a bottle of mellocello sitting on a bed of cannabis

From Seed to Sip: The Craft Hemp Beverage Revolution in Missouri

houseSlaphappy Hemp Company Jul 17, 2025

Missouri’s hemp scene has been shaking things up for years, but nothing is turning heads quite like the rise of craft hemp beverages. We’re talking about a whole new category of drinks that are refreshing, functional, and—let’s be honest—just plain fun. From backyard barbecues to upscale tasting rooms, hemp-infused beverages are showing up everywhere. And Missouri is quickly becoming a hotbed for innovation.

This isn’t about grabbing a random CBD seltzer off the gas station shelf. This is about high-quality, small-batch, craft-made drinks that take hemp seriously. We’re talking local farms, skilled infusion techniques, and careful attention to flavor profiles. Missouri’s craft hemp beverage revolution is here, and it’s changing the way we drink.

Why Hemp Beverages Are Having a Moment

The rise of hemp beverages in Missouri is no accident. They bring something unique to the table:

  • Fast-acting effects thanks to water-soluble hemp extracts
  • Versatility in flavor, from citrus-forward spritzers to smooth herbal blends
  • A healthier alternative to alcohol for people who want to unwind without a hangover
  • Legal accessibility in much of the state (even with ongoing hemp policy debates)

As more consumers seek alternatives to booze, craft hemp beverages step in as the perfect middle ground. They’re social, fun, and flavorful—without the drawbacks of alcohol.

If you haven’t browsed our beverages lineup yet, it’s a perfect snapshot of what this movement is about.

From Local Fields to Local Glasses

The “craft” part of craft hemp beverages isn’t just a marketing line—it’s about local sourcing and real attention to detail.

Many Missouri hemp beverage makers start with locally grown hemp, often from farms just a short drive away. The hemp is harvested, processed into cannabinoid-rich extracts, and carefully blended into beverages that actually taste good (unlike the bitter, chalky hemp drinks of the past).

This farm-to-bottle approach means:

  • Supporting local agriculture
  • Reducing transportation emissions
  • Keeping more dollars in Missouri’s economy
  • Giving consumers a fresher, higher-quality product

Slaphappy Hemp’s partnerships within the local hemp community, especially through the Craft Hemp Beverage Guild, help keep this movement strong and connected.

Craft Hemp Beverages vs. Mass-Produced CBD Drinks

Walk into a big-box store and you might see a row of CBD drinks with colorful labels. Most are mass-produced, loaded with sugar, and offer a fraction of the benefits of a true craft product.

Craft hemp beverages stand out because:

  • They use full-spectrum or broad-spectrum hemp for the entourage effect
  • Flavor is treated as seriously as any craft beer or cocktail
  • They’re made in small batches for consistency and quality
  • The people behind them actually care about hemp’s benefits

When you sip a craft hemp beverage, you’re not just consuming cannabinoids—you’re tasting the creativity, skill, and dedication of Missouri’s hemp artisans.

Flavor Innovation: Beyond the Basics

If your only experience with hemp beverages is a vaguely citrus-flavored canned seltzer, you’re missing out. Missouri’s craft hemp beverage creators are experimenting with:

  • Botanical infusions like lavender, hibiscus, and rosemary
  • Seasonal flavors using local fruit like blackberries, peaches, and apples
  • Specialty blends that combine hemp with adaptogens or natural nootropics
  • Non-carbonated options for people who want something smoother than a seltzer

This isn’t one-size-fits-all. Whether you want something light and sparkling or rich and herbal, there’s a craft hemp beverage in Missouri for you.

Social Connection Without the Hangover

One of the biggest drivers behind the hemp beverage boom is the social experience. People want to meet friends for a drink, celebrate milestones, or relax after work—but they don’t necessarily want alcohol in the mix.

Craft hemp beverages fit seamlessly into:

  • Backyard parties
  • Weddings and receptions
  • Concerts and festivals
  • Dinner with friends

The bonus? You wake up the next morning feeling refreshed instead of foggy. For many, that’s reason enough to swap their go-to drink for a hemp alternative.

The Legal Landscape in Missouri

Missouri’s hemp laws are in flux, and that includes the beverage space. While hemp-derived cannabinoids are legal at the federal level, state legislation like SB-54 has created uncertainty for small businesses and consumers. The craft hemp beverage industry has been vocal in defending its right to operate, arguing for fair, balanced regulation.

For now, hemp beverages remain available across much of Missouri, but it’s important to support local businesses that are actively protecting your access to these products. Slaphappy Hemp is one of those voices—standing up for consumers, farmers, and fellow makers.

How to Enjoy Craft Hemp Beverages

If you’re new to hemp drinks, here are some tips to get the best experience:

  1. Start low, go slow – Pay attention to the milligram strength and start with a smaller serving if you’re new to cannabinoids.
  2. Pair with food – Hemp beverages often shine when paired with snacks or a meal.
  3. Try different styles – Sparkling, still, herbal, fruity—see what fits your taste.
  4. Support local – Buying from Missouri hemp brands keeps the movement strong.

If you’re unsure where to start, swing by our beverages page and explore the lineup.

Where to Find Craft Hemp Beverages in Missouri

You don’t have to hunt far to find a great hemp beverage in the Show-Me State:

  • Local hemp shops and dispensaries
  • Farmers markets
  • Bars and restaurants with hemp-friendly menus
  • Online direct from brands like Slaphappy Hemp

Missouri is one of the few states where hemp beverages are truly integrated into local culture—thanks to advocates, entrepreneurs, and loyal customers.

Why Slaphappy Hemp Loves This Revolution

At Slaphappy Hemp, we’ve always believed hemp belongs in the everyday lives of Missourians—not just as a supplement, but as a shared experience. Craft hemp beverages do exactly that. They’re approachable, delicious, and perfect for both hemp newcomers and longtime fans.

Our involvement in the Craft Hemp Beverage Guild is part of our mission to make hemp beverages a normal, celebrated part of Missouri’s food and drink scene.

The Future of Hemp Beverages in Missouri

The momentum behind hemp beverages isn’t slowing down. In fact, we’re just getting started. Expect to see:

  • More bars offering hemp cocktails alongside beer and wine
  • Specialty hemp tasting rooms popping up in urban and rural areas
  • Crossovers with Missouri’s craft beer and wine industries
  • Continued innovation in flavors, formulations, and functional benefits

If we protect fair hemp laws and keep supporting our local makers, Missouri could become the national leader in craft hemp beverages.

Final Sip

From the fields of Missouri hemp farms to the glass in your hand, craft hemp beverages represent a new way to enjoy the plant’s benefits—without compromise. They bring people together, support local agriculture, and offer a refreshing alternative to traditional drinks.

And if you really want the full experience? Stop by the Slaphappy Hemporium and see what’s fresh, cold, and ready for you to try. Whether you’re browsing bottles, tasting something new, or talking shop with fellow hemp lovers, it’s the perfect place to connect with the heart of Missouri’s hemp movement.

Reach out to us to learn more, place an order, or find where you can try one near you. This is one revolution you’ll want to taste for yourself.