Eden Prairie launches its own THC-infused gummy and asks residents to name it
The mixed berry-flavored edible will hit the shelves this fall, and adults 21 and older who live in the southwest Twin Cities suburb have until next Wednesday to submit their ideas.
Eden Prairie Liquor has been selling the hemp-derived THC drinks since the Minnesota Legislature authorized their sales back in 2022 — a full year before lawmakers later legalized hemp's cannabis cousin, marijuana, for recreational use.
Those drinks are popular, said Jaime Urbina, liquor operations manager. But the three city-owned stores just started selling gummies earlier this year.
"One of the comments that we still get and feedback from customers are like, 'Oh, we were unaware that you have gummies now.'" Urbina explained. "We took this as an opportunity, as, like a marketing opportunity, to actually get it out there that we have a gummy and that we're bringing gummies in [to the stores]."
But the high interest in the naming contest for their own brand of gummy exceeded expectations, he said. There have been an average of about 90 entries each day in the last week since they invited residents to provide their feedback, for a total of roughly 680 entries so far.
Whoever wins gets bragging rights and a free package of gummies.
Among the entries so far: Prairie Berry, EP Sleepy, Berry in the Prairie.
"The contest ties in and gives a little bit more value to the community, so people are more involved with this entire process," Urbina said. "I think that's always a good thing for us and the residents."
Eden Prairie Liquor staff will narrow the list of entries to the top three names. There are some ground rules: no political slogans, no profanity and no individual person's name. Only residents can submit.
They will share that list on the Eden Prairie Liquor Facebook page on Aug. 4 for the public to weigh in before the winner is notified on Aug. 11. Everyone else will learn of the name that week, before the gummies are available to purchase in the fall.
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CBS News
3 days ago
- CBS News
Eden Prairie launches its own THC-infused gummy and asks residents to name it
Eden Prairie, Minnesota, is rolling out its own hemp-derived THC gummies at its municipal liquor stores and the city wants its residents to give the product a name. The mixed berry-flavored edible will hit the shelves this fall, and adults 21 and older who live in the southwest Twin Cities suburb have until next Wednesday to submit their ideas. Eden Prairie Liquor has been selling the hemp-derived THC drinks since the Minnesota Legislature authorized their sales back in 2022 — a full year before lawmakers later legalized hemp's cannabis cousin, marijuana, for recreational use. Those drinks are popular, said Jaime Urbina, liquor operations manager. But the three city-owned stores just started selling gummies earlier this year. "One of the comments that we still get and feedback from customers are like, 'Oh, we were unaware that you have gummies now.'" Urbina explained. "We took this as an opportunity, as, like a marketing opportunity, to actually get it out there that we have a gummy and that we're bringing gummies in [to the stores]." But the high interest in the naming contest for their own brand of gummy exceeded expectations, he said. There have been an average of about 90 entries each day in the last week since they invited residents to provide their feedback, for a total of roughly 680 entries so far. Whoever wins gets bragging rights and a free package of gummies. Among the entries so far: Prairie Berry, EP Sleepy, Berry in the Prairie. "The contest ties in and gives a little bit more value to the community, so people are more involved with this entire process," Urbina said. "I think that's always a good thing for us and the residents." Eden Prairie Liquor staff will narrow the list of entries to the top three names. There are some ground rules: no political slogans, no profanity and no individual person's name. Only residents can submit. They will share that list on the Eden Prairie Liquor Facebook page on Aug. 4 for the public to weigh in before the winner is notified on Aug. 11. Everyone else will learn of the name that week, before the gummies are available to purchase in the fall.
