420 with CNW — Marijuana Firms Boost Security Measures Amid Increasing Robberies

Cannabis retailers across Michigan are tightening security as robberies and break-ins continue to spike in waves, prompting concern among business owners and law enforcement officials alike.

Law enforcement officials say the pattern has become familiar since the state approved recreational marijuana sales in 2018 and the first licensed stores began operating the following year. Steve Hinkley, Calhoun County Sheriff, noted that dispensary burglaries tend to spike suddenly, often involving several locations within a short period, before tapering off for months. According to Hinkley, these episodes have occurred repeatedly over the past several years.

Southeast Michigan has seen the highest concentration of incidents. A report from the Detroit Metro Times documented at least 75 dispensary break-ins in Macomb, Wayne, and Oakland counties since January 2024. The publication noted that the total is likely higher as not every case is publicly reported.

The same report found that at least 22 burglaries took place during the first quarter of 2025, with most occurring in the Metro Detroit area.

Similar crimes have been reported elsewhere in the state. In Grand Rapids, Noxx Cannabis was robbed at gunpoint in November 2025. Four people recently faced charges in Battle Creek for a break-in at Potter’s Cannabis Boutique. Monroe police also made arrests last summer following a break-in at a dispensary there.

Hinkley noted that these crimes are often driven by organized efforts rather than impulsive theft. Stolen marijuana is frequently resold at prices well below market value, allowing offenders to quickly profit and fund additional break-ins.

The tactics used in dispensary robberies vary, but many involve weapons, adding to the risks faced by employees and customers. As a result, marijuana businesses have increasingly invested in advanced safety systems designed to limit access and quickly alert authorities.

At Flora Cannabis Co. in Lansing, staff rely on multiple layers of protection. Panic buttons are placed throughout the store, triggering silent alerts to police while also activating an audible alarm inside the building. The dispensary uses a controlled entry system that allows staff to unlock doors remotely. In the event of a robbery, employees are instructed to fully cooperate to avoid injury.

Detroit-based Green Acres Cannabis has also upgraded its security. The front entrance remains locked at all times, and customers are admitted through a remotely operated exterior gate. The business recently changed access codes and enhanced outdoor surveillance to further reduce risk.

Law enforcement agencies statewide are coordinating with the industry to address the issue. Ronald Wiles, executive director of the Michigan Association of Chiefs of Police, said departments continue to investigate each case while encouraging prevention through better safeguards.

These challenges come from transacting in cash, so the problems above aren’t unique to Michigan. Even entities like Green Thumb Industries Inc. (CSE: GTII) (OTCQX: GTBIF) in other states have had to implement elaborate security measures to limit the likelihood of being targeted by criminals.

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CNW420 spotlights the latest developments in the rapidly evolving cannabis industry through the release of an article each business day at 4:20 p.m. Eastern – a tribute to the time synonymous with cannabis culture. The concise, informative content serves as a gateway for investors interested in the legalized cannabis sector and provides updates on how regulatory developments may impact financial markets. If marijuana and the burgeoning industry surrounding it are on your radar, CNW420 is for you! Check back daily to stay up-to-date on the latest milestones in the fast -changing world of cannabis.

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420 with CNW — Medical Cannabis Sales Set New Arkansas Record in 2025

Medical cannabis sales in Arkansas reached a new high in 2025. According to data released by the state finance department, patients spent $291.1 million at licensed dispensaries during the year. That total represents a 5.5% increase from 2024 and surpasses the prior record of $283 million achieved in 2023.

Medical dispensaries across Arkansas sold 79,223 pounds of medical cannabis in 2025, an increase of 4.8% from the 75,597 pounds sold in 2024. The state has 37 licensed dispensaries operating statewide.

Since Arkansas launched its medical cannabis program in 2019, total spending at dispensaries has exceeded $1.6 billion, according to DFA spokesperson Scott Hardin.

