The United Center, home to the Chicago Bulls and Blackhawks, is set to offer cannabis-infused beverages at select events, a move that could potentially pave the way for other arenas to follow suit. The drinks, made by Illinois-based cannabis brand Rythm and Señorita, will be available at a Boyz II Men concert on February 4th, priced similarly to premium spirits at around $15-$20.
The decision to offer these drinks is possible due to federal legislation that legalized hemp-derived cannabis products. While some experts believe that other arenas may not be far behind, there are still some hurdles to overcome. For instance, the NHL has not yet approved the sale of THC products at their games, although the general manager of Green Thumb Industries, Rich Schepp, is hopeful that this stance will change in the near future.
Concert venues are eager to capitalize on the growing trend of cannabis use among event-goers, with Schepp noting that many people already arrive at events under the influence. By offering THC drinks, venues can profit from this trend while also providing a safer alternative to alcohol.
However, there are concerns about safety, particularly around the potential for customers to mix THC with alcohol. Dr. Peter Grinspoon, a cannabis specialist at Harvard Medical School, warns that this combination can lead to increased impairment and notes that venue staff must be trained to educate customers on the difference between THC drinks and other beverages.
Despite these concerns, Grinspoon believes that THC drinks could actually make sporting events safer by reducing aggression and promoting a more relaxed atmosphere. The sale of THC drinks at the United Center may be short-lived, however, if a hemp ban passes as part of the discretionary spending bill next November. However, it’s unclear what impact this would have, given that states often defy federal law when it comes to cannabis.
In the meantime, the US Hemp Roundtable’s general counsel, Jonathan Miller, notes that it’s possible that states will continue to allow THC drinks even if the federal government bans hemp. A bill has been introduced in the House and Senate to extend the moratorium on the hemp ban, which could be included in urgent agricultural bills related to tariffs.
