Target Corp. has begun selling hemp-derived THC drinks in a few of its Minnesota stores. This marks a notable step as THC beverages have mostly been absent from major retail chains until now.
The company is offering these drinks in Target’s liquor stores, which are part of the main store but have a separate entrance. Customers must be 21 or older to buy the products, and each drink contains no more than 5 milligrams of THC.
Cann, a THC beverage company founded in 2018, confirmed its products are part of this limited launch in Minneapolis locations. Jake Bullock, Cann’s CEO, called it a "first step" toward wider acceptance of THC-infused drinks. Other brands like Surly Brewing Co. and Trail Magic are also involved in the trial, with Trail Magic supplying about a dozen cases per store.
Target said the trial is designed to gauge customer interest before deciding whether to expand the offerings. This approach is common for retailers when introducing new products.
The rise of hemp-based THC drinks comes as more Americans cut back on alcohol. Since 2022, Minnesota has allowed the sale of these products to adults over 21, helping the category grow in the state. Places like Total Wine & More and Circle-K stores in some states already carry similar beverages.
Despite growing availability, hemp THC products face increasing scrutiny. Some officials worry that the largely unregulated market could pose risks, especially since some items look like candy or lack proper age checks. For example, Ohio recently banned intoxicating hemp sales for 90 days, and California has strengthened regulations. Meanwhile, lawmakers in Washington are considering closing the loophole in the 2018 Farm Bill that currently allows these products to be sold nationwide.
Jason Dayton, co-founder of Trail Magic, noted that Target’s involvement is significant. It shows the company was able to work through legal and risk issues to bring these drinks to shelves. For consumers, this could signal that THC beverages are becoming more mainstream, though the category remains closely watched by regulators and industry leaders alike.