Minnesota's THC Beverage Market Is Booming in 2026: New Products, Retail Expansion, and What's Coming This August

Walk through any liquor store in the Twin Cities and you'll find something new on the shelves: carbonated cans, sparkling waters, and even wine-bottle-sized containers filled with hemp-derived THC. Minnesota's cannabis beverage market has grown from a niche curiosity into a mainstream retail category in less than two years, and 2026 is shaping up to be its breakout year.

This guide covers where the market stands right now, which brands are leading the way, what changes on August 1, 2026, and what consumers should know before grabbing a THC drink this summer.

Why THC Beverages Are Taking Off in Minnesota

Minnesota legalized adult-use cannabis in 2023, but retail dispensaries didn't open until late 2025. Hemp-derived THC beverages, however, have been legal at lower potency since 2022, thanks to a gap in federal hemp law. That head start gave Minnesota's hemp beverage brands years to build audiences before licensed dispensaries opened.

The results are striking. THC-infused drinks now account for a growing share of the hemp retail market, available at liquor stores, hemp shops, gas stations, and increasingly at major national retailers. Target, the Minnesota-headquartered retail giant, now stocks THC drinks at all 72 of its Minnesota stores, carrying 12 brands including Birdie, Cann, Find Wunder, Gigli, Hi Seltzer, Indeed, Señorita, Stigma, Surly, Trail Magic, Wyld, and Wynk.

For consumers who find dispensaries intimidating or want a lower-dose alternative to flower or edibles, THC beverages offer a familiar, approachable format. They look like any other drink, go down easy, and let you control your intake one sip at a time.

Minnesota THC Beverage Brands Worth Knowing

Not all THC drinks are created equal. Here are some of the brands making an impact in Minnesota's market.

Surly Brewing Take Five

Surly, one of Minnesota's most recognized craft brewers, entered the THC beverage space with its Take Five line. Available at multiple Minnesota retailers and dispensaries across the Twin Cities, Take Five offers a clean, carbonated seltzer experience with hemp-derived delta-9 THC. Reviewers described it as "the bubbliest, crispest, and ultimately the most seltzer-y" of the Minnesota seltzers on the market, as crisp as a sparkling water. Surly has positioned Take Five as an adult alternative to alcohol, a category gaining traction nationally.

Lift Bridge Brewery

Stillwater-based Lift Bridge Brewery, a Minnesota craft beverage institution, produces sparkling fruit-flavored THC drinks with 10mg of hemp-derived delta-9 THC per 12-ounce can. That 10mg dose puts Lift Bridge at the upper end of the current legal serving size, appealing to consumers who want a more noticeable effect from a single can.

Cann

California-based Cann has become one of the most widely distributed THC social beverages nationally and is now part of Minnesota's Target rollout. Cann offers 2mg and 5mg THC options in flavors like lemon lavender and grapefruit rosemary, emphasizing microdosing and a "social tonic" experience for people who want a mild, controlled effect in social settings.

Wyld, Wynk, Trail Magic, and the Rest

The Target rollout also includes Wyld (known for fruit-forward flavors and consistent quality), Wynk (a sparkling water format popular for its clean ingredient list), and Trail Magic, a Minnesota-developed brand aimed at outdoor enthusiasts. Each offers slightly different dose levels and flavor profiles, giving consumers real variety within the hemp beverage category.

For an updated list of where to find these brands near you, check the dispensaries directory or ask your local liquor store or hemp shop.

What Changes August 1, 2026: The New 750ml Format Rule

The most significant near-term change for the THC beverage market comes directly from Minnesota's 2026 cannabis omnibus bill, SF 4401. Signed into law in May 2026, the bill contains a provision taking effect August 1: hemp retailers will be allowed to sell beverages in child-resistant, resealable bottles containing at least 750 milliliters and at least 17 servings.

Each serving in these large-format bottles may contain up to 5 milligrams of THC, plus up to 400 milligrams per container of approved nonintoxicating cannabinoids such as CBD, CBC, CBN, or CBG. The math: a 750ml bottle with 17 servings of 5mg each contains up to 85mg of THC total, roughly equivalent to the THC content of about eight standard 10mg cans.

