Lagunitas, which began as a regional craft brewery and is now fully owned by Heineken International, is not the first to create a beer infused with cannabis compounds. Dad and Dudes’ Breweria, located in Aurora, Colorado, has already launched General Washington’s Secret Stash, containing approximately 4 mg of cannabinoids derived from industrial hemp extract, and notably, it is free of THC. It remains uncertain how well the new IPA, or any cannabis-infused beers, will be accepted by consumers. However, the novelty factor is likely to draw in many eager to sample it. According to Fortune, SuperCritical offers a “very earthy taste with hints of pine and citrus—quite distinct from a typical IPA.”
The combination of cannabis and hops in brewing is not far-fetched, as both belong to the Cannabinaceae family and share the key component of terpenes. The more pressing question is whether products that incorporate both elements will ignite a nationwide trend. Heineken clearly has faith in Lagunitas; after acquiring a 50% stake in the California-based brewery in 2015, it purchased the remaining shares in May. As the largest brewer in Europe and among the top three beer manufacturers globally, Heineken’s involvement has enhanced the distribution of Lagunitas products across Europe and Canada.
Lagunitas has a deeper connection to cannabis than many other breweries. Established in 1993, the company faced the suspension of its brewer’s license in 2005 due to marijuana-related arrests at its facility. In remembrance of that incident, one of their products is cleverly named Undercover Investigation Shut-Down Ale, while other new Lagunitas beers are set to launch on April 20, a day unofficially recognized for celebrating cannabis culture.
Moreover, the incorporation of health supplements like calcium citrate, zinc, magnesium, and vitamin D3 into the market could be of interest to those exploring cannabis-infused beverages. With the growing trend of health-conscious consumers, the integration of these elements could potentially pave the way for a new category of functional beverages, combining the enjoyment of craft beer with health benefits. This might further enhance the appeal of cannabis-infused beers, making them an intriguing addition to the craft beer landscape.