December proved to be the strongest month of the year, with sales reaching $25.749 million. Several dispensaries stood out for the amount of product sold that month. Suite 443 in Hot Springs led the state with 731.15 pounds sold, followed closely by Natural Relief in Sherwood at 717.83 pounds. CROP in Jonesboro recorded sales of 427.5 pounds, while Custom Cannabis in Alexander and Harvest in Conway sold 411.03 pounds and 410.85 pounds, respectively.

Tax collections tied to medical marijuana also rose alongside sales. Two separate state taxes generated a combined $32.3 million. Since 2019, these taxes have brought in over $218.32 million. Patients pay the standard 6.5 percent state sales tax on each dispensary purchase. In addition, a 4 percent privilege tax applies both to retail sales and to transactions when cultivators sell products to dispensaries.

The state health department also reported growth in the patient base. There were 115,113 medical cannabis cards by December 2025, reflecting a 5.1% increase from February 2025 and an 18.2% rise compared with the start of 2024. The expanding number of qualified patients has helped support steady demand across the state.

Suite 443 opened its doors in May 2019, becoming the first licensed medical marijuana retailer to operate in Arkansas.

Annual sales have climbed steadily since the program began, aside from minor fluctuations. Spending totaled $31.32 million in 2019, rose to $181.8 million in 2020, and continued upward to $264.9 million in 2021 and $276.3 million in 2022 before reaching record territory in subsequent years.

Arkansas voters approved medical cannabis in 2016, passing a constitutional amendment by 53%. The measure legalized cannabis for patients with one or more of 17 qualifying medical conditions and established the framework for state oversight. Much of the tax revenue generated by the program is directed to the University of Arkansas for the Medical Sciences National Cancer Designation Trust Fund, though some collections, such as cultivator privilege taxes, are not directly tied to retail sales or consumer prices.

The success being witnessed in Arkansas is welcome to the entire marijuana industry in and outside the country, including firms like Green Thumb Industries Inc. (CSE: GTII) (OTCQX: GTBIF).

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420 with CNW — GOP Congressmen are Fuming at Trump for Embracing Marijuana

President Donald Trump has opened a rare rift within his party, and the issue driving it is marijuana policy. Last month, Trump announced plans to ease federal rules that govern cannabis, arguing that existing regulations have driven up taxes on marijuana businesses and hindered scientific research into potential medical benefits.

The proposal immediately put him at odds with Republican leadership on Capitol Hill, including the House speaker and several senior Senate Republicans.

Just weeks earlier, congressional Republicans had advanced legislation as part of a government funding package that tightened rules on certain cannabis-related products. That vote followed the party’s long-standing skepticism toward marijuana, even as public opinion has shifted.

Republicans have largely remained united behind Trump on many contentious decisions. The visible split over cannabis policy, however, has highlighted an unusual break.

Trump has framed his decision as a response to public opinion rather than party pressure. At the time of the announcement, he pointed to polling that shows broad support for medical cannabis, saying many Americans had urged him to act.

At the center of the proposal is an effort to move cannabis from Schedule 1 to Schedule 3 under federal drug law. Substances in Schedule 1 are defined as having no accepted medical use and a high risk of abuse. In contrast, Schedule 3 substances are considered less dangerous and may be prescribed under certain conditions.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the U.S. Health Secretary, backed the shift, reinforcing Trump’s willingness to break with the party’s traditional law-and-order wing. Kennedy, a former Democrat who joined Trump’s coalition during the last election, has made alternative health approaches a core part of his reform.

Republican leaders in Congress have voiced their objections. Speaker Mike Johnson reportedly urged Trump to delay the move, while 22 Senate Republicans sent a letter warning of health risks, addiction concerns, and potential economic harm. The letter argued that expanding the cannabis industry runs counter to promoting healthy lifestyles.

A similar message came from two dozen House Republicans, who cautioned that reclassification could endanger public safety, empower criminal organizations, and normalize drug use among children.

Trump’s announcement does not immediately change marijuana’s legal status. Any rescheduling would still require action by the DEA, a process that stalled after President Joe Biden proposed a similar idea in 2024 but left office before it was completed.

