Latest news with #Plift
Miami Herald
12-05-2025
- Business
- Miami Herald
How one brand is transforming the THC soda industry
The alcohol industry has seen some major changes over the last decade that you may have noticed. First, there was the overwhelming adoption of White Claw in 2019, which you could hardly miss if you went anywhere where drinks were being sold. It seemed everyone was holding that white can with the colorful strip at one point in time; it was simply the drink of choice for a while. You may have been bewildered as to what the fuss was all about if you actually tasted one - seltzer and a whiff of fruit air freshener was definitely the effect one got - but hey, it was trendy, right? While White Claw's luster has come and gone, it paved the way for canned ready-to-drink cocktails like no other product - and not just alcohol-infused options, either. In fact, it was only about a year after White Claw's big debut that another trend started to gain a major foothold in the beverage market: THC seltzers. Related: Struggling whiskey company closes operations, no bankruptcy yet These drinks often contain a small amount of Delta 9 THC - typically less than 10 mg - and can be sold legally in many states, depending on their laws. People really embrace the drinks as an alternative to alcohol that allows them to enjoy themselves and relax, not to mention skip the traditional hangover. Consumers are clearly enamored with these drinks for a myriad of reasons, from seeking out a healthier alcohol alternative to experiencing new ways to chill. The global cannabis beverage market hit an astonishing 2.04 million in 2023 and is projected to hit 117.05 billion by 2032, according to Fortune Business Insights. It's clearly a market with a great runway, so it's no wonder so many new businesses are jumping into the mix. That said, a lot of THC drinks on the market don't taste great (think: hempy or weedy) or are hard to consistently find at your local liquor store. So while there's great potential for the product, there are still many problems to solve. That's where Plift comes in. Image source: Shutterstock While many people want in on the burgeoning THC soda industry, co-founder Todd Harris, one of the three people behind the brand Plift, has a much more personal reason for founding his brand. "I was an alcoholic," says Harris, who told TheStreet that his mother also struggled with alcohol dependence. Years of drinking and masking in social situations eventually wore down Harris' battery, making him turn to recovery and abstinence. It was then that he began to consider THC sodas, first consuming them and then deciding to build Plift with co-founders Glenn McAfresh and Andrea Slinde. "The name is one letter short of 'Uplift,' because it's missing you," Harris said. Related: White Claw creator adds a whole new alcohol line The Black-owned brand has been on the market for only three years but has seen great success. Harris thinks that's due to a mix of factors, one being that the drinks actually taste good. All three flavors are based on classic cocktails, making them recognizable to consumers and appealing to drink. Another thing Harris cares deeply about is making Plift accessible to all markets. At $9.99 for a six-pack, it's an affordable product, and it can also be found through beer and wine retailers. Total Wine also carries it, making it easy for many people to find. Today, Harris says that since swapping out his alcohol use for cannabis sodas, he's been a much better father, spouse, friend, and business partner, and has increased awareness of his social battery. But perhaps best of all, Harris was able to introduce his mother to the world of cannabis sodas, which he says she now reaches for instead of alcohol. "If nothing else comes from this business, I helped an alcoholic of 50 years to change," Harris said. The Arena Media Brands, LLC THESTREET is a registered trademark of TheStreet, Inc.
