Minnesota's 1st THC Drink Distribution Center Is Now Open

Fair State Brewing, Minnesota and the nation's first unionized microbrewery, has launched Minnesota’s first-ever THC drink packaging and distribution center, and it is now open in St. Paul.

Chill Collective, a partnership of drink makers is now open. “Named after Fair State’s cannabis beverage line, Chill State Collective offers co-packing, storing, distribution and endorsement to assist other top-tier cannabeverage brands in Minnesota,” noted by Fair State’s latest press release about Chill Collective.

After Minnesota legalized sales of hemp-derived THC edibles and infused beverages in July 2022, many breweries wanted to launch their own THC drinks. These like-minded breweries have now committed to the philosophy and goal of making Minnesota’s emerging cannabis market a success and have partnered with Chill State. This includes Bent Paddle, FIND WUNDER, Happi, Offfield, and Plift.

Fair State shares the following from their press release:

“We are bringing experienced operators and strategic thinkers together in a new beverage segment, which is really unique,” said Chill State Collective Principal and Program Director Rob Shellman. “We have the best of the best and are dedicated to running this business in a mission-driven and responsible way for Minnesota. We’re aiming to encourage safe cannabis discovery through exceptional quality.”

Fair State does note that the THC Drink market can be polarizing. With so many laws and guidelines coming into effect/changing, as well as education on doses, and differentiating between THC and CBD, those in the market know many are skeptical. However, Michelle Bastyr, Fair State Brewing’s Marketing Director states that “people are finding Chill State highly refreshing as it enhances herbal and tropical cannabis flavors, instead of masking them.”

Fair State explains the unique taste of Chill State’s cannabis beverages, “which are recognizable for highlighting flavors from terpenes, which are hyper-potent plant-derived aroma compounds. Beverages are light and refreshing with zero calories, added sugar, or artificial sweeteners.” With the opening of Chill State, they are launching their second cannabis beverage: Pineapple Express.

Most cannabis beverages currently sold in Minnesota contain 2 to 5 milligrams of THC, though select cannabeverages contain varying doses of CBD. Cannabeverages are currently available for purchase at various stores, bars, and restaurants to anyone 21 and older throughout the state.

All information is credited to the press release by Fair State and their website, as well as drinkchillstate.com.

Dives Worth a Drive in South Dakota, Iowa and Minnesota

Almost every small South Dakota town has a watering hole. It’s where the locals go to kick back a few brews and engage in conversation.

Some of these establishments are located in buildings almost as old as the town itself. There might be a fresh coat of paint on the walls or new vinyl on the booth seats, but the ambiance is still reminiscent of a good ol’ dive.

If you think a "dive" is all about the sketchy clientele, the smell of the Devil’s lettuce, and stale Grain Belt, you’d be wrong. Not every dive has a bad reputation.

What makes a dive, a dive?

A dive has character. Neon beer signs and local memorabilia adorn the walls.

You might find a pool table, dart board, and a few video lottery machines.

The bartender knows the regulars by name and they know what you drink.

Some dives don't even serve food except for bags of chips and pickled eggs that sit in a jar of brine on the bar.

Dives aren't fancy. You might see 70's-style wood panels on the walls and wobbly tables leveled with a folded napkin.

Finally, the bathrooms. The bathrooms in dives are in a class by themselves and could be a whole topic on its own.

There are several small-town dives in our area with friendly faces, cheap booze with a burn, and even really good food! We use the term "dive" in the most affectionate way.

Here are some of the best and why you should go there.

Gallery Credit: Karla Brown

Categories: Lifestyle