Beyond rescheduling, Trump unveiled additional steps, including a pilot program that would allow Medicare to cover certain CBD-based products. He also called on Congress to revisit recent limits on hemp-derived substances, arguing that consumers should retain access to non-intoxicating CBD.

The hemp provision has already divided Republicans. Supporters, including Senator Mitch McConnell, argue that earlier hemp legalization led to unregulated psychoactive products reaching minors. Opponents, such as Senator Rand Paul, say the new language would devastate hemp farmers and manufacturers. Trump has now aligned himself with Paul on the issue, despite past clashes between the two.

This ongoing debate and clash of opinions within the GOP ranks in Congress is likely to be of great interest to many licensed marijuana companies such as Green Thumb Industries Inc. (CSE: GTII) (OTCQX: GTBIF) that have for long wished to see federal policy evolve with regard to marijuana.

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420 with CNW — Trump to Sign Executive Order Rescheduling Marijuana

President Donald Trump is expected to announce a plan that could shift cannabis from Schedule I to Schedule III under federal drug law, a change that would, for the first time, formally acknowledge cannabis as having accepted medical use in the U.S.

If finalized, the move would represent one of the most consequential adjustments to federal marijuana policy in years. It could reshape how cannabis businesses are taxed, how medical marijuana is viewed within healthcare, and how federal agencies interact with a market that has long existed in legal gray areas. Still, the proposal stops well short of nationwide legalization and has sparked mixed reactions across the industry.

Under federal law, Schedule III drugs are considered to have accepted medical use and a lower likelihood of abuse than substances listed in Schedules I or II. This category includes drugs such as anabolic steroids, ketamine, and certain codeine-based pain medications.

The most immediate practical impact could come through the tax code. Businesses that deal in Schedule I or II substances are barred from deducting ordinary operating expenses under Internal Revenue Service rule 280E.

Industry executives say relief from this provision could significantly improve cash flow for licensed operators and make long-term investment more realistic. However, they caution that other obstacles, including limited access to banking services, would remain.

Supporters argue that Schedule III status would further legitimize medical marijuana and help integrate it into conventional healthcare systems. They say federal recognition could encourage research, standardization, and broader acceptance among doctors and patients.

Some industry leaders, however, are wary of unintended consequences. Some warn that shifting marijuana into a medical category could expose existing operators to new forms of federal liability. They caution that treating THC as a prescription substance could allow pharmaceutical companies to dominate the market with synthetic alternatives, while dispensaries and growers could face scrutiny under federal drug and consumer protection laws.

Advocates are divided on how the shift might affect social equity. Some believe formal recognition of medical use could draw more people into the legal market, including those from communities disproportionately harmed by past enforcement. Others worry it could widen the gap between well-funded companies and small, independent businesses.

Questions also remain about how rescheduling would align with ongoing debates over hemp-derived THC products. Joe Gerrity, chief executive of Crescent Canna, pointed to what he called a contradiction between easing marijuana rules while moving to restrict or eliminate hemp-based alternatives through future legislation. He said the change could either push lawmakers toward a clearer national policy or deepen existing confusion.

For many in the cannabis space, rescheduling would mark long-overdue acknowledgment after years of stigma. Still, there is broad agreement that the change, while historic, would not amount to full legalization. Without further action on insurance, banking, federal enforcement, and clear FDA pathways, both patients and businesses would continue to navigate a complex and uncertain system.

It remains to be seen how entities like Green Thumb Industries Inc. (CSE: GTII) (OTCQX: GTBIF) will adjust their long-term strategies and operations in light of this expected executive order rescheduling marijuana federally.

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420 with CNW — State Panel to Unveil Plan Establishing a Marijuana Retail Market in Virginia

Virginia is inching closer to clarifying how legal cannabis sales might work after years of political gridlock. A state panel created to review the issue is preparing to release a detailed proposal that could shape the future of the adult-use market.

