Circle K Eyes National Expansion for Hemp THC Drinks in 2026

LOS ANGELES – Circle K, the convenience store chain with nearly 7,000 locations across the United States, disclosed plans this week to distribute hemp-derived THC beverages in up to 3,000 stores starting next year. The initiative partners the retailer with Horticulture Co. and Viola to introduce THC-infused drinks nationwide.

The rollout begins with a limited launch in Q4 2025, targeting stores in Florida, North Carolina, and South Carolina. Florida already stocks other hemp-derived THC drinks at more than 900 sites, but this program introduces Allen Iverson line as an anchor product. Expansion to additional states will follow in 2026, confined to jurisdictions where such products receive regulatory approval under federal hemp guidelines established by the 2018 Farm Bill.

“This partnership makes the brand one of the most accessible in the space overnight and boosts awareness of the category within one of the most trusted retail environments, all while reinforcing both brand credibility and consumer confidence,” Saf Sadiq, Horticulture’s CEO, told MJBizDaily on Wednesday.

Viola’s involvement leverages Iverson’s profile to appeal to sports fans and casual consumers. Buzzy Brown, Viola’s CEO, emphasized the product’s design for “premium, functional experiences” without alcohol. Circle K’s parent company, Alimentation Couche-Tard, has tested Cannabis-adjacent offerings before, a 2022 bid to co-locate medical Cannabis dispensaries in Florida with Green Thumb Industries fell through due to state regulators, but hemp products navigate a clearer path by skirting stricter Cannabis licensing.

The move arrives as the U.S. hemp THC beverage sector posts steady gains, driven by strong legalization trends, increased accessibility, growing consumer openness, and demand for low-calorie, sociable, sessionable, and hangover-free alternatives to beer and spirits.

For Circle K, the strategy taps into foot traffic from its 10 million daily customers, many seeking quick grabs during commutes. Analysts see it as a calculated bet on hemp’s regulatory edge. Products containing hemp-derived THC remain federally legal, even in states without adult-use Cannabis programs. “This confers real legitimacy to the hemp space,” noted Steve Schain, a Cannabis attorney at Malkin Law. “It signals to the traditional Cannabis industry that retailers are moving forward with what’s available now.”

Yet the expansion invites scrutiny. Hemp THC drinks operate in a patchwork of state rules, with some areas capping potency or requiring age checks at checkout. Retailers like Target have similarly embraced the category, underscoring consumer pull [U.S. adults report favoring non-alcoholic options for social settings] but Circle K’s scale could amplify calls for uniform standards. Josh Kesselman, founder of RAW Rolling Papers, whose products already line Circle K shelves, views it as proof of enduring demand. “Major chains are responding to what people want, legalization or not,” he said.

In numbers, the potential footprint impresses. Circle K’s network spans 48 states, and even a partial 2026 rollout could capture 20% to 30% of the convenience channel’s hemp sales, based on current Florida benchmarks. That assumes steady supply chains and no disruptions from pending Farm Bill revisions, which could tighten hemp definitions by 2026.

From the vantage of Highly Capitalized Network-HCN, this step underscores a maturing market where convenience drives adoption. Hemp THC beverages offer retailers a low-risk entry, but sustained success will depend on execution [balancing accessibility with compliance] and broader federal clarity. As chains like Circle K normalize these products, expect heightened competition for shelf space and, perhaps, fresh momentum for Cannabis reform.
Watch the Q4 pilot for early indicators.