Launched in February with Massachusetts availability, Harpoon Brewery’s first THC-based, non-alcoholic beverage will be available in recreational dispensaries across Maine
PRESS RELEASE / April 12, 2023 (Boston, MA) – Harpoon Brewery – the maker of New England’s first IPA – today announced that they will be expanding the distribution of their first THC-based beverage, Rec. Weed, to the Maine market. Made in partnership with Massachusetts’ Novel Beverage Company, the new Maine distribution will feature 10 milligrams of THC per bottle with the same delicious taste profile including passionfruit puree, green tea, and hops. Each bottle is just 25 calories and includes 3 grams of sugar providing a clean, crisp finish to help consumers relax and unwind.
“The reaction to the Massachusetts launch of Rec. Weed was overwhelmingly positive and we’re looking forward to bringing this unique beverage to the great state of Maine,” said Dan Kenary, CEO and co-founder of Harpoon. “Novel Beverage Co. has been an incredible partner for us with their deep knowledge of the THC space and has allowed us to combine our expertise to create a one of a kind offering with Rec. Weed.”
Rec. Weed is brewed similarly to a session ale but without fermentation, meaning it has no alcohol content. The process starts with a base of green tea and a bit of added sugar, followed by the cold steeping of Citra and other West Coast hop oils and passionfruit puree. After the steeping process, THC is added to the liquid base, and the beverage is carbonated like a traditional beer. This process imparts minimal THC flavor or aroma. And because the THC is absorbed into the liquid, people feel its effects quicker than with more common edibles.
“After seeing the excitement on the Massachusetts launch of Rec. Weed, we were eager to get the beverage in our dispensaries across Maine,” said Joel Pepin, co-founder of JAR Cannabis. “The new beverage from Harpoon Brewery and Novel Beverage Co. is an exciting and unique product that offers our customers another way to enjoy THC.”
Rec. Weed will be available in 12 oz. bottles with a suggested retail price of $7.00 in Maine. It will be available year-round at recreational dispensaries throughout the state. The beverage will also continue to be available at recreational dispensaries in Massachusetts in 12 oz. slim cans with a suggested retail price of $6.99. Must be 21+ to purchase. Visit www.drinkrecweed.com for more information and to find a local dispensary.
The Harpoon Brewery was founded in 1986 by beer lovers who wanted more and better beer options. When the Brewery was founded, Harpoon was issued Brewing Permit #001 by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, since it was the first to brew commercially in Boston after a dormant period of about 25 years. Since then, it has expanded to a second brewery in Windsor, VT. Harpoon’s line of craft beer features its award-winning IPA and seasonal beers, along with special limited releases. In 2014, Harpoon became an employee-owned company.
Novel Beverage Co. (Novel) is the northeast United States premier manufacturer of THC infused beverages. Operating state-of-the-art production and packaging facilities in Scarborough, Maine and Salisbury, Massachusetts, Novel is locally owned and operated, with a team combining decades of experience in both cannabis and beverage production to bring safe, consistent, delicious ready-to-drink beverages dosed with just the right amount of THC. Novel’s diverse line of products can be found in most adult use cannabis retail stores.
