Former Top Minnesota Lawmaker Launches Cannabis-Infused Drink Company
MJ moment

“I helped to spearhead and pass legislation on THC edibles and beverages—yes—but when I was doing it it was not for any purpose other than advancing the policy.” By Michelle Griffith, Minnesota Reformer Former DFL House Majority Leader Ryan Winkler is starting a THC beverage company after playing a key role in the passage of the law that legalized the THC edible industry. Within the next few months, Winkler plans to launch Crooked Beverage Company—a business venture that sells THC-infused, flavored beverages in retail locations. Last year, the Legislature passed a bill legalizing the sale of low-dose THC food and beverages to people over 21, and it was largely unnoticed by the public until the day before it went into effect on July 1. Winkler told the Reformer he had no intentions of starting a company last year when he led the effort to legalize low-dose THC products. He only decided to go into the THC beverage business after he lost the primary election for Hennepin County attorney last August. “I’d hoped to be Hennepin County attorney and focused on public safety. I had no thought of being in business until the voters decided otherwise for me and I looked for other opportunities,” Winkler said. The former House majority leader has been a leader in the effort to legalize recreational marijuana in Minnesota. In 2021, the House passed Winkler’s bill to legalize recreational marijuana, but it stalled in the Republican-controlled Senate. This year’s marijuana legalization bill is similar to Winkler’s legislation. Winkler is currently the chair of MN is Ready, a pro-marijuana legalization advocacy campaign. Winkler isn’t a registered lobbyist, and he said he isn’t paid by the MN is Ready Coalition, which comprises three legalization advocacy groups. The THC beverage marketplace has potential and is a good alternative to alcohol or other…

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