Trulieve Expands Cannabis Beverage Line with Launch of THC Infused Energy Drink ‘Upward’

Major U.S. Cannabis Brand Pushes Into Functional Beverage Market

Trulieve Cannabis Corp., one of the largest and most successful cannabis companies in the United States, is making waves in the cannabis-infused beverage industry with the expanded distribution of its Onward product line and the debut of a new THC-infused energy drink, Upward. These offerings are available to consumers aged 21 and older and are part of the company’s strategy to serve a growing demand for wellness-focused cannabis products.

Wider Availability of Onward Beverages in Florida and Illinois

Trulieve’s Onward beverages—initially launched as a line of Farm Bill-compliant, low-dose THC and CBD drinks—have received positive customer feedback and strong sales, prompting the company to expand their availability. Consumers in Florida and Illinois can now find Onward beverages at retail partners including ABC Fine Wine & Spirits and Total Wine & More.

To support this expansion, Trulieve has formed key partnerships with leading beverage distributors. Romano Beverage now oversees distribution in Illinois, while Anheuser-Busch is handling distribution in Northern Florida. These strategic relationships dramatically increase shelf presence and make Onward one of the most accessible cannabis beverages in the Southeast and Midwest.

Introducing Upward: A THC-Infused Energy Drink for Wellness Lifestyles

Building on the success of Onward, Trulieve has introduced Upward, a THC-infused energy beverage specifically crafted for active, health-conscious consumers. Positioned as a premium product, Upward delivers both functional benefits and enjoyment by combining THC, CBD, and natural energy sources.

Upward is formulated with caffeine derived from green coffee beans and black tea leaves, offering a cleaner energy boost compared to traditional energy drinks. The drink is available in several flavors including Lemonade, Peach Nectarine, Strawberry Tea (each with 5mg THC), and a stronger 10mg THC Pink Lemonade version. All flavors are low in calories, aligning with the beverage category’s ongoing shift toward health-forward formulations.

Expanding the Role of Cannabis in Everyday Wellness

Trulieve’s expansion into beverages with Onward and Upward reflects a broader trend in the cannabis industry: the blending of cannabinoids with mainstream consumer habits. By offering low-dose, approachable products, Trulieve is opening the door for consumers who may be curious about THC but hesitant to try traditional inhalables or edibles.

The drinks also speak to a growing market of functional beverage consumers—those who seek benefits like stress relief, mental clarity, or physical energy from what they drink. By integrating cannabinoids into these types of beverages, Trulieve is positioning itself at the intersection of cannabis and lifestyle wellness.

Compliant, Convenient, and Market-Ready

Both Onward and Upward beverages are made in the United States using hemp-derived THC that complies with federal guidelines under the 2018 Farm Bill. This compliance allows for broader interstate distribution and retail availability beyond traditional medical or adult-use dispensaries.

By leveraging familiar retail partners like Total Wine & More, Trulieve also normalizes the presence of THC products in everyday shopping environments, bringing cannabis closer to mainstream consumers.

Strategic Partnerships Signal Growth Ahead

The new distribution partnerships not only expand the reach of Onward and Upward but also hint at future growth potential for Trulieve in the cannabis beverage category. The collaboration with a major player like Anheuser-Busch signals industry interest in THC-infused products beyond the cannabis world and could pave the way for broader acceptance and innovation.

As more states legalize cannabis and federal reform looms, these strategic moves position Trulieve to become a dominant name in the cannabis beverage space—an area that’s expected to see continued consumer interest and rapid product development.

Functional Beverages Meet Cannabis Innovation

Trulieve’s Onward and Upward lines represent a smart evolution of the cannabis beverage category—one that prioritizes usability, health-conscious formulation, and widespread access. As cannabis becomes more ingrained in everyday wellness routines, functional THC-infused drinks like Upward may become staples for consumers seeking both energy and relaxation in a single sip.

With this expansion, Trulieve continues to set the pace for product innovation and mainstream integration in the cannabis market one beverage at a time.