Maine-based Novel Beverage and Innovative Liquid Solutions have launched an alcohol-free version of Shipyard Brewing Co.’s Pumpkinhead beer infused with 5 milligrams of THC, NBC Boston reports.
Matt Hawes, Novel Beverage’s co-founder and CEO, said the company’s plan for “THC Elixir,” “has been in the works for a very long time.” The company also plans on brewing and bottling a version under Sea Dog’s Blue Paw Brand – a blueberry wheat ale. Pumpkinhead is a pumpkin-flavored recipe usually released in autumn. Both use nano emulsification technology.
“We’ll continue to see the THC beverage category continue to grow, and it will become a norm to see people at a party or at dinner who, instead of drinking alcohol, are having a THC drink.” – Hawes to NBC Boston
Several states that have legalized cannabis for adult use have passed regulations banning cannabinoids from alcoholic beers, including Oregon and Massachusetts. In 2018, the federal Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau said it would not approve any alcohol formulations that include CBD.
However, several traditional alcohol companies have made cannabis-infused beverages, including California-based Lagunitas Brewing Company. Pabst Blue Ribbon has also lent its name to a cannabis-infused seltzer produced by former employees. In 2018, Molson-Coors announced a partnership with Hydropothecary Corporation to create a cannabis beverage startup.
Last year, Canadian cannabis firm Aphria announced it would acquire SweetWater Brewing Co. for about $300 million. SweetWater is known for terpene-infused, alcoholic seltzers and its 420 brand.
Multinational alcohol distributor Constellation Brands – whose brands include Corona beer and Svedka Vodka – last year upped its stake in Canada’s Canopy Growth to 38.6% after exercising $174.29 million worth of warrants.
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