The cannabis industry has changed considerably over the past few years, and the range of products available this April reflects that. What was once a category defined almost entirely by flower and traditional edibles has expanded into beverages, functional blends, and socially oriented formats that appeal to people who may never have considered cannabis products before.
One of the most significant shifts has been the growth of hemp-derived THC drinks. These beverages are showing up at mainstream retailers including Total Wine & More, positioning them alongside conventional alcohol options rather than tucked away in specialty shops. For consumers who want a social experience without alcohol, this format has found a real audience. Regulatory questions around hemp-derived products remain, but demand has continued to grow regardless.
This 420, several brands stand out for different reasons, whether for their product quality, their mission, or the specific gap in the market they fill.
Cannabis brands making an impression
Anthem has built a reputation around pre-rolls that span a range of sizes and formats. Classic strains like Durban Poison and Northern Lights anchor the lineup, with newer blends added for variety. The consistency of the product has made Anthem a reliable choice for consumers who know what they want.
Be$os takes a different approach, focusing on disposable all-in-one vapes and pre-rolls that come in sativa, hybrid, and indica options. The packaging leans sweet and accessible, targeting consumers who want a straightforward experience without a steep learning curve.
BRĒZ sits in a category of its own, combining cannabis with mushrooms to create what the brand describes as a functional experience. As interest in both plant medicines grows separately, products that blend the two are beginning to attract serious attention from wellness-oriented consumers.
Buddi has focused specifically on THC seltzers and elixirs, designed with flexibility in mind. The products are intended to work on their own or as components in custom drinks, giving consumers more control over their experience than a fixed-dose edible typically allows.
Carolindica has carved out a following with infused candy bars and gummies that prioritize flavor alongside effect. For consumers who approach edibles as much for the eating experience as anything else, the brand has earned consistent attention.
Crescent Canna, based in New Orleans, offers a range of drinks and edibles that reflect a regional sensibility. The variety of formats available makes the brand accessible to a wide range of preferences.
Diesel J’s occupies a slightly different space as a Black-owned smoking accessories brand. The company has grown steadily within a market that has historically been dominated by larger players, and its presence reflects a broader push for ownership diversity within the cannabis industry.
Housing Works Cannabis Co operates on a mission-driven model, directing all sales revenue toward support services for unhoused individuals. Every purchase carries a social component that sets the brand apart from purely commercial competitors.
High Spirits rounds out the beverage category with a line of cannabis-infused drinks designed for relaxed, social consumption. The format appeals to consumers looking for a way to incorporate cannabis into settings where sharing a drink is the norm.
Berner, the rapper and entrepreneur behind several cannabis ventures, released a memoir this year documenting his path through the industry. For anyone interested in the business side of cannabis rather than just the products, it offers a candid account from someone who has been at the center of the market’s evolution.
A note on responsible consumption
All cannabis and hemp-derived THC products are intended for adults 21 and older. Effects vary by product, format, and individual tolerance. Start with lower doses when trying something new, particularly with edibles and beverages where onset time can be slower than expected.
