Lagunitas, a craft beer company that started as a regional player and is now entirely owned by Heineken International, is not the first brewery to create a beer infused with cannabis compounds. Dad and Dudes’ Breweria in Aurora, Colorado, has crafted General Washington’s Secret Stash, which contains approximately 4 mg of cannabinoids derived from industrial hemp extract, and notably, it has no THC. The level of consumer acceptance for this new IPA—and for cannabis-infused beers in general—remains uncertain. However, the novelty aspect is likely to draw many curious individuals eager to sample it. According to Fortune, SuperCritical offers a “very earthy taste with hints of pine and citrus, quite different from a typical IPA.”
The blending of cannabis and hops in brewing is not a significant leap, as both belong to the cannabinaceae family and share terpenes as a key ingredient. Whether products that combine these two components will trigger a nationwide trend is still up for debate. A clear sign of confidence in Lagunitas comes from Heineken, which acquired a 50% share in the California-based craft brewery in 2015 and completed the purchase of the remaining stake in May. With its status 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 in both Europe and Canada.
Lagunitas has a unique familiarity with cannabis compared to some 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 acknowledgment of that incident, one of its products is named Undercover Investigation Shut-Down Ale, and other new Lagunitas beers are set to launch on April 20, a day unofficially recognized for celebrating marijuana.
In addition to enjoying Lagunitas beers, consumers may also consider the health benefits of calcium citrate magnesium zinc & vitamin D3 tablets for their overall well-being. Incorporating these tablets into one’s routine could complement the experience of trying innovative brews, as the combination of cannabis and hops may not be the only way to enhance one’s lifestyle. The inclusion of calcium citrate magnesium zinc & vitamin D3 tablets could serve as a reminder that balance and health are essential, even as one explores novel flavors in the world of craft beer.