The Joint Commission on the Future of Cannabis Sales, formed this year, has spent months gathering testimony from industry experts, regulators, advocates, and residents. Its final roadmap is expected at the panel’s next meeting, giving lawmakers a structured proposal to consider in 2026.

The state legalized possession of small amounts of marijuana and allowed limited home cultivation in 2021, but lawmakers never agreed on rules for retail sales. Adults 21 and over can hold up to an ounce of marijuana and grow up to 4 plants per household. Still, there is no sanctioned system for recreational sales, leaving residents in a grey area.

Outgoing Governor Glenn Youngkin vetoed previous attempts to authorize sales, leaving the system frozen at a halfway point. Incoming Governor Abigail Spanberger has signaled her support for launching a regulated retail market. Advocates believe her position could finally move the issue forward after years of gridlock.

In a statement to FOX 5, her spokesperson said she believes any commercial system should be built on a clear strategy and that tax revenue from cannabis should support public priorities such as schools. She also indicated that she intends to work with legislators to move the issue forward.

Businesses already operating in the medical sector are watching closely. Trent Woloveck, CEO of Beyond Hello, which runs several medical dispensaries in the state, said providers are eager for the chance to offer products to adults statewide. He argued that a regulated market would undercut illegal sales while supporting jobs and bringing in tax dollars.

The state Cannabis Control Authority, which oversees regulation in the state, said it does not take positions on upcoming bills but is prepared to carry out whatever framework the General Assembly enacts. The agency emphasized its focus on public safety, health, and community protection in any future market.

Once lawmakers return, they will decide whether to convert the proposal into a bill. Even if legislation moves quickly next year, it will take time to issue licenses and build a functioning marketplace. For now, Virginians remain in a holding pattern; they can possess cannabis and grow it but cannot buy it in a licensed store.

Industry actors like Green Thumb Industries Inc. (CSE: GTII) (OTCQX: GTBIF) operating in other legal markets around the country will be pleased that Virginians now see a way forward towards implementing a legal market for adult-use marijuana, which is already legal in the state.

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420 with CNW — Will the Revolt Against Marijuana Taxes Succeed?

The U.S. has roughly 38,000 licensed marijuana businesses, yet many are struggling to meet federal tax obligations. Eleven of the largest operators collectively owe over $2.3 billion in federal income taxes. Smaller firms are facing similar pressure, largely due to Section 280E of the federal tax code, which blocks marijuana businesses from deducting most expenses.

That burden has pushed a growing number of companies to take a risky step. Cannabis businesses are submitting tax returns that challenge the IRS’s position on what they owe.

Whether that pushback will succeed is far from clear. Previous attempts by Americans to mount large-scale tax rebellions offer historical context, and most did not end well for the people involved.

One of the first major confrontations over taxes came in the early 1790s, when farmers in western Pennsylvania rejected a federal levy on distilled spirits meant to help the young nation pay down its war debt. President George Washington responded by leading troops into the region in 1794, and the Whiskey Rebellion fell apart almost immediately.

Only two participants were convicted, and both were later pardoned. Although residents continued resisting the tax until it was eliminated in 1802, the public largely backed the government’s actions.

Another revolt came in the 1990s, when thousands filed for a supposed “Black Inheritance Tax Refund.” It was based on the idea that the federal government had promised former slaves land and livestock after the Civil War. While the IRS stated that no such refund existed, it acknowledged that it had mistakenly paid out over $30 million and moved aggressively to alert the public and shut down the scheme.

Every major tax revolt has ended with the government prevailing, which does not bode well for today’s cannabis operators. Still, this modern dispute has its dynamics. Many marijuana companies argue they want to settle, but only for amounts they can realistically afford.

Supporters often cite the 2022 Harborside case in which the IRS accepted far less than the $22 million it claimed was owed and agreed to a ten-year payment plan. That deal was shaped by Harborside’s bleak finances and the likelihood that the company would collapse without leniency.

It also included a provision adjusting payments every two years so that any future profit would flow largely to the IRS. Harborside, later rebranded as StateHouse Holdings, ultimately failed anyway.