Hamilton Spectator
4 days ago
- Hamilton Spectator
MediPharm Labs Expands Leading CBN Oil Portfolio with The Launch of New Nighttime Inhaler
TORONTO, July 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — MediPharm Labs Corp. (TSX: LABS) (OTCQB: MEDIF) (FSE: MLZ) ('MediPharm', 'MediPharm Labs' or the 'Company'), a pharmaceutical company specializing in precision-based cannabinoids, is pleased to announce it has launched the new Shake & Puff CBN THC Nighttime Inhaler in Canada. This innovative product expands MediPharm's leading CBN oil product portfolio and builds on the success of the Company's THC Inhaler introduced earlier this year. The new metered dose inhaler delivers a precise formulation of minor cannabinoid CBN and THC in a consistent, smoke-free format. Designed for nighttime use, the product offers a fast onset experience without combustion or vapour, making it a discreet and convenient option for both consumers and medical patients. David Pidduck, CEO of MediPharm Labs, commented: 'The launch of our CBN THC Metered Dose Inhaler represents a significant step forward in our strategy to deliver innovative, pharma-grade cannabinoid products globally. As international markets increasingly seek smoke-free, precisely dosed formats, MediPharm is well-positioned to lead with differentiated solutions that reflect both consumer wellness trends and medical needs. This product not only strengthens our Canadian portfolio but also supports our broader vision to scale precision cannabinoid delivery methods across regulated cannabis markets worldwide.' Key Product Highlights: The Company plans to expand their inhaler offering with additional CBD and CBG options available in the future. MediPharm Labs continues to lead in pharma-grade cannabinoid innovation, offering a diverse range of product formats tailored to the evolving needs of consumers and patients. Inhaled formats like the metered dose inhaler provide rapid onset, while other MediPharm Labs products, such as tinctures, soft chews, and soft gels offer a slower onset and longer-lasting effects. About MediPharm Labs MediPharm Labs specializes in the development and manufacture of purified, pharmaceutical-quality cannabis concentrates, active pharmaceutical ingredients (API), and advanced derivative products utilizing a Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) certified facility with ISO standard-built clean rooms. MediPharm Labs has invested in an expert, research-driven team, state-of-the-art technology, downstream purification methodologies, and purpose-built facilities for the delivery of pure, trusted, and precision-dosed cannabis products for its customers. MediPharm Labs develops, formulates, processes, packages, and distributes cannabis and advanced cannabinoid-based products to domestic and international medical markets. In 2021, MediPharm Labs received a Pharmaceutical Drug Establishment License from Health Canada, becoming the only company in North America to hold a commercial-scale domestic Good Manufacturing Practices License for the extraction of multiple natural cannabinoids. This GMP license was the first step in the Company's current foreign drug manufacturing site registration with the US FDA. In 2023, MediPharm acquired VIVO Cannabis Inc., which expanded MediPharm's reach to medical patients in Canada via Canna Farms medical e-commerce platform, and in Australia and Germany through Beacon Medical PTY and Beacon Medical GMBH. This acquisition also included Harvest Medical Clinics in Canada, which provides medical cannabis patients with physician consultations for medical cannabis education and prescriptions. The Company carries out its operations in compliance with all applicable laws in the countries in which it operates. For further information, please contact: MediPharm Labs Investor Relations Telephone: +1 416.913.7425 Email: investors@ Website: Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information: This news release contains 'forward-looking information' and 'forward-looking statements' (collectively, 'forward-looking statements') within the meaning of the applicable Canadian securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements and are based on expectations, estimates, and projections as at the date of this news release. Any statement that involves discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions, future events, or performance (often but not always using phrases such as 'expects', or 'does not expect', 'is expected', 'anticipates' or 'does not anticipate', 'plans', 'budget', 'scheduled', 'forecasts', 'estimates', 'believes' or 'intends' or variations of such words and phrases or stating that certain actions, events, or results 'may' or 'could', 'would', 'might' or 'will' be taken to occur or be achieved) are not statements of historical fact and