Cannabis edibles company Wana Brands has struck a significant retail partnership, bringing its line of hemp-derived THC-infused beverages to Total Wine & More stores in nine states. This move places Wana Beverages in front of a new wave of consumers increasingly looking for alternatives to traditional alcohol.
A Strategic Expansion Into Alcohol Retail
Wana’s deal with Total Wine & More signals a shift in how THC-infused products are being positioned in the mainstream retail market. Historically confined to dispensaries, cannabis-related products are now making their way into liquor store aisles, capitalizing on growing demand for functional, alcohol-free drinks.
The beverages will be available in 12-ounce cans and come in three distinct flavors, each carefully crafted to deliver a balanced effect:
- Wana Lemonade Balance Blend: 5 milligrams of CBD, 5 milligrams of CBG, and 5 milligrams of THC.
- Wana Strawberry Lemonade Balance Blend: 10 milligrams of CBG, 10 milligrams of CBD, and 10 milligrams of THC.
- Wana Raspberry Tea Relax Blend: 5 milligrams of CBG, 5 milligrams of CBD, and 5 milligrams of THC.
While some cannabis brands have struggled with federal and state-level restrictions on THC sales, Wana’s products leverage hemp-derived cannabinoids, allowing them to be sold outside of licensed cannabis dispensaries.
Capitalizing on the Alcohol-Free Movement
Consumer trends are shifting, and Wana Brands is leaning into that change. More people are opting for beverages that provide relaxation or a social buzz without the side effects of alcohol. Industry analysts note that the alcohol-free market is booming, with THC-infused drinks gaining traction as a viable alternative to beer and spirits.
“We’re seeing a surge in demand for alcohol alternatives, and this partnership with Total Wine & More lets us tap into a new audience,” said Brooks Jorgensen, president of Canopy USA, the parent company of Wana Brands.
Wana Beverages are formulated with precision to ensure a consistent and enjoyable experience. The mix of CBD, CBG, and THC is designed to offer specific effects, from a mild euphoric uplift to a more relaxing, stress-free sensation.
Total Wine’s Growing Interest in THC Beverages
Total Wine & More isn’t just dipping a toe into the THC beverage market—it’s making a calculated move. The retailer has also reached an agreement to carry Curaleaf Holdings’ hemp-derived THC beverages, showing a broader strategy to embrace cannabis-infused products.
For Total Wine, this expansion makes sense. As more states relax regulations around hemp-derived cannabinoids, customers are showing interest in non-alcoholic alternatives that still offer a recreational experience. The company’s move to stock multiple THC-infused brands signals confidence in this emerging category.
“We are excited to offer our customers more options as they explore the growing world of functional beverages,” a Total Wine & More representative said.
Regulatory and Market Implications
The growing presence of THC-infused drinks in mainstream retail raises questions about regulatory oversight. While hemp-derived cannabinoids are federally legal under the 2018 Farm Bill, states still have control over THC limits and sales regulations. Wana Brands has ensured that its beverages comply with all legal standards, allowing them to be sold in multiple states without the need for dispensary licensing.
With major alcohol retailers like Total Wine & More embracing THC beverages, it could encourage further shifts in legislation and consumer acceptance. Some industry insiders predict that national grocery chains may be next in line to carry similar products, further blurring the lines between the cannabis and alcohol markets.
Wana Brands’ move into Total Wine locations marks a key moment for the cannabis beverage industry. With the demand for alternative recreational drinks climbing, this partnership could set the stage for even broader mainstream adoption.