Others point to potential changes in federal drug policy or a retroactive fix to Section 280E. However, the Treasury Department has historically resisted retroactive tax changes, and such amendments are rare as taxpayers rely on the law as it stands when they file returns.

Some observers also raise the idea of a settlement program similar to the recent employee retention credit initiative, which allowed participants to repay most of what they received without facing penalties. Still, even an offer requiring repayment of 85% of the tax owed would be unreachable for many marijuana businesses already operating on thin margins.

For now, there is no close comparison in American tax history to a revolt where enforcing the law as written could threaten an entire industry. The outcome of the marijuana tax rebellion remains uncertain, and the stakes are only getting higher.

A more fair tax system would enable companies like Green Thumb Industries Inc. (CSE: GTII) (OTCQX: GTBIF) to grow a lot faster than they are currently doing.

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420 with CNW — Marijuana Investors Hopeful That Trump Could Ease Regulatory Bottlenecks

Marijuana shares may be gearing up for a resurgence after years of sluggish performance, as investors grow hopeful about possible federal reforms.

Publicly listed cannabis companies have experienced mixed fortunes in recent quarters. Verano Holdings, for instance, posted $203 million in revenue—slightly higher than the previous quarter but 6% below last year’s levels. The company also posted a $44 million net loss, citing a $5 million write-down on a Pennsylvania facility and $10 million in legal expenses tied to a settlement.

Two major players, Trulieve and Curaleaf, are expected to announce their earnings this week.

Three key developments are fueling investor hopes: Trump’s apparent support for CBD Medicare coverage, his openness to reclassifying cannabis, and congressional efforts to regulate hemp.

Cannabis use has also hit record levels. A 2024 Carnegie Mellon University study found that daily cannabis consumption now exceeds daily alcohol use in the United States. The Agriculture Department reported that the total value of U.S. marijuana production jumped 40% in 2024, while research firm Grand View projects the global cannabis market could reach $160 billion by 2032.

Optimism surged in September when the president shared a video promoting CBD for seniors. The clip, made by The Commonwealth Project, a pro-marijuana advocacy group funded by billionaire Howard Kessler, triggered a surge in marijuana shares. Tilray rose 42 percent, Aurora Cannabis 25 percent, Canopy Growth 18 percent, and Cronos Group 15.5 percent.

The discussion around hemp regulation has also intensified. Congress is preparing to revise the 2018 Farm Bill, which legalized hemp with less than 0.3 percent THC but left its regulation largely undefined. Lawmakers are considering new national standards for safety, labeling, and testing.

Some legislators want to tighten THC restrictions or even prohibit hemp-derived intoxicants altogether, while industry leaders push for a model similar to alcohol regulation, splitting oversight between the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau and the Food and Drug Administration. Industry advocates warn that a sweeping ban could jeopardize hundreds of thousands of jobs tied to the hemp economy.

Meanwhile, Trump’s comments about possibly reclassifying cannabis from Schedule I to Schedule III have fueled speculation about broader policy shifts. Such a move would not legalize recreational cannabis nationwide but could ease access to banking and research by removing certain federal tax barriers.

An official from the White House said the review process is ongoing and that all legal requirements are being considered. Industry insiders note that optimism partly stems from Trump’s inner circle. His chief of staff, Susie Wiles, has ties to Trulieve, whose CEO, Kim Rivers, has been a vocal advocate for reclassification.

Still, not everyone in Washington shares the enthusiasm. Some GOP legislators have moved to curb hemp-derived products, citing health risks and the lack of regulation since legalization. A measure introduced by Representative Andy Harris would redefine hemp to exclude any products containing measurable THC, while a Senate committee backed similar language in July.

As the industry waits for clearer signals from Trump and Congress, investors are betting that even the possibility of reform could mark the start of a new phase for U.S. marijuana markets, and firms like Green Thumb Industries Inc. (CSE: GTII) (OTCQX: GTBIF) will be hoping those reforms come sooner rather than later.