The new format is comparable in size to a standard wine bottle, making it far more suitable for sharing across an evening than a solo serving. Brands selling 750ml THC beverages can also blend in therapeutic cannabinoids like CBD and CBG, creating products that balance the psychoactive effect of THC with calming or anti-inflammatory compounds.

Why does this matter? The current 12-ounce can format has limited the value proposition of THC beverages. A single can at 5mg might cost $5 to $10, while a 750ml bottle with 17 servings could offer meaningfully better value per milligram. For occasions where you'd normally open a bottle of wine, the large-format THC beverage becomes a direct, alcohol-free replacement.

Brands like Surly have been testing 750ml formats ahead of the rule change. The August 1 effective date gives the broader market a clear runway to launch new products in this size, and consumers should start seeing new options on shelves in the weeks surrounding that date.

The Federal Ban Factor: What Hemp Beverage Buyers Need to Know

Minnesota's hemp beverage market operates within a federal framework that is actively shifting. A federal rule taking effect at the end of 2026 will ban hemp products containing more than 0.4 milligrams of THC per serving, effectively eliminating the delta-9 THC beverages currently sold at hemp retailers and liquor stores.

Minnesota's SF 4401 anticipated this by creating a bridge. Hemp businesses that want to continue selling THC beverages at higher state-legal dose levels will need to obtain a cannabis license through the state's Office of Cannabis Management. That transition pathway officially opens January 1, 2027, and hemp businesses have until then to make their move.

For consumers, the practical takeaway is that the brands and products available today at hemp shops and liquor stores may look different by early 2027. Some brands will transition smoothly into the licensed cannabis supply chain; others may exit the market or reformulate to stay within federal limits. The brands most likely to survive are those already building relationships with licensed dispensaries and investing in OCM licensing applications.

To stay informed about Minnesota's cannabis laws and regulatory timeline, bookmark the OCM's news release page and watch for updates from your preferred brands.

Where to Buy THC Beverages in Minnesota

Minnesota's THC beverages are sold through several distinct retail channels, each with slightly different rules and product selections.

Licensed cannabis dispensaries: Most adult-use dispensaries carry THC beverage products. These are typically cannabis-derived beverages that fall under the state's licensed cannabis framework, subject to the same purchasing limits and age verification as other cannabis products. Find dispensaries near you on our full directory.

Hemp shops and lower-potency retailers: Shops operating under Minnesota's lower-potency hemp edible license can sell beverages with up to 10mg delta-9 THC per serving and up to 100mg per package. Many hemp shops that specialized in CBD have pivoted to carry THC beverages as a primary revenue driver.

Liquor stores: Minnesota liquor stores have embraced hemp THC beverages as a complementary category to alcohol. The state has authorized lower-potency hemp edibles, including beverages, for sale at licensed liquor retailers. This is why you can often find THC seltzers in the same cooler as hard seltzer and NA beer.

Target and major retailers: All 72 Minnesota Target locations now carry a curated selection of THC beverages. Prices and availability vary by store, but the assortment spans multiple brands and dose levels.

For help finding specific products in specific Minnesota cities, use the dispensary search on this site or contact retailers directly.

How to Dose THC Beverages Responsibly

THC beverages have a different onset profile than edibles. Because liquid absorbs more rapidly through the digestive system, many users report feeling effects within 15 to 45 minutes, faster than traditional edibles but slower than inhaled products.

For new users, start with a single 2.5mg to 5mg serving and wait at least one hour before consuming more. Factors like body weight, metabolism, and whether you've eaten recently all affect how quickly and strongly you'll feel the effects. Unlike alcohol, THC does not metabolize predictably based on time alone, so taking more before the first dose kicks in is one of the most common mistakes consumers make.

