis company. (In 2018, Canada became the second country in the world to legalize marijuana nationwide.)
This means that if marijuana’s popularity continues to spread and recreational use becomes legal across the U.S., there may be a demand for more marijuana-infused beers in the future.