THC drinks likely to follow decriminalisation

THERE is talk of a referendum next year on decriminalising marijuana. If the nation chose such liberalisation we would inevitably, if not immediately, follow the path of Canada and the growing number of states in the US where drinkers are moving away from beer and wine to beverages infused with THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), which is the psychoactive ingredient of cannabis.

A previous column (August 29) mentioned that beer, with the alcohol from fermentation removed and replaced by cannabis oil, is being produced in the US, and that a cannabis brewery had been set up in Canada ahead of last Thursday’s law change there.

Also in anticipation of the expected shift to cannabis beverages, USbased Constellation Brands, which owns Corona and New Zealand wine brands such as Nobilo and Kim Crawford, has bought a stake in a marijuana company in Canada.

Heineken, too, is into it: its Lagunita brewery sells HiFi Hops — ‘‘an IPAinspired THCinfused sparkling water’’ — in California.

It comes in two strengths of the psychoactive ingredient, and the ‘‘hops’’ in the name refers to cannabis being a cousin of the marijuana plant.

HiFi is described as a

‘‘bubbly, aromatic, fruity, herbaceous nonalcoholic, glutenfree and lowcarbohydrate drink’’.

Meanwhile, Heinekenowned DB has started importing and distributing Heineken’s Lagunita IPA (6.2%) here in bottles. Until now, it had only been available on tap at a handful of bars.

It is rich and smooth with wellbalanced roasted malt and hop flavours, which are longlasting in the mouth. This IPA is about $25 for a sixpack of 355ml bottles.

Back for good

Mac’s Love Buzz honey mead (5.5%), which appeared briefly nearly two years ago, is back — this time for good.

Mead is made by fermenting honey and adding water, which offers a beerlike drink for the glutenintolerant. It is $17 for a fourpack.