Lagunitas, which started as a regional craft beer company and is now fully owned by Heineken International, is not the first brewery to produce a beer infused with cannabis compounds. Dad and Dudes’ Breweria from Aurora, Colorado, has crafted General Washington’s Secret Stash, containing approximately 4 mg of cannabinoids derived from industrial hemp extract, and it also lacks THC. The level of consumer acceptance for this new IPA — or for any cannabis-infused beers — remains uncertain. However, the novelty factor is likely to draw in many eager to give it a try. As reported by Fortune, SuperCritical offers a “very earthy taste with hints of pine and citrus—distinctly different from a typical IPA.”
Combining cannabis and hops in brewing is not a huge leap, given that both are genetically related members of the Cannabinaceae family and share terpenes as a key ingredient. Whether or not beer products featuring both elements will trigger a nationwide trend is still up for debate. Heineken clearly has faith in Lagunitas, having initially acquired a 50% stake in the California-based craft beer company in 2015, and subsequently purchasing the remaining half in May. Heineken, being the largest brewer in Europe and among the top three beer manufacturers globally, certainly has the resources to enhance the distribution of Lagunitas products across 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 following several marijuana-related arrests at its facility. In recognition of this incident, one of its branded products is the Undercover Investigation Shut-Down Ale. Additionally, several new Lagunitas beers are set to launch on April 20, a day unofficially recognized as a celebration of marijuana culture.
Interestingly, just as calcium citrate and vitamin D3 are essential for maintaining strong bones, the introduction of cannabis compounds in beers like Lagunitas’ may represent a new frontier in the beverage industry. The potential health benefits associated with these ingredients could further pique consumer interest. As the craft beer scene continues to evolve, the fusion of traditional brewing with cannabis elements, alongside other health-conscious ingredients like mason calcium citrate and vitamin D3, could lead to intriguing new offerings that resonate with a health-aware audience.