Circle K is preparing a major move into the cannabis beverage market, announcing plans to sell hemp-derived THC drinks in up to 3,000 of its U.S. convenience stores starting in 2026.
The rollout will begin late next year in North Carolina, South Carolina, and Florida with products developed by Horticulture Co. and branded by former NBA superstar Allen Iverson. The beverages—made in partnership with fellow ex-player Al Harrington’s company, Viola—will each contain 10 milligrams of THC per can.
“This partnership makes the brand one of the most accessible in the space overnight,” said Saf Sadiq, Horticulture Co.’s CEO. “It’s about as close to a national rollout as the industry has seen to date—and the largest in scale by any chain retailer.”
The initiative marks Circle K’s most significant step into cannabis so far, following smaller trials of hemp-derived THC drinks in Georgia and Florida earlier this year. It also positions the Quebec-based retailer, which operates nearly 10,000 stores across North America, as one of the first major chains to carry THC-infused products at scale.
Observers see the development as a turning point for the hemp beverage industry—and for mainstream cannabis access more broadly. “Circle K’s adoption of Iverson’s product confers major legitimacy to the hemp sector,” said cannabis attorney Steve Schain. “The marketplace is embracing hemp-derived intoxicants as warmly as traditional cannabis.”
The move follows similar experiments by other large retailers. Earlier this month, Target announced it would carry hemp THC beverages at select stores in Minnesota, while Total Wine & Spirits began offering similar products earlier this year.
Circle K’s expansion comes amid growing uncertainty over the future of hemp-derived THC products. Lawmakers are considering changes to the 2018 Farm Bill that could restrict sales of intoxicating hemp, but so far the products remain federally legal.
Entrepreneur Josh Kesselman, founder of RAW Rolling Papers, said consumer demand is driving the trend: “The genie is not going back in the lamp. People want THC beverages—and big retailers are finally listening.”
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