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Welcome Note

Welcome Back Gardeners to the 115th edition of Herbal Profiles!

Happy Friday yall!

If you’re here and you enjoy this newsletter please do me a favor hop over to Youtube or Spotify and subscribe. It’s free, you won’t get anything extra in your inbox besides this weekly email, and it helps me grow. I would love to hit 1,000 subscribers on my Youtube channel and 200 subscribers on Spotify before the end of 2025. I would really appreciate the support, even if you don’t use Youtube!

Let’s get into it.

-Lars

The subreddit I moderate with Chris Fontes has over 1,700 subscribers! And my other subreddit for the broader CPG industry is also growing, hitting over 350 subscribers. I would love to have you join us on either or both subreddits!

The Free Spirits Podcast with David Gonzalez and myself just dropped an emergency podcast with Chris Lackner on Wednesday.

You can find us on Youtube, Apple, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts!

In case you missed last week’s episode with Spencer Ploessl, check it out.

Any comments or questions? Leave comment on this post or shoot me an email. Would love to hear from you!

News Roundup

• Godmother’s Garden, Beloved Queens Weed Store, Raided by DEA - Federal agents raided Godmother’s Garden, a well-known Queens cannabis shop, detaining its founder and seizing products just months after she spoke out against overregulation. The DEA alleges the business was selling hemp products that exceeded legal THC limits. The raid has sparked outrage among local operators and renewed calls for clarity between hemp and cannabis laws.

• Colorado could loosen regulations on intoxicating hemp products, countering new federal ban - Colorado lawmakers are exploring ways to protect the state’s hemp industry by easing local restrictions in response to the new federal ban. Regulators say the move would preserve jobs and tax revenue while keeping products safe through testing and labeling standards. The proposal positions Colorado as a direct counterweight to Washington’s prohibition push.

• New hemp restrictions could end THC drinks in Iowa - Iowa’s hemp beverage market could be wiped out by federal rule changes capping THC content at 0.4mg per container. Local entrepreneurs warn of layoffs and closures if the federal ban takes effect. The story highlights how the new language undermines Iowa’s recent efforts to regulate and tax hemp products responsibly.

• ‘It’s going to crush the industry’: Minnesota hemp businesses brace for impact of federal THC ban - Minnesota hemp operators say the federal ban on intoxicating hemp products will devastate small businesses that only recently achieved regulatory stability. Business owners argue the rule is unnecessary, as the state already enforces strict testing and labeling requirements. Some are preparing legal challenges to protect local jobs and investments.

• The Full List of Hemp Products the Government Wants to Ban - VICE published a detailed breakdown of the hemp-derived products at risk under Congress’s proposed 0.4mg THC limit. The list includes THC seltzers, gummies, chocolates, and even topicals containing trace cannabinoids. The piece underscores the sweeping reach of the proposed ban and its potential to erase entire categories overnight.

• Ohio lawmakers set to ban all intoxicating hemp products, including THC drinks - Ohio legislators introduced a bill that would ban all intoxicating hemp products statewide, regardless of the federal debate. The move mirrors pressure from national trade groups but has sparked pushback from local retailers and farmers. Advocates say the proposal would undo months of bipartisan work to create a balanced regulatory framework.

• Ohio will allow hemp THC drinks amid federal ban, with conditions - In a surprising move, Ohio regulators announced they’ll continue permitting hemp-derived THC beverages — but under stricter rules. Brands must comply with new packaging, dosage, and testing standards to stay on shelves. The decision makes Ohio one of the first states to explicitly carve out a compromise in response to the federal crackdown.

📰 Got news? Submit it here! 📰

Any other questions or inquiries you can respond to this email or DM me on Twitter 

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12.5% and Rising: Why More Athletes Are Reaching for THC Drinks

THC and working out has been a concept for a long time. Athletes have been getting in trouble for using for decades. In recent years, as we all know, we have seen a huge rise in THC drinks. They have come a long way from their early days of tasting like shit and being a novelty. Today, a surprising and growing segment of THC drinkers are reaching for these products not just to relax, but to recover, recharge, and even enhance their athletic routines. According to recent survey data from Sightlines, 12.5% of THC beverage consumers now use them for athletic or gym performance, a number that’s likely to rise as the category matures and the science catches up.