may be forward-looking statements. In this news release, forward-looking statements relate to, among other things, MediPharm's access to and unique position in the international medical markets, MediPharm's future growth and ability to scale precision cannabinoid delivery methods across regulated cannabis markets worldwide, MediPharm's timing and ability to distribute its metered dose inhalers in Canada, MediPharm's ability to further expand its international portfolio, future growth of cannabinoid products in international markets, wellness trends and medical needs of consumers, and the success of MediPharm's products in Canada, including MediPharm's ability to expand distribution of its metered dose inhaler products to additional provinces and channels. Forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon a number of estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable, are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors which may cause the actual results and future events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, but are not limited to: general business, economic, competitive, political, and social uncertainties; the delay or failure to receive regulatory approvals; and other factors discussed in MediPharm Labs' filings, available on the SEDAR+ website at . There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements and information contained in this news release. Except as required by law, MediPharm Labs assumes no obligation to update the forward-looking statements of beliefs, opinions, projections, or other factors, should they change. A photo accompanying this announcement is available at
Fast Company
4 days ago
- Fast Company
Cannabis drinks are taking market share and Big Alcohol is fighting back
Top alcohol makers have been sitting on the sidelines of a cannabis beverage boom, watching brands in the fast-growing category like Cann and Wynk make deals with beer and booze distributors, and gain valuable space on liquor store shelves. Now some alcohol companies, seeing their sales falter, are laying the groundwork to potentially enter the lucrative but risky market, a dozen founders of cannabis brands, ingredients suppliers and drinks manufacturers told Reuters. Drinks containing THC, the mood-altering ingredient in marijuana, are restricted to licensed dispensaries in 24 U.S. states where recreational use of pot is legal. But small amounts of THC can also be extracted from hemp, a crop that's related to marijuana but is legal federally. Beverages containing THC derived from hemp can be sold in many liquor shops, convenience stores and supermarkets. That's where Big Alcohol sees opportunity, despite some companies having been burned by past cannabis investments. Corona brewer Constellation Brands has been internally researching hemp-based cannabis drinks to weigh its next steps, a source familiar with the company's thinking said. Absolut vodka distiller Pernod Ricard has met with Brez, maker of drinks with THC derived from hemp, as recently as last month to discuss a possible investment, Brez's founder Aaron Nosbisch said. 'They did not invest now but are circling,' Nosbisch said. Pernod declined to comment on the meeting. Constellation Brands said it does not comment on rumors and speculation. Alcohol makers are still suffering a hangover following America's pandemic drinking binge, when sales spiked as cash-flush consumers splurged on pricey bottles of liquor for their homes, and then rushed back to bars when lockdown restrictions lifted. Alcohol sales have been falling ever since as inflation and interest rates rose and wallets became stretched. The companies also now face growing warnings from public health authorities who say drinking even small amounts of alcohol is associated with at least seven types of cancer. Overall U.S. beer volumes fell nearly 6% through May of this year, according to the Beer Institute. Volumes of spirits and wine sold in the same time period have declined by 5.6% and 9%, respectively, according to the Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America. In a sign of tumult in the industry, the CEO of the world's biggest alcohol maker, Diageo, stepped down last week as the company struggles to revive growth. But hemp-based drinks are expanding fast. The market for drinks infused with THC from hemp is projected to top $1 billion in sales this year, according to market research firm Euromonitor, and climb past $4 billion in 2028. Molson Coors CEO Gavin Hattersley told Reuters in January he'd be naive to say THC beverages aren't having an effect 'at least in a small way.' Tilray Brands, the fourth-largest U.S. craft brewer with brands including Montauk and Shock Top, is selling its new hemp-derived THC seltzers through its beer distributors such as United Distributors in Georgia, executives told Reuters in an interview. The company's THC drinks are for sale in 13 states. 