As the boundaries between craft brewing, wellness, and cannabis continue to blur, Connecticut is emerging as a proving ground for innovation in the beverage world. At the forefront of this evolution is Float House, the state’s first producer of non-alcoholic, hemp-derived THC beverages—ushering in a new era where hops and hemp coexist in a single can.
From Beer Batches to THC Brews
Float House co-founder and CEO Gordon Whelpley began his career steeped in the world of craft beer, working in regional breweries and teaching brewing science. But as consumer habits shifted toward alcohol alternatives and functional beverages, Whelpley recognized an opportunity. His background in brewing gave him the perfect foundation to experiment with hemp-derived THC, combining craft beer’s artistry with cannabis’s growing mainstream appeal.
Float House’s products are brewed using familiar beer-making techniques but skip the alcohol in favor of a mild THC infusion. The goal isn’t intoxication—it’s experience. Each drink offers the ritual and flavor of craft beer with a light, relaxing buzz that stays well within legal limits.
Navigating a New Regulatory Landscape
Launching a THC beverage company is no small feat. The regulatory web around hemp and cannabis varies wildly between state and federal law, requiring businesses like Float House to tread carefully. Connecticut law currently limits where and how THC drinks can be sold, restricting them primarily to off-site retail locations.
Even with these challenges, Whelpley and his team are pushing forward, advocating for clear guidelines that support innovation while ensuring consumer safety. They see regulation not as a roadblock, but as a roadmap—one that will eventually allow the industry to expand responsibly.
Crafting a New Category
Float House’s debut lineup includes THC IPA and THC Lite, beverages designed to mirror the look, taste, and texture of traditional beer. The IPA leans into hop-forward aromatics, while the lighter version appeals to casual drinkers who want something crisp and refreshing. Both follow a “start low, go slow” approach—offering modest doses meant to enhance relaxation rather than overwhelm.
Each batch reflects the company’s emphasis on precision and consistency. Flavor, mouthfeel, and dosage are calibrated to give consumers confidence in what they’re drinking—a crucial factor in a market that’s still defining its standards.
Balancing Innovation and Responsibility
For Float House, success means more than selling beverages—it’s about shaping a responsible and respected industry. The company is blending craft brewing traditions with a deep respect for compliance, consumer education, and transparency.
As alcohol-free lifestyles become more common and cannabis gains mainstream acceptance, products like Float House’s THC beverages represent the next frontier in social drinking. They appeal to consumers seeking relaxation and connection without the hangover or health drawbacks of alcohol.
Whelpley’s vision is clear: to create a space where cannabis and craftsmanship meet, and where innovation doesn’t just challenge old categories—it creates entirely new ones.
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