In what is being described as “a groundbreaking cultural first for both the cannabis and spirits industries,” New Orleans’ Tales of the Cocktail has named High & Dry THC-infused seltzers from iconic comedy duo Cheech & Chong as the first cannabis beverage sponsor for the Spirited Awards.
The nonprofit organization Tales of the Cocktail Foundation works to empower the global hospitality industry through education, advocacy and community support. At its annual conference held in New Orleans each July, the group brings the hospitality industry together for an event “that blends education, networking, and celebration like no other,” according to organizers.
The conference also honors leaders from the global cocktail industry with its coveted Spirited Awards in categories such as World’s Best Cocktail Bar, World’s Best Cocktail Menu and Tales Visionary Award, among others.
Cheech & Chong’s High & Dry Seltzers are hemp-based THC-infused canned beverages designed to deliver the psychoactive effects of cannabis in a palatable, drinkable formulation. A growing category that is gaining market share, hemp-derived THC beverages have become a common sight at liquor stores and bars in some states since the legalization of hemp agriculture and products via the 2018 Farm Bill.
First Cannabis Beverage Spirited Awards Sponsor
This year marks the first time that the Spirited Awards has embraced a cannabis brand as an official sponsor of the event. As part of the festivities, weed culture heroes Cheech & Chong (Cheech Marin and Tommy Chong) will present the Spirited Awards for the Best Broadcast, Podcast or Online Video Series and the Best Cocktail and Spirits Publication.
The High & Dry seltzers will also be highlighted throughout the Tales of the Cocktail experience, giving bartenders and other industry professionals an opportunity to sample the products and learn how they integrate with the cocktail world.
“We’re not just bringing drinks-we’re bringing the culture,” Chong, co-founder of Cheech & Chong’s Beverages, said in a statement from the company. “High & Dry is all about fun, connection, and new experiences. And Tales of the Cocktail is the perfect place to share it.”
Hemp-THC Drinks A ‘Whole New Category’ In Cannabis Consumption
In an exclusive interview, Marin says that hemp-derived THC beverages including the High & Dry Seltzers and the company’s High Tea THC-infused iced tea offerings make cannabis accessible to a wide range of consumers.
“It’s a whole new category, it’s a brand-new way of enjoying the herb,” says. “And we want to go to where the people are, and make it easier, so you can get your you’re drink at a grocery store, you know? And that makes it a lot easier for when you go watch your kid play soccer.”
Cheech & Chong’s THC infused seltzers are available in a variety of flavors, as are the High Tea canned iced tea drinks. When asked what sets his THC-infused beverages apart from the others in a market crowed with weed drinks, Marin notes one important difference.
“Well, you know, they’re called Cheech and Chong,” he replies with a chuckle. “And everybody knows that name. So, we hope that this stands for high quality and enjoyability and accessibility and you know, we kind of want to spread the news. At a certain age, you get kind of wary of smoking, you know, and I know the age. Hemp or THC in a liquid form, that’s a lot better.”
Tales of the Cocktail kicks off on July 20 in New Orleans and runs through July 25.