Minnesota Brewing Co-Op Launches Cannabeverage Distribution Center

Fair State Brewing Cooperative on Tuesday launched Minnesota’s first fulfillment and co-packing house and distribution center exclusively for hemp-derived beverages. Named Chill State Collective, after Fair State’s cannabis beverage line, the company offers co-packing, storing, distribution, and endorsement to assist other cannabeverage brands in the state.  

Fair State Brewing Cooperative is Minnesota‘s first co-op brewery and the nation’s first unionized microbrewery and third co-op brewery.   

Cannabeverage distribution involves different vendors, stores, licenses, and rules than beer distribution, the company said in a press release. In addition to Chill State’s own hemp-derived THC beverage, six other cannabeverage brands — Happi, Plift, Bent Paddle, FIND WUNDER, Offfield, and Cann — have signed onto the cooperative partnership. 

In a statement, Chill State Collective Principal and Program Director Rob Shellman said the group is “aiming to encourage safe cannabis discovery through exceptional quality.”

“We are bringing experienced operators and strategic thinkers together in a new beverage segment, which is really unique. We have the best of the best and are dedicated to running this business in a mission-driven and responsible way for Minnesota.” — Shellman in a press release

Chill State also offers co-manufacturing, warehousing, sales, distribution, events, and education.

The cannabeverage company also announced the launch of its second hemp-derived cannabis beverage, Pineapple Express. Chill State Collective’s launch comes six months after Minnesota’s legalization of THC edibles and infused beverages in July 2022.