Paul Weaver, Head of Cannabis at Boston Beer Company, takes us through the company's bold venture into the cannabis market with their THC-infused iced tea product, Teapot. Discover how Boston Beer Company's expertise in crafting high-quality teas led to the creation of this refreshing, non-carbonated, ready-to-drink cannabis beverage, available in various blends for different times of the day.
In our conversation, Paul shares the strategic growth plans for Teapot, including expanding into new flavors and markets across Canada. We explore the shifting consumer habits towards dispensaries and the potential for converting these into convenience stores to better showcase a variety of cannabis products. Paul and Brasco highlight the impressive performance of cannabis beverages in markets like Minnesota and Arizona, where they have even outsold traditional alcoholic beverages.
We also delve into the potential of consumption lounges as standalone businesses, discussing the opportunities and challenges of incorporating cannabis-based drinks into the traditional restaurant model. Paul provides insights on the importance of clear regulations and responsible entrepreneurship in creating a novel sensory experience for consumers.
Paul and Brasco discuss the significance of a recent survey showing daily cannabis use surpassing daily alcohol use in the US for the first time. They emphasize the need for a balanced product portfolio and the importance of moderation and responsible use in this changing landscape.
The episode also touches on the therapeutic potential of cannabis, the ongoing rescheduling plan, and the need for objective clinical research to address skepticism and explore long-term health impacts. Paul highlights Teapot’s efforts to support the community, including a partnership with Pardons Canada to help individuals remove cannabis convictions from their records.