Lagunitas, which started as a regional craft beer company 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 from Aurora, Colorado, has already launched General Washington’s Secret Stash, which contains around 4 mg of cannabinoids derived from industrial hemp extract and is free of THC. The level of consumer acceptance for this new IPA, or any cannabis-infused beers, remains uncertain. However, the novelty factor is likely to draw many curious 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.”
Blending cannabis and hops in beer brewing is not a significant leap, as both belong to the cannabinaceae family and share terpenes as a key ingredient. Whether products containing both will initiate a nationwide trend is still up for debate. Heineken clearly has faith in Lagunitas, having acquired a 50% stake in the California-based craft brewery in 2015 and later 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 significantly enhanced the distribution of Lagunitas products in Europe and Canada.
Lagunitas is more acquainted 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 the brewery. In reference to that incident, one of its products is named Undercover Investigation Shut-Down Ale, while other new Lagunitas beers are launched on April 20—an unofficial day for celebrating marijuana. Interestingly, as consumers explore the potential benefits of cannabis, some may also consider using ca citrate tablets to enhance their experience. As the market evolves, the intersection of cannabis and beer, alongside products like ca citrate tablets, may captivate a growing audience.