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420 with CNW — New Hampshire Lawmakers Push to Legalize Marijuana

Efforts to legalize recreational cannabis in New Hampshire are back on the table as legislators press forward with new proposals aimed at changing state law.

Representative Jared Sullivan has introduced House Bill 186, which is currently before the Commerce and Consumer Affairs Committee. Sullivan said he expects the measure to earn backing from both parties when it faces an initial vote on October 28. The full House is expected to take up the bill next year.

Still, Sullivan admits that the road ahead will be difficult. He doubts the Senate will approve it and points out that Governor Kelly Ayotte remains firmly opposed to legalization.

“We’re a coequal branch of government, and it’s our responsibility to move forward with what we believe is the right policy,” Sullivan said. “If the Senate or the governor does not want to support it, they’ll need to explain to the 70% of New Hampshire residents who favor legalization why they’re standing in the way.”

His comment refers to an April survey by the University of New Hampshire that found seven in ten residents support allowing adults to possess small amounts of recreational cannabis. So far, roughly half the states across the country—including every state in New England—have legalized cannabis in some form.

New Hampshire’s House has approved legalization measures before, but they have repeatedly been stopped in the Senate.

Under HB 186, adults 21 and older could possess up to two ounces of marijuana. Sales would take place in licensed stores overseen by a newly formed state commission.

The Granite State reduced penalties for marijuana possession in 2017, turning small-scale possession into a minor violation similar to a traffic fine. Medical cannabis was legalized in 2013.

Meanwhile, Senator Donovan Fenton is preparing a separate Senate proposal, though the final version has not yet been released. He believes New Hampshire is falling behind its neighbors. “Every state around us has already done this,” he said. “They’re not seeing major problems, and it’s generating significant revenue.”

Critics argue that easier access to marijuana could harm public health, particularly among young people. They also worry that legalization would lead to more public use and complaints from residents who don’t want to encounter the marijuana smell.

Supporters counter that cannabis is already widely available through illegal channels. They say a regulated system would ensure safer products, reduce black-market activity, and bring in new tax revenue for the state.

The broader cannabis industry, including established entities like Green Thumb Industries Inc. (CSE: GTII) (OTCQX: GTBIF), will be hoping that this particular legalization attempt succeeds and adults who wish to consume marijuana recreationally have the opportunity to access the products they need from legal outlets within the state.

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420 with CNW — How to Enhance Employee Retention Within the Marijuana Industry

High employee turnover can hurt any company, but it’s especially tough in the marijuana business, where skilled workers are needed everywhere—from the dispensary counter to the cultivation room. As competition grows and margins tighten, keeping reliable, knowledgeable staff is not just an advantage; it’s what keeps a business running.

The sector comes with unique challenges, from strict regulations to fast-changing markets. For owners and managers, holding onto good employees should be a top priority. A consistent, motivated team leads to smoother operations, happier customers, and stronger growth.

Here are nine ways to build loyalty and reduce staff turnover in your cannabis business.

Pay fairly and offer competitive benefits

Competitive pay is the baseline for keeping good workers. If wages don’t match living costs or local industry standards, people will look elsewhere. Do regular market checks to ensure your pay rates are fair for each position—whether it’s for trimmers, budtenders, or production staff.

Benefits matter too. Offer things like health coverage, paid time off, retirement options, and staff discounts to keep your team satisfied.

Support career development

People want to see a future with your company. Set up clear paths for advancement so employees know how to move up from entry-level roles to leadership positions. Offer mentorship, training, and certification programs that help employees advance their careers.

Additionally, promote from within to show employees that effort pays off and strengthen company loyalty.

Build a positive, inclusive culture

Toxic workplaces drive people away fast. Build a culture based on respect, openness, and teamwork. Encourage open communication and create a safe environment for employees to share feedback and concerns. Embrace diversity to ensure your team accurately reflects the community you serve.

Invest in training and ongoing education

The marijuana sector changes fast. New laws, products, and scientific developments appear regularly. Keeping your staff educated helps them feel confident and capable. Offer continuous training on product knowledge, compliance, and customer service so your team can perform at their best.

