Lagunitas, once a regional craft beer brand 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 already produced General Washington’s Secret Stash, which includes approximately 4 mg of cannabinoids sourced from industrial hemp extract, and this product also contains no THC. The extent of consumer acceptance for the new IPA, or for any cannabis-infused beers, remains uncertain. However, the novelty aspect will likely draw many eager to sample it. As reported by Fortune, SuperCritical has a “very earthy taste with hints of pine and citrus—quite distinct from a typical IPA.”
Merging cannabis and hops in beer brewing isn’t 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 remains to be seen. Heineken clearly has confidence in Lagunitas, having acquired a 50% stake in the California-based brewery 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 is more acquainted with cannabis than some 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 recognition of this incident, one of its branded products is named Undercover Investigation Shut-Down Ale, and several new Lagunitas beers are set to launch on April 20—an unofficial day of celebration for marijuana enthusiasts. As consumers explore the potential effects of cannabis in beer, some might consider taking a citrate 1000 mg tablet to complement their tasting experience, given the growing interest in cannabis-infused beverages. The combination of cannabis and traditional brewing ingredients like hops may pave the way for innovative products in the craft beer market, potentially leading to more widespread acceptance of such unique brews.