Forbes
18-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Forbes
Cannabis & Hemp Party Favors For Your 4/20 Celebrations
Nowadays Spirits Nowadays Hosting or attending a cannabis celebration this 4/20? Whether you are throwing a 4/20 bash, going to an event, or attending a small sesh, having a stash of cannabis or hemp treats is key. From tantalizing THC spirits, to hash infused pre-rolls, to delicious vapes and edibles, having the right party favors available for yourself and others will elevate your 4/20 experience to new heights. Here are a few great options for your high holidays. Rove Ice Packs Rove There is no 4/20 party favor as classic as the preroll. These ready made joints are great for smoke seshes and parties because you can skip the messy prep work and get down to the fun parts. Brands like Indacloud, NAR New York. and the Artists Tree offer prerolls in an array of popular strains. Stock up before 4/20 and be ready for any smoke circle. If you want to take things up a notch, try an infused preroll, like Rove's Triple Infused Ice Packs. These heavy hitting prerolls are packed with three different types of concentrate (ice rosin, diamonds and hash) and might just get your whole party high. Or you might try Galaxy Treats' Orbital Prerolls which are coated in THCA diamonds and infused with live resin. Houseplant Drinks Pineapple Houseplant No 4/20 party would be complete without cannabis and hemp drinks, and there are so many options these days. Start things off light with an infused seltzer water like those from Hi or Houseplant. These refreshing options will keep you hydrated and stave off the dry mouth you might get from a day of smoking. For something a little sweet and sour, try some infused lemonade like those from Wynx, Wana or Del Ray. If you prefer premade cocktail style drinks, options like Squire's Specialty Elixirs, Better Than Booze, Plift, and Senorita offer new takes on classic cocktails - this time with a THC twist. Or take your cocktails up a notch by mixing your own. THC-infused spirits offer an alternative to alcoholic spirits like rum, vodka or whiskey. Make sure to pick a spirit that meshes with the flavors of the cocktail you want to create. Flora, for example, might make a good substitute for gin with floral bitter notes. Nowadays Spirits has a limited edition cherry flavor, if you want to mix up something sweet and fruity. And Reframe offers a tropical flavor that would be a perfect alternative for rum. If you aren't feeling creative, you can also enjoy any of these spirits on their own, or as shots. Squire's Specialty Elixirs also have concentrated drink mixers with unique flavors like pink pineapple, white peach apricot and strawberry hibiscus lemonade. You can even find recipe's on their site for delicious canna-cocktail ideas using their mixers. Jaunty Vape Jaunty When it comes to convenience, it's hard to beat a vape pen. These little devices are prefilled with THC concentrate and are easy to bring with you to wherever your party takes you. Brands like 22Red and Sauce offer single use disposable vapes in a variety of strains and flavors. Or for a slightly heavier hitting option, try a brand like Rove, Pax or Jaunty. Rove and Pax's pods and Jaunty's carts work with reusable bases, and their hits pack a serious punch. For more experienced dabbers with an e-rig or rig, make sure to stock up on some concentrates that aren't in tanks or pods. A rig and a flavorful extract like Jaunty's cold cure live rosin, could easily become the central hub of any 4/20 gathering. Beboe Gummies Beboe Edibles are a must have for any 4/20 party, and we have so many more options now than laboring over homemade pot butter for brownies. But you feel like making brownies, Benevolent Bakery has a DIY box mix that includes THC in the dry mix. That means you can make precisely dosed pot brownies without all the hassle. For more chocolate options, Kind Oasis and Plain Jane both have excellent infused chocolate bars. If gummies are more your style, try one of the vibrant fruit flavors from Cannariver, Simple Leaf or Wana. Hometown Hero's Double Take gummies include both fast acting and long last edible types, so they are a great option for stay lifted even longer. For the true cannabis connoisseurs, Flower Union has strain specific rosin infused gummies, that really highlight that taste of the cannabis. Or for a touch of luxury and whimsy, try Beboe's delicious fruit gummies. These culinary treats look as good as they taste, and come in a package so beautiful, you'd think it was wrapped up as a present. It would be a great gift to bring to a 4/20 party to share. Feelz 100mg Drink Feelz For guests who want a more intense cannabis experience, or have a high tolerance to cannabis, it's great to have heavy-hitting options to offer. Brands like Feelz and CQ, meet this need with drinks and edibles that pack a powerful 100mg punch. This makes them a great choice for the seasoned consumer looking for that extra kick in their party favor lineup. However, it's important to warn your guests about the potency of these options. Even seasoned cannabis consumers may find doses that high extremely disorienting, if they don't have a high enough tolerance. Rogue Paq Matches Rogue Paq Another option is to gift your friends cute cannabis supplies like papers, cones, lighters, and matches. Rogue Paq has a playful collection of matches, you can buy in sets. Zamnesia has a 420 Mystery box available right now that is packed with fun supplies for smoking and gardening. It even includes seeds to gift any of your friends with a green thumb. With this diverse collection of refreshing drinks, potent prerolls, and beyond, your 4/20 adventures will be set for success. Remember to puff puff pass and enjoy celebrating cannabis culture in style!