Who Are These Consumers?

So, who are the athletes and fitness enthusiasts turning to THC drinks? While the stereotype of the “couch-locked stoner” still lingers, the reality is much more nuanced. This group includes everyone from weekend warriors and yoga devotees to serious runners and former pro athletes. Many are Millennials or Gen Z, but the trend is spreading across age groups as cannabis becomes more mainstream and wellness-focused.

Their motivations are as varied as their workout playlists. For many the motivation is pain relief and muscle recovery, a way to soothe sore joints or manage chronic aches without reaching for NSAIDs or prescription painkillers. Others, are searching for a boost in motivation or making exercise more enjoyable. And for a growing number, THC drinks are simply a “little treat” or reward after a tough workout, a ritual that replaces the post-gym beer or glass of wine.

What Are They Seeking?

The desired effects of THC and cannabinoid beverages in the athletic context are diverse:

• Relaxation and Recovery: Many products are formulated with CBD, CBG, or CBN, cannabinoids known for their anti-inflammatory, pain-relieving, and sleep-supporting properties. For athletes, this means less soreness, better sleep, and faster recovery between sessions.

• Enhanced Focus and Enjoyment: Some users report that low-dose THC or blends with CBG help them “get in the zone,” making repetitive workouts more engaging or helping them push through mental barriers.

• Mood Boost and Social Connection: Recent research from CU Boulder found that both THC and CBD can increase enjoyment and the feeling of a “runner’s high” during exercise, even if THC also makes the workout feel a bit harder. For group classes, run clubs, or social hikes, THC drinks can add a sense of fun and camaraderie.

Real-world use cases are everywhere:

• Pre-workout: A microdose for motivation, pain management, or to make exercise more enjoyable.

• Post-workout: For recovery, relaxation, and sleep support.

• Social fitness: Group yoga, hiking, or “sober” run clubs where THC drinks replace traditional alcohol-based rituals.

What the Science Says (and Doesn’t)

The science of cannabis and athletic performance is still in its early stages, but the research is growing fast. Most evidence to date supports cannabis for pain relief, sleep, and recovery, not direct performance enhancement. In fact, studies show that while THC can increase enjoyment and motivation, it may also make exercise feel more effortful, likely due to its effects on heart rate and perceived exertion.

CBD, CBG, and CBN are getting attention for their potential to reduce inflammation, ease muscle soreness, and support restful sleep, all crucial for recovery. A recent survey of trained individuals found that 93% felt CBD helped with exercise recovery, and 87% said the same for THC. Another study funded by the NFL is currently investigating whether THC, CBD, or a combination can help pro athletes manage post-game pain and speed recovery.

Anecdotes from athletes abound. Former NFL safety Micah Hyde launched a THC beverage company as he believes in their ability to aid in recovery, physical and mental. Rugby players, runners, and everyday gym-goers are sharing similar stories: less pain, better sleep, and a more enjoyable path to fitness.

Policy Watch: The Hemp Ban Threat

I would be remiss if I didn’t mention that all of this progress is at risk. If the proposed federal hemp ban passes, these products could disappear from shelves, especially in states without legal cannabis. That means athletes and fitness enthusiasts would lose access to a legal, regulated alternative for pain, recovery, and wellness. But beyond that, with this ban, you’d see less research being done. Not only with THC but all all of the minor cannibinoids as well.

Conclusion

The 12.5% figure is just the beginning. As more athletes and fitness enthusiasts discover the benefits of THC and minor cannabinoids, expect this number to grow, and for the conversation around cannabis and athletic performance to get a lot more interesting. Whether it’s for pain relief, recovery, motivation, or just a little post-workout treat, THC drinks are carving out a new niche in the world of fitness. The future of recovery might just come in a can.

Exclusive Coupons - THC Drinks, Health, Wellness, and more

If you’re restocking your THC drinks, here’s a quick reminder, I’ve got verified discounts for a lot more than just infused beverages. The list includes some of my favorite brands across wellness and lifestyle: Ten Thousand for training gear, Ursa Major for skincare, Laundry Sauce for elevated essentials, and of course, the best THC drinks like Cann, Brēz, and oHHo. I keep it updated monthly so you always have an easy place to save.