Flying Dog Hop Chronic IPAFlying Dog Hop Chronic IPA
If there is one particular facet of the cannabis industry that is on the verge of exploding onto the scene and causing a raucous so massive that high timers soon forget that weed can be smoked, it’s the uprising of marijuana-infused beverages. Nearly every major alcohol company has entered into a deal to launch a stoner sip, or they are in the process of negotiating one behind closed doors. And if they are holding out – because, you know, it’s weed we’re talking about here, and the U.S. government says that’s illegal – they will throw in the towel on all of that supposed morality as soon as they see that these cannabis concoctions are going to bring the bank. Some of the latest reports show that this sector alone in the U.S. will be worth $600 million by 2022.
So it stands to reason that the time to get in on the ground floor of drinkable doobies is now, and Flying Dog Brewery isn’t missing the opportunity to grab a piece of the action. The company, which became hugely popular, in part, due to its connection to legendary Gonzo journalist Hunter S. Thompson, has entered into a partnership with Green Leaf Medical Cannabis to produce a THC-infused non-alcoholic beer called Hop Chronic IPA.
The Maryland-based beer slinger plans to distribute its product to medical marijuana dispensaries throughout the state. The goal is to give patients another option in reefer-related refreshments than just smoking or vaping. It’s a good move. Some reports indicate that health-conscious cannabis consumers are searching for smoking alternatives.
“For people who don’t want to smoke, don’t want to vape, there’s no path of experiencing the therapeutic benefits,” Flying Dog CEO Jim Caruso said in an interview with Brewbound. “It feels good to be a part of creating a delicious IPA where people who want to experience cannabis that way can do that.”
However, Flying Dog’s Hop Chronic IPA is not exactly a done deal. Maryland medical marijuana officials have yet to allow any cannabis operations to sell edible marijuana products. So, the brewer still needs to secure regulatory approval before moving full speed ahead with the beverage. But Caruso doesn’t believe there will be any issues in getting the Maryland Medical Cannabis Commission to sign off on it. After all, similar products are being sold in other legal states. “When you have other states doing it, I think it’s a lot easier to start that regulatory approval process,” he said.
If all goes according to plan, Flying Dog’s weed brew would be sold in six packs and singles with varying ratios of THC and CBD. While some patients may enjoy a drink with a higher THC content, others will appreciate the medicinal calm that is often touted through the consumption of CBD. Either way, Caruso says the beverage will still contain that hop factor – it will taste like beer.
“We’re very familiar with how to get the hop character into a very low-alcohol beer,” he said. “We’re very confident that we can come up with a terrific base beer that will make a delicious infused product.”
Because Uncle Sam still considers marijuana a Schedule I dangerous drug, Hop Chronic IPA would not have national distribution—at least not right now. The beer would be available only in Maryland until the time comes when marijuana goes fully legal nationwide.
Congress may sink their teeth into marijuana issue in 2019. There has already been a proposal -- the 420 bill – filed in the U.S. House that would allow pot to be taxed and regulated like alcohol. It’s the sort of legislation that companies like Flying Dog, Ceria and Lagunitas are likely hoping to see make it on the books. Larger brewers, like Molson Coors, have already said that any cannabis beverage they roll out in the Canadian market is just an experiment for when the U.S. jumps on board.
Better get busy Capitol Hill, the American stoner is getting thirsty!
https://www.forbes.com/sites/mikeadams/2...rage-game/
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