28-03-2025
Toppling Goliath dives into THC, CBD beverages
Toppling Goliath — one of Iowa's most prolific breweries — is venturing into the THC and CBD drink market with its new sparkling water, Merry Rain.
Why it matters: Local makers of consumable cannabis products have faced hurdles due to restrictions signed into law last year that capped THC at 4 milligrams per 12-ounce container.
How it started: The Decorah brewery started developing THC drinks in early 2024 as hemp products grew more popular in Iowa and surrounding states, Sam Lewey, TG's spokesperson, tells Axios.
Initially, they wanted to launch 5- and 10-milligram options, but the new law resulted in them delaying their products.
Details: Iowans can get 4-milligram strawberry and lemon-lime drinks, while more potent, 10-milligram orange cream and strawberry drinks are sold in states like Minnesota and Wisconsin.
Behind the scenes: While Toppling Goliath's beer is brewed here, because of Iowa's hemp laws, the brewery contracts with a Minnesota producer to handle its THC drinks because the 10-milligram drinks can't enter the state, Lewey says.
Yes, but: Following clarifications on state law, the company plans to sell a 5-milligram, 16-ounce drink that is being made in-house.
Where to find it: Merry Rain is mostly distributed in eastern Iowa at the moment, with plans for wider distribution into central Iowa this year.