'There's not a real leader that's taken ahold of the (market) so far, and that's what we look to do,' Tilray's CEO Irwin Simon told Reuters earlier this year. Others, including Heineken's Lagunitas brand and Pabst Blue Ribbon, the fifth-largest U.S. brewer, have lent their names to THC seltzers for sale in dispensaries in California. Lagunitas is looking to grow distribution of its THC seltzer, potentially using hemp, to other states, a representative from Cannacraft, its ingredient supplier, said. A spokesperson for Lagunitas said it has no immediate plans to expand, but monitors market development and looks for opportunities as consumer tastes and regulations change. Boston Beer, the maker of Sam Adams, is one of the brewers with the clearest path to eventually enter the U.S. cannabis drinks market although it has not provided a time frame for doing so. The company is already selling its Teapot brand of THC-infused tea in Canada where weed is legal, and in the last year tested a potential U.S. version made from THC derived from hemp. To test the reformulated product, a panel of trained sensory experts sampled Teapot with both THC from hemp and marijuana, and could not taste a difference, said the company's head of cannabis, Paul Weaver. 'This is a source of growth for our organization, flat out,' Weaver said. CAUTIOUS MOVES Big Alcohol is treading carefully in cannabis drinks because state and federal regulations have shifted, and could change again, said five executives at ingredients suppliers and THC beverage brands. California, which has legal weed, banned hemp-based drinks last year to try to prevent children from consuming them. Other states have introduced special taxes or restricted sales, ambiguity that has held alcohol companies back from entering the market. Sen. Mitch McConnell, who helped first legalize hemp in 2018 to support farmers in his home state of Kentucky, in July introduced a provision in a government spending bill that could ban intoxicating products using the plant. McConnell wrote in an op-ed published in the Louisville Courier Journal on July 17 that his efforts are aimed at keeping THC gummies that look like familiar candies out of the hands of children. He did not provide comment beyond the op-ed. Big brewers have been burned by past cannabis investments. In 2022, the biggest U.S. brewer Anheuser-Busch inBev exited a deal with Tilray to research cannabis drinks in Canada. The same year, Molson Coors shuttered its U.S. business selling beverages infused with CBD, a compound in marijuana and hemp that does not have psychoactive effects, citing an uncertain regulatory environment. Constellation Brands restructured its investment in Canadian cannabis company Canopy Growth last year after poor sales. Now, however, hemp-based THC drinks are sold widely. Beyond beer's declining sales, brewers face an additional squeeze from tariffs, which threaten to push up prices for imported drinks, and Hispanic consumers, who are staying home due to fears of U.S. immigration enforcement. HIGH MARGINS Liquor stores are embracing the buzzy beverages to boost their margins as the drinks, typically more expensive than a six-pack of beer, start to outsell other types of alcohol. Jon Halper, CEO of Minnesota liquor store chain Top Ten Liquors, told Reuters in June that THC beverages now make up 15% of his business after the company introduced them two years ago. By next year, they could grow to rival wine, currently in the mid twenty percent of his sales, he said. The drinks take shelf space mostly from beer because they are in coolers, Halper said. The margins on cannabis beverages are higher than those for beer and spirits, helping his firm offset softening alcohol sales. Charleston, South Carolina-based Southern Horizon Logistics, a sister company of Budweiser distributor Southern Crown Partners, is now selling more hemp-based drinks than wine and spirits, said Justin Ashby, the company's chief administrative officer. Ryan Moses, CEO of Nashville, Tennessee-based beer, wine and spirits distributor Best Brands, said that growth from THC-infused drinks has helped offset flat and declining alcohol sales. Instead of possible layoffs, Moses has been able to re-allocate employees to the new category. 'It could be as big as the other categories five to 10 years from now,' Moses said. Consumers like Josh Goldberg, 39, of Lindenhurst, New York, are also trading out beer and tequila for THC seltzers. Goldberg made the switch almost two years ago, and hasn't had a drink since. 'It replaces the physical act of drinking with drinking something else,' Goldberg said. Halper, the owner of Minnesota liquor stores, said the customers buying THC-infused drinks tend to skew female and over the age of 35.