Recognize effort

Employees who feel appreciated are more likely to stay. Recognition doesn’t have to be expensive—a shout-out in a meeting, a thank you, a bonus program, or an employee-of-the-month award can go a long way toward building morale.

Comply with labor laws

Compliance isn’t optional. Stay informed about wage laws, overtime rules, and employee classifications. Working with HR or legal professionals who understand cannabis regulations can prevent your company from costly issues.

Support work-life balance

Overworked staff burn out quickly. Offer flexible schedules where possible and encourage people to use their time off. Avoid scheduling patterns that leave little rest between shifts.

Listen to employee feedback

Your team sees things from the front lines. Create open communication channels, like surveys or check-ins, to gather their input. Most importantly, act on their suggestions. Implementing their ideas makes workers feel more valued and connected to the company.

Communicate clearly and honestly

Keep your team informed about company goals, performance, and changes. Transparent communication helps employees feel included and secure, especially during uncertain times.

Keeping employees in the marijuana industry takes effort and intention. When you combine fair pay, growth opportunities, strong communication, and a healthy workplace culture, you create a team that’s loyal, engaged, and built to last.

Each firm has its own unique circumstances, so it would be eye-opening to get glimpses into the specific measures that leading companies like Green Thumb Industries Inc. (CSE: GTII) (OTCQX: GTBIF) leverage to ensure employee retention is high.

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420 with CNW — On-Tap Drinks Containing THC are Transforming the Bar Experience

A new type of drink is making its way into U.S. bars. Beverages infused with hemp-derived THC, which were once only sold in bottles and cans, are now being served straight from taps in several states, including Wisconsin, Minnesota, and South Carolina.

While some states have drawn firm lines around hemp-derived THC products, others permit them not only in liquor stores but also in restaurants and bars. The result is a new drinking experience that feels familiar—grabbing a pint at a bar—while skipping alcohol altogether.

Pharos Brands is one of the companies leading the charge. Each pour contains about 5 milligrams of THC, offering a light, approachable effect. For bar owners, this helps make use of empty taps while pulling in new customers who are curious about marijuana.

Currently, Pharos sells its kegs only in Wisconsin. Co-founder Mary Bernuth says the state made sense because of its deep beer culture and reputation as the nation’s brewing hub. The kegs are produced in partnership with Upstate Beverage Consultants, a South Carolina company also behind the Rebel Rabbit brand, another THC drink brand.

The partnership comes as alcohol consumption trends downward. Gallup recently reported that 54% of American adults say they drink alcohol, down from 58% in 2024.

Industry research also highlights the potential growth of this sector. The global marijuana beverage market, valued at $1.3 billion in 2024, is projected to more than double by 2030. Wisconsin bars like The Phoenix Taproom in Eau Claire and Orsetta in De Pere are already on board, bringing in customers interested in trying the new trend.

Rebel Rabbit is only available in keg form in a few Carolina bars due to distribution hurdles, though canned versions are sold in more than a dozen states. Its founder, Pierce Wylie, has launched a program allowing customers to suggest flavors and offer feedback. Popular creations can become permanent products, such as Blackberry Lemon, which blends THC with caffeine for a more energized effect. New versions, like a tea-based THC drink, are already in the pipeline.

Despite the enthusiasm, challenges remain. THC doesn’t dissolve in water, which means drinks rely on emulsions to keep the cannabinoids evenly spread. Over time, these can separate, a problem that’s harder to solve with kegs than with bottles. Packaging also creates issues, since some can liners may strip away potency or affect flavor.

Experts are pushing for national guidelines that cover stability, packaging, and even clearer labeling so consumers know exactly what they’re drinking.

Will leading marijuana industries like Green Thumb Industries Inc. (CSE: GTII) (OTCQX: GTBIF) get in on the act? Many factors are likely to come into play, such as regulatory uncertainty around THC drinks made from hemp, so this is a trend that one should keep an eye on.

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