Cannabuzz, a Lexington-based maker of hemp-derived THC beverages, has been accepted as the first member of the Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America (WSWA) in its newly created THC drink supplier category.

The company, founded and led by Annie Rouse, announced the milestone in a recent press release, highlighting it as a step toward establishing standardized practices for cannabis-infused beverages in mainstream retail and hospitality settings.

“We’re proud to be the first THC brand to join WSWA’s THC beverage category,” said Rouse. “We look forward to collaborating with the organization and providing our industry expertise to help grow a safe and accessible market.”

As part of its membership, Cannabuzz will work with the trade group on key priorities including clear serving sizes, potency transparency, packaging compliance, age verification, and retail training for responsible service. The company also emphasized its role in helping retailers and distributors navigate an emerging market that often lacks standardized rules.

“Our goal isn’t just to sell drinks — it’s to help retailers, distributors, and regulators align on simple guardrails that protect consumers and give stores confidence to stock the category,” Rouse added. She pointed to standardized labeling, potency-appropriate servings, and strong age-gating measures as central to the future of adult-use cannabis beverages.

Cannabuzz, a women-owned business founded by hemp industry veterans, produces low-dose THC drinks aimed at consumers seeking alternatives to alcohol. The company sees its work with WSWA as part of bridging the gap between cannabis and traditional beverage-alcohol industries.