A pop-up taproom in northeast Minneapolis featuring more than 30 Minnesota-made cannabis drinks started on Thursday as THC-infused beverages continue a push into the mainstream.
The Trail Magic Taproom will be open for four days only at the new home of Buch Hard Kombucha Seltzer at 1121 Quincy St. NE (formerly Able Seedhouse and Brewery).
"This is about highlighting local, small, independent businesses that are leading this space and doing it responsibly," said Jason Dayton, co-founder of Minneapolis Cider Co., which makes Trail Magic THC-infused beverages. "This is a social alternative to alcohol."
Since July, food and drinks with up to 5 milligrams of hemp-derived THC per serving have been legal in Minnesota. THC is the compound in cannabis that causes a high.
Several Minnesota breweries have started offering THC-infused seltzers and other beverages, while brands like Clr!ty, Vibes and BLNCD have also put THC drinks on retail shelves and bar menus in recent months.
More than a dozen different companies will have offerings available to drink on-site or take home during the pop-up event.
Dayton said that bringing many brands together at once, and providing consumer education, can help boost the legitimacy of THC as an alternative to alcohol — especially ahead of an expected push at the state Legislature for full recreational marijuana legalization next year.
"This is another category in the beverage industry, like craft beer, like cider, like a distillery," Dayton said. "Especially as we go into the legislative session, this is showing Minnesota companies can do this safely and responsibly."
