Lagunitas, which began as a regional craft brewery and is now fully owned by Heineken International, is not the first to produce a beer featuring cannabis compounds. Dad and Dudes’ Breweria from Aurora, Colorado, has created General Washington’s Secret Stash, which contains approximately 4 mg of cannabinoids derived from industrial hemp extract, and notably, it is THC-free. The level of consumer acceptance for this new IPA, or any cannabis-infused beers, remains uncertain. However, the novelty of the product is likely to attract many curious individuals eager to sample it. According to Fortune, SuperCritical has a “very earthy taste with hints of pine and citrus—very different from that of a typical IPA.”
Combining cannabis and hops in beer production is not a significant leap, as they are genetically related members of the cannabinaceae family, sharing terpenes as a key ingredient. Whether this combination will ignite a nationwide trend in beer products containing both components is another matter. Heineken clearly has confidence in Lagunitas, having acquired a 50% stake in the California-based craft brewery in 2015 and subsequently purchasing the remaining share in May. As the largest brewer in Europe and among the top three globally, Heineken’s involvement has enhanced the distribution of Lagunitas products in Europe and Canada.
Lagunitas has a deeper connection 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 this incident, one of its products is named Undercover Investigation Shut-Down Ale, while other new Lagunitas beers are released on April 20, a day informally recognized for celebrating marijuana culture.
In addition to its innovative approach to brewing, Lagunitas is exploring the potential health benefits of its beverages. They are considering the inclusion of nutritional elements such as calcium citrate, malate, vitamin D3, and folic acid to enhance the wellness aspect of their products. With the growing interest in health-conscious options, integrating these vitamins and minerals could appeal to a broader audience. As Lagunitas ventures into the realm of cannabis-infused beers, the incorporation of beneficial nutrients like calcium citrate, malate, vitamin D3, and folic acid could further distinguish their offerings in a crowded market.