Marijuana Beer

Let’s get one thing clear, legalization of marijuana has absolutely nothing to do with this topic. Seriously. I can’t believe this question is being asked by a resident of the greater-Portland area! There are possibly more funky bars, cafes, and 60s-themed venues in Portland than in San Francisco. I think folks have been adding hops’ only cousin to beer for quite some time.

My opinion on this subject is based on beer labeling laws in the United States. I really do not think we will be seeing giant waves of Canabinales and Skunkweed Pilsners flooding any markets because beer labeling is primarily controlled by the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax Trade Bureau, or TTB. Although a brewery that only sells beer within the borders of the state where the beer is brewed does not have to comply with federal labeling rules, most states have laws that are consistent with TTB rules or simply defer to TTB approval. And labeling laws do directly address what ingredients are being used in the beer, even though
ingredient lists are not required on beer labels.

I live in Missouri and our beer labels require TTB approval for all beers sold in the state. I don’t know if this is true in all states, and it is possible that some states have different laws that may make things different. The practical point is that for states like Missouri, commercial breweries cannot do anything that is prevented by the TTB. Since marijuana is not legal at the national level, breweries cannot add marijuana to beer. So don’t hold your breath too long waiting for this type of beer to show up in the market.

I don’t think you want to be bored with all of this legal stuff, so let’s just rip the Band-Aid off and get to the nitty gritty. You can add marijuana to beer just like hops. Mash pot, kettle pot, whirlpool pot, dry pot, Randall pot-infused, pot oils, etc. If the brewing method includes the word “hop,” simply substitute with pot and you are good to go! You can play the same game with food and replace aromatic herbs with marijuana sprinkles with fun beer and food pairing experiments. How about a highly aromatic German Pilsner paired with a Pizza Marijane. The mechanics of this process seem pretty easy, so I will leave the creative development to others!

One thing is for certain, as brewers continue to push the envelope there will likely be some holes formed in the bubble that defines beer. I was discussing this very topic with a fellow brewer at the Master Brewers Association of the Americas (MBAA) annual convention in Jacksonville, Florida back in October.

Response by Ashton Lewis.