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Monarch ’ s Missouri Made Infused Seltzer
Former Anheuser-Busch team develops new THC-infused beverages . by Cindy Kosydor , press news writer
During mid-November 2021 , Monarch Supply Company ( Monarch ), a cannabis consumer products company and licensed Missouri medical cannabis manufacturer , announced the first cannabis-infused seltzer to originate within Missouri . The locally crafted , low-dose infused seltzer is named “ Society ,” the namesake and inaugural brand from Monarch Supply Company ’ s Society Beverages portfolio . It will be available to Missouri medical cannabis patients statewide by early 2022 .
Society is crafted from citrus and tropical ingredients , infused with a tasteless , micro-dosed extract of 5 milligrams of THC , are fast-acting , and contain 15 calories . Society comes in a stylized painted and resealable , 12-ounce can , with a price to the consumer of $ 7 .
The announcement of Society ’ s upcoming statewide distribution will follow November ’ s limited launch in the St . Louis region . Through focused distribution , Society is currently featured in a quarter of the medical dispensaries in the Greater St . Louis area . Initially , Society seltzers come in three flavors : Cherry Blossom , featuring a refreshing subtle sweetness of cherries with the balance of a fresh floral aroma ; Blood Orange plus Yuzu , a subtly sweet , orange-flavored seltzer , combined with the citrusy , tart flavor of Yuzu ; and Ginger and Lime , featuring classic notes of ginger spiciest with the zest of lime for a crisp , refreshing finish .
Doug Mars , Monarch Chief Operations Officer , made the Society market expansion announcement in November from the Cannabis Drinks Expo , held in Chicago . Society , as one of the newest cannabis drink innovations , was showcased beside the sector ’ s best-known and best-selling cannabis tonics , nationwide .
Monarch is based in St . Louis and is owned and operated by a local team with 70 years of combined experience in legacy beer leadership , craft brew brand building , and cannabis business-building and dispensary experience . “ Our combined beer and cannabis experience gives our Society beverage portfolio an
28 January 2022
The Monarch team ( left to right ) Cindy Kasydor , Sales & Marketing Director ; Doug Mars , COO ; Jon Orton , Lab Manager , and Corey Christanell , CEO .
edge and an advantage ,” said Monarch Chief Operations Officer Doug Mars . “ Society Beverages is committed to fueling growth and transforming innovation in the category .” Before Monarch , Mars evolved a 26-year-long career with Anheuser-Busch . More recently , he was general manager of a local , high-producing independent craft brewery and managed the first licensed medical cannabis retail dispensary in the Midwest ’ s early adopting state of Illinois .
Monarch leadership said it is confident in making infused beverages Monarch ’ s core offering . It believes that a “ beverage ” is the consumer product format most capable of broadening the usage occasions for the medical cannabis patient , and ultimately , introducing cannabis to the mainstream .
“ THC-infused beverages have a healthier halo than other cannabis products . Society is specifically better for you as a low-calorie , naturally sweetened alternative ,” said Mars .
Monarch Chief Executive Officer Corey Christanell says Society also appeals to broader trends , including as an alternative for millennials and baby boomers who are abandoning sugar drinks and drinking less alcohol . Christanell is an accomplished senior-level sales and marketing executive who spent over 20 years with Anheuser-Busch in several senior management roles . “ Society represents a game-changer as it offers a transformative way to consume cannabis and seamlessly incorporate the plant into our lives ,” Christanell said .
“ Seltzer sales have dramatically increased because people , especially women , are wanting to make healthier choices and decrease the amount of sugar and alcohol they consume ,” said April Hatch , R . N .,