Budweiser Is Latest Beer Giant to Get Into the Weed-Infused Beverage Biz

“We intend to develop a deeper understanding of non-alcohol beverages containing THC and CBD.”

budweiser-bud
L. Budweiser R. Getty Images

It seems inevitable that the company perhaps best-known for putting out a beer popularly called “Bud” might consider getting into the legal recreational cannabis game. Jokes about Bud made with bud write themselves.

Now that weed is legal in Canada and being legalized for casual use in more U.S. states every year, megabrands like Budweiser’s Anheuser-Busch InBev definitely are taking notice of the expanding market—and the booming profits reaped by sellers in states like Colorado and California. 

That’s why Anheuser is climbing in bed with Tilray, a Canadian cannabis company. 

Both companies will invest a whopping $50 million into researching alcohol-free brews that contain cannabis elements like THC (which gets you high) and cannabidiol, or CBD, which has therapeutic value but no psychoactive effects. 

USA Today has more details:

The Belgium-based AB InBev will participate in the study through a subsidiary, Labatt Breweries of Canada. Meanwhile, Tilray will research through its subsidiary High Park Company, which focuses on the sale of socially responsible cannabis brands and products in Canada. 

“As consumers in Canada explore THC and CBD-infused products, our innovative drive is matched only by our commitment to the highest standards of product quality and responsible marketing,” said Labatt Breweries President Kyle Norrington. 

Norrington continued on to say,”We intend to develop a deeper understanding of non-alcohol beverages containing THC and CBD,” and that understanding will figure into “future decisions about potential commercial opportunities.” 

It’s hard to see this as anything but open-minded and innovative—in addition to potentially being massively profitable.

Anheuser-Busch InBev is just the latest company to join—or think about joining—the party. The company behind Blue Moon beer is already eyeing marijuana-infused beer sales in Colorado, Lagunitas wants to refresh you with weed-laced seltzer, and even Coca-Cola is looking into cannabis beverage possibilities. 

We seem to be heading into what looks like a very relaxed 420-friendly future. Technological progress is great, but the future looks high, so let these developments guide your investments. Definitely go ahead and buy stock in Doritos today.

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