Let's cut to the chase on this one.
What’s Going On -
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Target has begun a pilot program selling hemp-derived THC beverages in select Minnesota stores.
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These cannabis drinks are being sold in Target liquor stores that are inside Target stores (i.e. with separate entrances), not the general grocery/drink aisles.
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The products contain up to 5 milligrams of THC per serving, with higher total per package limits (e.g. 50 mg).
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Only customers 21+ can purchase them.
- THC Beverage Brands that are currently being sold in target include Trail Magic, Cann, Wynk, Hi Seltzer, Gigli, and Wyld to name a few.
Why It Matters
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This is the first time a large national retailer like Target is officially carrying intoxicating hemp-derived drinks in its stores. It signals a shift in what kinds of cannabis / hemp products mainstream retail is willing to carry.
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Minnesota has already put in place legal frameworks that allow hemp-derived cannabinoids (including THC and CBD) in foods / topicals / beverages, so these products are operating under state law and within the federal limit for hemp (≤ 0.3% Δ-9 THC by dry weight).
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But at the national level there’s still uncertainty and debate, including proposed legislation that could restrict or even ban hemp-derived THC products.
Who's Next?
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Target is huge company. Will others follow? Will you be able to buy hemp infused drinks at Walmart, Kroger, Meijer, Albertsons, Amazon, or even Costco and Sam's Club? Who knows for now, but if the legal landscape works, I'm sure these others will follow.
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One type of retailer that often gets left out of these conversations is the convenience stores. The C-Stores are crucial in the single unit sales market. Will 7-Eleven, Circle K, Casey's and Wawa be selling THC infused beverages soon? Only time will tell.
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It really comes down to two main things with retailers. If the opportunity is there (and it seems to be currently) and the legal landscape is fitting, then more large retailers in many other states will be hopping on this gravy train.
- Will this impact direct to consumer sales? Possibly, but nationwide distribution takes time. It'll be a quite a while before can buy THC drinks on the store shelves in every state. Until then, the DTC Hemp Beverage market will stay strong. Those that are shipping D2C will always need reliable and high quality THC Beverage Shipping Boxes, and that's where Whale Pod comes in! We offer shipping boxes for 12oz beverage cans, boxes for shipping 16oz cans, and even super durable cardboard boxes for shipping 12oz sleek style cans! Boxes for shipping cans in trays? No problem, we have our Tray Pods for those. We also offer beverage can trays alone.
Potential Concerns & Challenges
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Regulatory risk: Because laws vary by state, and federal law is ambiguous, there’s a chance that future regulation could limit or change how these products can be sold.
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Retail risk: How will customers respond? Some may object to THC‐containing products being sold at Target, even if in separate liquor sections.
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Enforcement / labeling: Ensuring THC content is accurate, safety, packaging, etc., will be important for compliance and consumer trust.
