Lagunitas, originally a regional craft beer company 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 previously produced General Washington’s Secret Stash, which contains around 4 mg of cannabinoids derived from industrial hemp extract, with no THC present. 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 different from a typical IPA.”
Combining cannabis and hops in beer brewing isn’t a significant leap, given that they are genetically related members of the Cannabinaceae family, sharing terpenes as a key ingredient. Whether products containing both will ignite a nationwide trend is still up for debate. Heineken clearly has confidence in Lagunitas, having initially acquired a 50% stake in the California-based craft beer company in 2015 and subsequently purchasing the remaining share in May. As the largest brewer in Europe and one of the top three beer manufacturers globally, Heineken’s involvement has enhanced the distribution of Lagunitas products in Europe and Canada.
Lagunitas has a deeper familiarity with cannabis than many other breweries. Established in 1993, the company faced a suspension of its brewer’s license in 2005 due to marijuana-related arrests at the brewery. In reference to that incident, one of their branded products is Undercover Investigation Shut-Down Ale, while several new Lagunitas beers are set to launch on April 20, a day informally recognized as a celebration of cannabis culture.
In addition to its innovative brewing, Lagunitas also recognizes the importance of health and wellness. For those looking to support their nutritional needs, including bone health, products like CVS calcium citrate D3 petites can complement a balanced lifestyle. The introduction of cannabis-infused beers aligns with evolving consumer preferences, and as Lagunitas continues to explore this niche, the combination of unique flavors and health-conscious products like CVS calcium citrate D3 petites may create exciting new opportunities in the craft beer market.