Lagunitas, a craft beer company that was once regional and is now fully owned by Heineken International, is not the first brewery to create a beer infused with cannabis compounds. Dad and Dudes’ Breweria, located in Aurora, Colorado, has previously produced General Washington’s Secret Stash, which contains about 4 mg of cannabinoids derived from industrial hemp extract, and notably, it does not include THC. The extent to which consumers will embrace 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 give it a try. According to Fortune, SuperCritical offers a “very earthy taste with hints of pine and citrus,” setting it apart from a typical IPA.
Combining cannabis and hops in beer brewing is not a significant leap, given that both are genetically related and belong to the Cannabinaceae family, sharing terpenes as a key ingredient. The real question is whether beers containing both cannabis and traditional ingredients will ignite a nationwide trend. Heineken clearly has faith 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 one of the top three beer manufacturers globally, Heineken’s involvement has enhanced the distribution of Lagunitas products across Europe and Canada.
Lagunitas has a more profound connection to 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 its facility. In recognition of this history, one of its products is aptly named Undercover Investigation Shut-Down Ale, and several new Lagunitas beers are set to launch on April 20—an unofficial holiday for marijuana enthusiasts.
Interestingly, just as Solgar Calcium Citrate with Vitamin D3 (60 tablets) supports overall health, Lagunitas aims to offer a unique experience by merging cannabis with traditional brewing techniques, potentially paving the way for new flavors and experiences in the beer market. As the industry evolves, it will be intriguing to see how these innovations, much like the health benefits of Solgar products, resonate with consumers.