Target has started offering THC-infused beverages at a handful of its Minnesota locations, marking one of the most high-profile entries yet of a major national retailer into the hemp-derived products market.
The limited rollout includes a dozen brands, among them Cann, Wynk, Stigma, Wonder, Señorita, Wyld, Trail Magic, Birdie, Surly, Gigli, Hi Seltzer, and Indeed. Ten Target stores in the Twin Cities region are part of the pilot launch, which places the beverages on shelves alongside more traditional drinks.
The move comes as congressional lawmakers consider legislation that would prohibit hemp-derived products, with Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) saying last month that he’s “very fearful” a nationwide hemp ban could be approved within a matter of weeks. At the state level, lawmakers continue to place their own bans or restrictions on hemp-derived THC. For example, Ohio’s governor just signed an executive order temporarily banning products with hemp THC, and this week a coalition of 14 lawmakers in Wisconsin filed legislation to establish a similar but permanent ban.
A representative from Target told The Marijuana Herald that the launch of THC beverages in Minnesota is a “pilot program”. If successful, the company plans to expand the products into more stores across Minnesota and in other states where hemp THC is allowed under the law.
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