KEY TAKEAWAYS: Urban South Brewery launched NOLA Cola, its first line of hemp-derived THC-infused soft drinks. The lineup debuts with Classic Cola and Root Beer, each featuring 5 mg of hemp-derived THC. Products are available at the brewery’s taproom, select Louisiana grocery stores and onli ne where permitted. The launch expands Urban South’s portfolio beyond craft beer into the fast-growing THC beverage market.   Urban South Brewery is expanding beyond craft beer with the launch of NOLA Cola, a new line of hemp-derived THC-infused soft drinks featuring familiar soda flavors. The New Orleans brewery announced the new beverage brand with two products: NOLA Cola Classic Cola, which contains 5 milligrams of hemp-derived THC and 30 milligrams of caffeine, and NOLA Cola Root Beer, a THC-infused version of the traditional soft drink. The launch marks Urban South’s latest move into the growing hemp-derived beverage market, offering an alternative to the THC seltzers that have become increasingly common in recent years. The company said the new products are designed to pair recognizable soft drink flavors with a balanced THC infusion. “We designed Nola Cola to bring a fresh perspective to the soda flavors people know and love,” Jacob Landry, co-founder of Urban South Brewery, said in a statement. “As we continue to grow beyond craft beer, we’re focused on creating beverages that are approachable, flavorful and made for the way people want to enjoy them today.” The beverages are available at the Urban South taproom, select grocery stores across Louisiana and through direct-to-consumer online sales in states where permitted. The company noted that product availability and allowable THC potency may vary by location based on state regulations. Founded in 2016, Urban South Brewery has grown into a regional craft brewery with operations in New Orleans and Pensacola, Florida, following its acquisition of Perfect Plain Brewing Co. The brewery is known for beers including Paradise Park American Lager and Holy Roller IPA, as well as fruited sours and hard seltzers. The introduction of NOLA Cola continues the company’s expansion into beverage categories beyond traditional craft beer as consumer demand for hemp-derived THC drinks continues to grow. ...read more read less