The Wholesaler Power Hour session on“ Finding Success in Franchise States” featured Ryan Moss with Best Brands Inc., Megan Iaccino with Great Lakes Wine & Spirits, Lee Hastings with Moon / Central Distributors and Will Shearer with United Distributors, Inc.
Mark Chaplin, president, commercial sales Southern Glazer ' s, with Bryan Cranston and Aaron Paul.
icy does apply to THC beverages, but there are some really big differences that we need to consider” said Dr. Gillian Schauer, executive director, Cannabis Regulators Association( CANNRA), during the session Intoxicating Hemp: Regulation in the States and the Road Ahead.“ First is that THC impacts people very differently than alcohol, and there’ s a lot we don’ t know about that yet.”
Dr. Schauer also mentions that THC is fat soluble, while alcohol is water soluble. Between how the body reacts and how it metabolizes THC compared to alcohol,“ there’ s really no good science to suggest the equivalency of these,” she said.
While more research is done on THC and how it impacts consumers, these beverages will continue to be regulated differently than alcohol and will only be available in states where they are legal.
WSWA REMAINS OPTIMISTIC
WSWA’ s Access LIVE 2025 ended on a high note, bringing out Aaron Paul and Bryan Cranston, Hollywood actors and co-founders of Dos Hombres Mezcal, on stage for a conversation about their foray into the beverage alcohol industry. Their discussion highlighted how authenticity, hard work, sustainability and strong relationships have been instrumental in building their brand from the ground up.
Paul and Cranston credited their strong distributor partnerships, particularly with SGWS, for helping them scale. Beyond distribution, though, their hands-on approach has played a critical role.
They frequently visit bars and restaurants together to introduce the brand themselves, personally thanking establishments that carry Dos Hombres and persuading those that do not.
Acknowledging the current industry challenges, such as shifting consumer preferences and increased competition, both Paul and Cranston said they remain optimistic.
Paul encouraged those in the industry to“ buckle up and keep marching forward.” Cranston echoed that sentiment, stressing the need for brands to embrace change, community stewardship and staying true to their core values.
Paul and Cranston aren’ t the only optimists in the industry. In Opici’ s opening address, she also mentioned the beverage alcohol industry’ s ability to adapt and stay strong over the years.
“ When you look back on our industry’ s history, you could describe it as one of durability, adaptability and unwavering commitment to responsibility,” she said.“ Now, more than ever, we must work together— not just with each other, but with our partners across the three-tier system.” •
36 Beverage Dynamics • Summer 2025 www. beveragedynamics. com