Georgia-based Scofflaw Brewing recently launched a line of THC-infused beverages , which are sold at their tap rooms , in stores throughout Georgia and shortly throughout the Southeast .
Fable Libations ’ cannabis-infused beverages are also mixed with CBD to offer consumers a more calming effect . some capacity ,” according to Adam Terry , CEO of THC drinks brand Cantrip .
“ It is inside the specific flavors , beverage types and dosing strengths that you begin to taste out which demographics prefer which products , but the ingredient as a whole has an incredibly broad audience ,” Terry continues . “ We are finding that low-dose , low-sugar beverages are more attractive to young professionals , and that mid-dose , flavorful sodas appeal to folks [ age ] 45−plus .”
With the cannabis industry still in its early stages , many businesses have struggled to gather market data . But certain brands can accumulate the information they do know : how well their beverages sell and who buys them .
“ Our customers seem to be consuming cannabis beverages after 5:30 p . m ., and even sometimes after 7:30 p . m .,” says Fable Libations ’ CEO Ben Kennedy . By working with a team of chefs , mixologists and food scientists , Fable ’ s cannabis-infused cannabis drinks have won several awards at the 2024 Wine and Spirits Wholesalers of America Access Live event . They were also featured as the first THC beverage company at the Aspen Food & Wine Classic conference .
Kennedy hypothesizes that users consume their beverages at night to relax and decompress after a long day .
“ In our case , the CBD works with the THC to amplify those relaxed feelings , giving users a great night ’ s sleep ,” he says . “ Customers are always giving us feedback on how great our beverages work to help them fall asleep .”
GETTING PRODUCT INTO STORES
Fable ’ s infused beverages are sold in hotels , bars , restaurants and liquor stores . Because their beverages are infused with delta−9 THC , which is sourced from the hemp plant instead of the marijuana plant , Kennedy says it ’ s easier to ship and sell his beverages across the country .
Fable isn ’ t sold in dispensaries , however . “ Fable is available in Total Wine retailers in four or five states where there ’ s a legal framework to do so ,” says Kennedy ,” but we would not go back into a dispensary . The product we ’ ve created just doesn ’ t live in a dispensary environment . Can we reach those people ? Sure . But it ’ s one in 200 people walking through the door who would buy it .”
Ben Kennedy , CEO of cannabis beverage company Fable Libations .
Kennedy explains that it can be difficult to get his products into different stores . Even though his product is fully legal under the 2018 Farm Bill , certain states have their own conflictions with the substance .
In fact , a significant number of states , including Alabama , Alaska and Arkansas , maintain strict prohibition on delta−9 THC , according to World Population Review . The evolving legal landscape reflects ongoing debates over the substance ’ s regulation , with states continually reassessing their positions . Delta−9 THC is currently legal in 18 states , while it is prohibited in 32 others .
THE FUTURE OF CANNABIS AND CBD BEVERAGES
Cantrip ’ s Terry believes cannabis and CBD-infused beverages will continue to be popular for two simple reasons : they are available , and people like them .
“ Now that everyday Americans can access THC drinks where they shop normally , particularly in states where there are no other THC options available , the market will only grow ,” he says . “ They serve a growing need for an alternative to alcohol that actually provides an effect that people like without some of the more painful repercussions of drinking .”
Cornbread Hemp ’ s Higdon mentions that there ’ s always a potential for the market to become too saturated , “ but we continue to see significant growth for the category . Until the market has settled , there ' s a lot of room for growth .” •
22 StateWays • Winter 2024 www . stateways . com