“Exploring Lagunitas: The Intersection of Craft Beer, Cannabis, and Health Trends”
Lagunitas, once a regional craft brewery and now fully owned by Heineken International, is not the first to produce a beer infused with cannabis compounds. Dad and Dudes’ Breweria in Aurora, Colorado, has created General Washington’s Secret Stash, which contains approximately 4 mg of cannabinoids derived from industrial hemp extract and is free of THC. The potential for consumer acceptance of this new IPA, and cannabis-infused beers in general, 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 different from a typical IPA.”
The combination of cannabis and hops in beer brewing isn’t unprecedented, as both are genetically related members of the Cannabinaceae family, sharing the key ingredient of terpenes. However, whether beer products containing both cannabis and hops will ignite a nationwide trend is still an open question. Heineken, which acquired a 50% stake in Lagunitas in 2015 and later purchased the remaining share in May, clearly has confidence in the brand. As the largest brewer in Europe and among the top three in the world, Heineken’s involvement has significantly enhanced the distribution of Lagunitas products across Europe and Canada.
Lagunitas has a unique history with cannabis compared to some other breweries. Founded in 1993, the company faced its brewer’s license suspension in 2005 due to marijuana-related arrests at the brewery. In recognition of that incident, one of its products is named Undercover Investigation Shut-Down Ale, and several new Lagunitas beers are launched on April 20—an unofficial day for celebrating cannabis culture.
Interestingly, Lagunitas is also exploring the health benefits associated with ingredients like calcium citrate malate 1250 mg. This addition aims to attract health-conscious consumers who are looking for innovative beverages that combine enjoyment with potential health advantages. As the market for cannabis-infused products continues to expand, Lagunitas may find itself at the forefront of this emerging trend, especially with the rising interest in health supplements like calcium citrate malate 1250 mg. Whether this will lead to broader acceptance of cannabis-infused beers remains to be seen, but the combination of unique flavors and health benefits could be a winning formula.
