Circle K, the convenience store giant, has unveiled plans to introduce hemp-derived THC beverages in thousands of its locations across the United States. This once highlight and signals a growing mainstream acceptance of cannabis-infused products and has the potential to transform how consumers access them.
Circle K Enters the THC Beverage Market
As reported by MJBizDaily, Circle K is set to launch a nationwide rollout of hemp-derived THC beverages starting next year. The plan involves introducing these drinks in as many as 3,000 stores. This move follows a smaller, trial run of THC beverage sales in Georgia earlier this year.
The initial rollout will begin in the final quarter of 2025, focusing on stores in North Carolina, South Carolina, and Florida. Following this phase, the company plans to expand its offerings “across Circle K’s U.S. store network in states where THC products are authorized for sale” sometime in 2026, according to the company’s statements to MJBizDaily.
Circle K’s Partnership Behind THC Beverage Launch
To bring these products to its shelves, Circle K has partnered with Horticulture Co. The beverages will be part of the Iverson brand, a collaboration with former NBA star Allen Iverson. According to reports, each can will contain 10 milligrams of THC.
This partnership is a huge moment for the THC beverage sector. Saf Sadiq, CEO of Horticulture Co., told MJBizDaily, “This partnership makes the brand one of the most accessible in the space overnight and boosts awareness of the category within one of the most trusted retail environments, all while reinforcing both brand credibility and consumer confidence.” He added, “It’s about as close to a national rollout as the industry has seen to date – and the largest in scale by any chain retailer.”
This isn’t Circle K’s first attempt to enter the cannabis market. In 2022, a deal to co-locate medical marijuana dispensaries with Green Thumb Industries at Florida gas stations was rejected by state regulators. However, hemp-derived THC products currently fall outside of these regulated channels, allowing for this new venture.
THC Beverages Are A Growing Trend in Mainstream Retail
Circle K is not the only major retailer embracing hemp-derived THC drinks. Earlier this month, Target announced it would begin a pilot program selling these beverages in ten of its Minnesota stores, where state law permits such sales in mainstream retail. This move follows liquor giant Total Wine & Spirits, which began stocking hemp beverages in November 2023.
The mainstream embrace of these drinks highlights a significant shift in public perception and market dynamics. Steve Schain, a cannabis-focused attorney, told MJBizDaily that Circle K’s move is a “further wake-up call to the cannabis industry.” He noted, “Like it or not, the marketplace embraces hemp-derived intoxicants as warmly as it does naturally occurring delta-9 THC.”
Navigating a Complex Legal Landscape
The rise of hemp-derived THC products stems from the 2018 Farm Bill, which federally legalized hemp production. An unintended aspect of the bill was allowed the proliferation of intoxicating hemp products, which created a legal gray area that companies are now navigating across the United States.
While these products are federally legal, the regulatory environment is patchwork. Some states have moved to ban or regulate them, while others allow their sale. For example, the initial rollout includes North and South Carolina, states that do not have regulated cannabis markets outside of tribal lands but do permit the sale of hemp products.
This legal ambiguity has not gone unnoticed by lawmakers. In Washington D.C., there is a push to close what some call a “loophole” in the 2018 Farm Bill.
Despite the uncertain legislative future, retailers seem undeterred. Jonathan Miller, general counsel for the U.S. Hemp Roundtable, told GreenState that these retail developments might actually influence policy.
“These developments demonstrate the strong popular demand for hemp products across all demographic groups, and should lend strong support to our efforts to block a potential hemp ban in Congress,” Miller stated.
The Future of Cannabis Retail
Circle K’s decision to sell THC beverages nationwide is yet another big moment for the cannabis industry. It represents a major step toward normalizing cannabis products and integrating them into mainstream consumer culture. With parent company Alimentation Couche Tard operating nearly 10,000 stores across North America, the potential scale of this rollout is immense.
As more major retailers enter the market, the pressure on regulators and lawmakers will likely increase. The industry is evolving from a dispensary-only model to one where cannabis-derived products sit on the same shelves as snacks and sodas.
This move by Circle K, along with similar actions by Target and Total Wine, shows that big business sees a profitable future in hemp-derived THC.
While the legal and regulatory battles are far from over, the direction of consumer demand and retail strategy is becoming clear. The question is no longer if these products will become mainstream, but how quickly.
