Target Launches Hemp Derived THC Beverages in Select Minnesota Stores Amid National Cannabis Debate
Retail giant Target has quietly entered the cannabis beverage market, rolling out a selection of hemp-derived THC drinks at ten of its Minnesota stores. The move positions Target alongside a growing number of mainstream retailers embracing the expanding cannabis consumer market while federal lawmakers continue to debate the legality of hemp-based THC products.
Hemp Drinks Arrive in Target’s Home State
The launch comes as no surprise to Minnesotans, where hemp beverages have enjoyed popularity even before the state’s legalization of recreational marijuana. Minnesota, home to Target’s corporate headquarters, has long been a pioneer in hemp-derived product regulation.
The retailer’s new lineup includes well-known cannabis beverage brands such as Birdie, Cann, Gigli, Hi Seltzer, Indeed, Senorita, Stigma, Surly, Trail Magic, Wonder, Wyld, and Wynk. These drinks contain THC derived from hemp, not marijuana, ensuring compliance with state and federal limits.
Each beverage adheres to the legal THC cap of 5 milligrams per serving and 50 milligrams per package, established under Minnesota’s 2022 hemp legislation signed by Governor Tim Walz. That law allows hemp-derived cannabinoids—including THC and CBD—to be infused into foods, beverages, and topicals, provided they remain below the federal 0.3% THC threshold.
A Strategic Step Amid National Uncertainty
Target’s decision coincides with heightened national scrutiny over hemp regulations. Congress is currently debating potential reforms that could recriminalize hemp-derived THC at certain levels, potentially affecting thousands of businesses and products. The legislative discussions have stirred uncertainty in the booming hemp industry, valued at billions of dollars annually.
Despite federal ambiguity, Minnesota’s progressive stance on hemp-derived products has created a stable environment for experimentation. Retailers like Target see the opportunity to tap into a fast-growing market where consumer demand for cannabis alternatives—particularly low-dose, social-friendly THC drinks—is surging.
Cannabis Drinks Gain Mainstream Momentum
The introduction of THC beverages into mainstream retail marks a significant shift in public perception. A recent national poll found that most Americans consider marijuana a healthier alternative to alcohol, with many predicting nationwide legalization within the next five years.
Cannabis-infused drinks, often formulated to deliver mild euphoria without the hangover associated with alcohol, are being positioned as a “better-for-you” social beverage. This perception has fueled rapid expansion, drawing interest from both major beverage companies and new startups.
Corporate America’s Growing Cannabis Comfort
Target is not alone in adapting to the changing landscape of cannabis acceptance. Other corporate giants have recently revised their policies to align with shifting societal attitudes.
Home Depot, for instance, updated its drug testing policies in 2024, removing cannabis from screening panels and ceasing pre-employment drug tests for most roles. This reflects a growing corporate acknowledgment that cannabis consumption, particularly in states where it is legal, should not automatically disqualify candidates or employees.
Meanwhile, Amazon has become a vocal supporter of federal cannabis reform. The company backed a Republican-led bill to legalize, tax, and regulate marijuana at the federal level in 2022, following earlier endorsements of Democratic-led legalization efforts. Amazon also eliminated cannabis testing for most of its employees in 2021, positioning itself as a major corporate advocate for cannabis normalization.
A Glimpse Into the Future of Retail and Regulation
Target’s cautious yet deliberate entry into the hemp beverage space signals a broader cultural and commercial shift. Once considered fringe, cannabis-derived products are steadily entering the mainstream retail environment, offering consumers more options and expanding the scope of the industry.
Industry experts view the move as a test case: if sales perform well and public response remains positive, Target could expand its cannabis beverage offerings to other states where hemp-derived THC is legal. However, much will depend on the outcome of federal deliberations and whether Congress opts to impose tighter restrictions on hemp-derived cannabinoids.
For now, Target’s Minnesota rollout illustrates how state-level legalization and consumer enthusiasm are driving innovation faster than federal policy can keep up. With Americans increasingly embracing cannabis for wellness, relaxation, and recreation, the nation’s largest retailers are taking notice and quietly preparing for a future where cannabis beverages could be as common as beer or soda.
