It is April 20, aka “stoner Christmas” as our recent podcast guest Jessica Armbruster called it in the pages of Racket. Armbruster controls the weed desk over at Racket and she was nice enough to join us on today’s episode to highlight some of her favorite Minnesota-made products. With Armbruster’s knowledge and my consumer enthusiasm we’ve fashioned a non-ranked list of five awesome Minnesota-made THC cannabis products. 🥁 Carlton Barrett of the Wailers drum roll please.
Zenn “Paloma”
Zenn’s “Paloma”. (Ben Johnson / Benjayway)
The current laws in Minnesota have helped to make us a hotbed of THC seltzer enthusiasm. Our recent guest Yoni Reinharz from Earl Giles said that he’ll even see customers from weed friendly spots like Denver and California have their minds blown by being able to order a THC beverage at a bar. Long live the THC seltzer. These things have been game changers for so many folks who crack one open for many different purposes. It might just be relaxation at the end of a long day or it might be a substitute for the six-pack of lager someone used to drain on Tuesdays. One of the most cherished THC drinks from the Twin Cities is Venn Brewing’s “Zenn Paloma”. This sophisticated beverage tastes fresh like a high-end alcoholic paloma served up at a seaside resort. The flavors blend perfectly and the production is top notch, assuring a reliably dosed product every time you partake.
Trail Magic “Classic Iced Tea and Lemonade”
Stigma’s “THC Lemonade Iced Tea”. (Sean McPherson / City Cast)
Here’s a reality about THC beverages: some taste like carbonated bongwater while others taste like plain seltzer water. But for my money, Trail Magic’s “Classic Iced Tea and Lemonade” is something I would sip even if it wasn’t mind-altering. Before I try and win you over on Trail Magic, I first have to try to win you over on Arnold Palmers. Have you had iced tea? Sure you have, it’s delicious. Have you tried lemonade? Of course you have. Also delicious. Put them together? Jackpot. Add weed? Crackpot.
Falling Knife “Grape Vape”
Falling Knife’s “Grape Vape”. (Jessica Armbruster / Racket)
When I chatted with Jessica Armbruster I asked her about her recommendations for THC beverages for newbies who might just be dipping a toe into high country. That’s an important part of the potential audience for THC beverages. But I also asked Armbruster about the products for when it’s time to go in deep into the world of marijuana. And Jessica recommended Falling Knife’s Grape Vape as her favorite choice for a drink that says “you’re done for the day”. And let’s be honest, who doesn’t like grape soda? If someone had told me at age 16 that there would be grape soda that gets you high I probably would’ve died just based on the concept alone. And it’s always worth supporting Falling Knife for being one of the most basketball-centric taprooms in our scene. Might I recommend grabbing a Grape Vape up at the Falling Knife tap room while watching our beloved Timberwolves house the Denver Nuggets? That sounds like a pretty good night!
Mary and Jane “Sunny Micro Candies”
Not everyone wants to get ripped on THC-infused grape soda while watching Anthony Edwards remind Jamal Murray of the Denver Nuggets that he’ll never be all-star material. For folks who want a more mild introduction into the world of THC, Jessica Armbruster enthusiastically recommends the products from Mary and Jane. This Minnesota company sells microdose edibles that get rave reviews from steady users and dabblers. And given that they come in a discreet travel-friendly tin, Armbruster says she actually keeps them in her purse “quite often, just 'cause you never know.”
Stigma “THC Lemonade Iced Tea”
Stigma’s “THC Lemonade Iced Tea”. (Sean McPherson / City Cast)
Trail Magic is not the only lemonade/iced tea blend going in Minnesota’s THC world. City Cast contributor and news producer Sam Choo sings the praises of Stigma’s 10mg tallboy. This is another well-measured product that reliably delivers a strong high with a delicious drinking experience. And though 10mg is not for everybody, the tallboy format does slow down the intake a bit and works perfectly for a beverage on the back nine at your favorite golf course.