The new 750ml large-format bottles launching August 1 deserve extra attention. Pouring from a shared bottle over multiple hours is different from cracking a single can. Measure servings carefully, and treat the product the way you'd treat a bottle of wine: share it, pace yourself, and do not drive. Many large-format beverages will clearly mark serving size on the label, a requirement under SF 4401's new labeling rules taking effect August 1.

For more guidance on cannabis products, dosing, and what to expect, see our educational resources on this site.

Looking Ahead: What the Rest of 2026 Holds for THC Beverages

Three developments will shape Minnesota's THC beverage market through the end of 2026 and into 2027.

August 1, 2026: Large-format 750ml bottles become legal for sale at hemp retailers. Expect new product launches from established brands and emerging players capitalizing on the new size category. Updated labeling requirements also take effect, so products on shelves will have clearer cannabinoid profiles and warning information.

End of 2026: The federal ban on hemp products exceeding 0.4mg THC per serving takes effect. Hemp brands without cannabis licenses must either exit the high-dose market or reformulate dramatically. The transition will temporarily narrow consumer choice at non-dispensary retailers.

January 1, 2027: Full integration of hemp and cannabis supply chains under SF 4401 activates. Hemp businesses that have obtained cannabis licenses can continue selling higher-dose products through the licensed dispensary channel, and the market should begin to stabilize again.

Minnesota consumers who enjoy THC beverages should pay attention to how their favorite brands communicate about their licensing status in the coming months. The transition is manageable for well-prepared businesses, but it requires action from brands, not just consumers. Following your favorite brands on social media or signing up for retailer newsletters is the best way to stay ahead of any supply disruptions.

For the latest updates on Minnesota cannabis news and pricing, check back here regularly.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a hemp-derived THC beverage?

A hemp-derived THC beverage is a drink that contains delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) extracted from hemp plants rather than cannabis plants. Under current federal law, hemp is defined as cannabis containing 0.3% or less THC by dry weight. Minnesota has authorized hemp-derived THC beverages at higher per-serving dose limits than federal law currently allows for interstate commerce, which is why they're available at liquor stores and hemp shops in addition to licensed cannabis dispensaries.

Are THC beverages legal in Minnesota?

Yes. Hemp-derived THC beverages containing up to 10mg THC per serving and up to 100mg per container are currently legal for adult purchase in Minnesota at licensed lower-potency hemp edible retailers, liquor stores, and cannabis dispensaries. Starting January 1, 2027, new licensing rules under SF 4401 will affect which retailers can continue selling which products at which dose levels. See the legal guide for full details on current purchase rules.

How long does it take to feel the effects of a THC beverage?

Most users report feeling effects within 15 to 60 minutes, depending on metabolism, body composition, and whether they've eaten recently. THC beverages typically absorb faster than solid edibles but slower than inhaled cannabis. Wait at least one hour before deciding you need more, and never drive after consuming a THC beverage.

Where can I find THC beverages in Minnesota?

THC beverages are available at licensed cannabis dispensaries, hemp shops, liquor stores, and major retailers including Target. Use the dispensary directory to find licensed retailers near you, or search for hemp shops in your city.

What happens to THC beverages after the federal ban in late 2026?

A federal rule taking effect at the end of 2026 will restrict hemp products to 0.4mg THC per serving, far below Minnesota's current 5mg to 10mg serving limits. Brands operating under hemp licenses will need to either obtain a cannabis license through OCM to continue selling higher-dose products, or reformulate to stay within federal limits. Brands with cannabis licenses will be able to continue selling through licensed dispensaries under Minnesota's integrated supply chain framework.

What is the new 750ml hemp beverage rule starting August 1, 2026?

Starting August 1, 2026, Minnesota's SF 4401 allows hemp retailers to sell beverages in child-resistant, resealable bottles of at least 750 milliliters containing at least 17 servings. Each serving may contain up to 5mg THC, for a maximum of 85mg per bottle. The format is comparable to a wine bottle and is designed for social sharing. Bottles may also contain up to 400mg of approved nonintoxicating cannabinoids such as CBD, CBG, CBN, or CBC per container.