Chicago's United Center now serving THC drinks
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The United Center will be the first major arena in the country to offer hemp-derived THC drinks at concerts and events.
Driving the news: Chicago-based brands Señorita and Rythm announced Tuesday that they have entered into a multiyear deal with the United Center to add hemp-derived THC drinks to the menu.
Why it matters: Alcohol consumption was at an all-time low last year, according to Gallup, so Chicago's largest arena is responding to the trend of sports fans and concertgoers looking for alternatives.
State of play: The stadium will offer four different 5 mg hemp-derived THC options, including margarita and paloma flavors. They will be available for consumers 21 and up.
Yes, but: THC drinks will not be available at Bulls and Blackhawks games as of now, just concerts and other events.
- "NBA/NHL aren't allowed to do any cannabis advertising/sponsorships," a spokesperson tells us.
The big picture: While the United Center is the largest venue to offer these drinks, it isn't the first. Minor league stadiums and other smaller event spaces are already offering the drinks to spectators.
The intrigue: The United Center's move to add these products comes as Chicago's City Council grapples with how to regulate hemp-derived THC products. The council just banned certain products in the city, but it exempted THC drinks from the new ordinance.
- Mayor Brandon Johnson has yet to decide whether he'll veto the ordinance. He has until the end of the week.
What's next: Señorita and Rythm drinks are available at the United Center now, and non-infused samples will be available at upcoming concerts, including The New Edition Way and Life Is a Highway tours in February.