Target’s bold move into cannabis-infused beverages is turning heads among marijuana users. A fresh poll reveals most consumers feel more inclined to hit the retailer’s stores after the company kicked off a pilot program selling THC drinks in Minnesota. But what does this mean for big-box shopping and the growing weed market?
Target has quietly started testing the waters with hemp-derived THC beverages at 10 select stores in its home state of Minnesota. This pilot marks a big step for mainstream retail, as the company dips into the low-dose cannabis drink scene. Shoppers over 21 can now grab these infused seltzers and sodas alongside their usual buys, but only in locations with attached liquor stores.
The drinks come from brands like Wynk and others, each packing a mild THC punch that’s legal under state rules. Minnesota legalized edibles and beverages with up to 5mg of THC per serving back in 2022, paving the way for this kind of product. Target’s execs say they’re watching consumer trends closely, especially as hemp products face new federal scrutiny.
This pilot could reshape how everyday stores handle cannabis items. It started in October 2025, with products hitting shelves amid debates in Congress about tightening hemp laws. If successful, it might expand, but for now, it’s limited to those Minnesota spots.
One key detail: These aren’t high-potency items. They’re designed for a light buzz without the hangover, appealing to folks seeking alcohol alternatives.
Poll Shows Strong Consumer Support
A new survey by NuggMD, a platform for cannabis telehealth, polled over 1,000 marijuana users nationwide. The results? A whopping 62% said Target’s THC drink sales make them more likely to shop there in the future. Only 12% felt less inclined, while the rest stayed neutral.
Respondents highlighted convenience as a big draw. “It’s about making cannabis normal and easy to access,” one user noted in the poll, which wrapped up in late October 2025. NuggMD conducted the online survey to gauge reactions to Target’s announcement, drawing from its user base of medical cannabis patients and recreational fans.
This enthusiasm isn’t just talk. The poll found that 45% of respondents already shop at Target regularly, and the THC addition could boost foot traffic. Analysts point out that cannabis consumers spend big on everyday goods, with some studies showing they outpace non-users in retail spending.
Breaking it down:
- 62% more likely to shop
- 26% no change
- 12% less likely
Such numbers suggest Target’s strategy might pay off, especially in states where cannabis is gaining ground.
The survey also touched on broader views. Many users see this as a win for normalization, reducing stigma around THC products.
Impact on Retail and Cannabis Markets
Target’s entry into THC sales comes at a pivotal time. The cannabis beverage market is booming, projected to hit $2 billion by 2026, according to data from Brightfield Group, a market research firm that tracked trends through 2025. These drinks offer a discreet, calorie-light option compared to smoking or edibles.
For Target, this could help reverse recent sales dips. The retailer reported a 2% drop in comparable sales in its latest quarter, but adding trendy items like THC drinks might lure younger shoppers. Minnesota’s market alone has seen THC edibles surge since legalization, with sales topping $100 million in 2024, per state reports.
Retail giants like Target are betting on cannabis to stay relevant. Competitors watch closely; Circle K has hinted at similar nationwide plans for hemp drinks. This shift affects everyday consumers too, making THC more accessible without a dispensary visit.
However, challenges loom. Federal lawmakers are debating changes to the 2018 Farm Bill that could restrict hemp-derived THC. If passed, it might halt programs like Target’s.
In Minnesota, local brewers and dispensaries feel the heat. Small cannabis brands worry big retailers could dominate, squeezing out independents.
Broader Implications for Shoppers and Society
This development stirs up questions about public health and access. Proponents argue low-dose THC drinks promote responsible use, with effects kicking in faster than edibles for better control. A 2023 study from the University of Minnesota found that 70% of users preferred beverages for their milder high, based on interviews with 500 adults.
On the flip side, critics fear it normalizes drug use in family-friendly stores. Parent groups have voiced concerns, though Target limits sales to adult-only areas.
Economically, it could create jobs in production and retail. Minnesota’s cannabis industry added 5,000 positions since 2022, according to state labor data.
Consumers benefit from variety. Options range from fruity seltzers to coffee-infused drinks, all under strict THC limits.
Looking ahead, if Target expands, it might inspire other chains. Walmart and Costco have stayed silent, but industry insiders predict more pilots in legal states.
Target’s THC pilot and the positive poll response highlight a shifting landscape where cannabis meets mainstream shopping. It promises easier access for users, potential growth for retailers, and ongoing debates about regulation.
