Target is expanding hemp-derived THC beverage sales to more than 300 stores in Illinois, Florida, and Texas—the second, third, and sixth most populous U.S. states—according to BevNET, building on a pilot program that launched last year at 10 Minnesota stores. Target is headquartered in Minnesota and later applied for licenses at all 72 of its locations there.
The expansion covers every store in Florida and Texas, with select Illinois stores excluded because some municipalities restrict hemp product sales. Target is now stocking beverages with up to 10 milligrams of THC, double the 5mg ceiling from its initial Minnesota launch.
"At Target, we're always exploring new ways to meet our guests' evolving preferences, grounded in our merchandising authority and focus on thoughtfully curating a relevant assortment," a spokesperson said.
The rollout comes after Congress passed and President Donald Trump signed legislation that will recriminalize hemp-derived products containing more than 0.4 milligrams of THC per container, effective November. Bipartisan lawmakers in the Senate and House have sought a delay, but those efforts have not gained traction with congressional leadership. BevNET reported that sources believe Target plans to mark down its hemp inventory in October if no regulatory solution is in place.
Brands from the Minnesota launch include Birdie, Cann, Find Wunder, Gigli, Hi Seltzer, Indeed, Señorita, Stigma, Surly, Trail Magic, Wyld, and Wynk.
A NuggMD poll found 50.5% of cannabis consumers are more likely to shop at Target because of its THC beverage program—34.4% contingent on their local store carrying the products, 16.1% regardless of location. Another 49.5% said the move would not affect their shopping habits.
Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America recently called out Congress for failing to address the pending recriminalization in the Farm Bill recently passed by the House. Home Depot last year removed cannabis from its drug screening panels and ended pre-employment testing for most workers. The Veterans of Foreign Wars struck a first-of-its-kind licensing deal with a hemp THC beverage company to promote cannabis drinks as an alcohol alternative at VFW posts across the country.
