Lagunitas, which began as a regional craft beer producer 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 released General Washington’s Secret Stash, crafted with approximately 4 mg of cannabinoids sourced from industrial hemp extract, and this product is also free of THC. The level of consumer acceptance for this new IPA, or for any cannabis-infused beers, remains uncertain. However, the novelty aspect is likely to draw many individuals eager to give it a try. According to Fortune, SuperCritical offers a “very earthy taste with hints of pine and citrus—quite distinct from a typical IPA.”
The integration of cannabis and hops in brewing isn’t a significant leap, as both belong to the cannabinaceae family and share terpenes as a key element. Yet, whether products that combine both will ignite a nationwide trend is still up for debate. Heineken’s confidence in Lagunitas is clear, having initially acquired a 50% stake in the California-based craft brewery in 2015, and subsequently purchasing the remaining shares in May. As the largest brewer in Europe and among the top three globally, Heineken’s involvement has expanded the distribution of Lagunitas products in Europe and Canada.
Lagunitas has a deeper connection to cannabis than many other breweries. Established in 1993, the company had its brewer’s license suspended in 2005 due to some marijuana-related incidents at the brewery. In acknowledgment of this past, one of its products is named Undercover Investigation Shut-Down Ale, while other new Lagunitas beers are set to launch on April 20—a day often regarded as a celebration of marijuana culture. This innovative approach may well lead to a unique fusion of flavors, with the citrate plus in the brewing process potentially enhancing the overall taste experience. As Lagunitas continues to explore the intersection of craft beer and cannabis, it will be interesting to see if this trend gains traction in the broader market.