by Kendell Worden, KSM GM
The functional beverage landscape is ever-shifting, due to incessant regulatory changes and, more positively, innovations in cannabinoid extraction and synthesis. If the THC seltzer/mocktail options have overwhelmed you - or underwhelmed you in their earlier, less refined incarnations - we're here to be your hemp ushers!
Rythm is a sister brand to the inevitable powerhouse that is Señorita. From the jump, Rythm have aligned themselves firmly with LGBTQIA+ causes, as an appreciative nod to early queer activists' work paving the road to legal medical cannabis via California's Compassionate Use Act of 1996. Their product line also helpfully differentiates between a calming indica-style blend and a more energizing sativa-style blend, the latter of which employs THC-V, which is purported to induce a more clear-headed, energy-boosting effect.
Both Rythm 4pks (relaxing mango pineapple and energizing mandarin orange) are currently priced with a limited-time Hop City-exclusive instant rebate of $17.99!
I'm willing to own up to it; playful branding wins my dollars quite often. All the better when the quality of the liquid matches the quality of the labeling! Louie Louie has an adorable and delicious array of THC/CBD-infused seltzers, sweetened with real fruit juice. Their core lineup includes 5mg THC/5mg CBD concoctions in the flavors ginger cucumber, blackberry lemon, satsuma, strawberry spritz, and hibiscus cherry ($21.99/4pk). They also offer a special edition 10 mg THC hurricane punch-inspired seltzer with pomegranate, passion fruit and nutmeg ($22.99/4pk)
St. Rains is a newer introduction to our shelves but is already a heavy hitter. Their focus is on truly delivering a full-spectrum hemp experience, with all the terpenes, essential oils, and cannabinoids that entails. As a result, the beverages aren't hiding their "hempiness"; instead, they embrace that pleasantly bitter flavor and thoughtfully blend it with real fruit juice in a harmonious synergy. Like Rythm, they take care to blend the terpenes in a way that delivers "indica" (Pear Herer), "sativa" (OG Mango), or "hybrid" strain- (Ojai Kush) like experiences. Their OG Mango ($20.99/4pk).
