Jones Soda Co. is expanding its cannabis-infused soda brand Mary Jones to Michigan and Nevada, the fourth and eighth largest cannabis markets in the U.S., respectively. The Mary Jones line debuted last June in California and is slated to launch in Washington State in Q2, continuing a planned national rollout to all recreational use markets.
Mary Jones already ranks as the #1 seller in the cannabis-infused carbonated beverage category in California, where it is carried in more than 275 dispensaries. Retail adoption has been so rapid, fueled by Jones Soda’s reputation for flavor innovation and iconoclastic brand persona, that Mary Jones has become the fastest new cannabis brand launch in the state.
Mary Jones manufacturing and distribution in Michigan and Nevada will be handled by Maxxx Labs, a cannabis contract manufacturing and distribution company specializing in beverage manufacturing. The company operates licensed cannabis manufacturing facilities in both states as well as licensed dispensaries in Michigan, with planned expansion into the Ohio, Florida and Texas markets.
The new agreement brings Mary Jones into two states that are currently expanding their cannabis footprints. Michigan voters legalized adult-use cannabis in 2018, has more than 1,050 cannabis sales locations throughout the state, and is set to open the first Detroit dispensaries this year following the recent award of 33 licenses out of the 160 permitted under the city’s recreational cannabis ordinance. Nevada legalized recreational cannabis use in 2017, now ranks second in the nation in cannabis sales per capita, and is slated to distribute licenses this year for cannabis consumption lounges that are expected to create a marijuana zone in Las Vegas.
Mary Jones will launch in both states this summer with the full portfolio of current products, including Mary Jones 10-milligram and 100-milligram THC-infused sodas and THC-infused syrups. Michigan and Nevada will join California and Washington in the launch of Mary Jones edibles in multiple flavors and formats, also this summer. All products will be available in a variety of flavors that taste exactly like the mainline Jones craft sodas that have been top sellers for over 25 years. Limited-edition flavors will be added seasonally.
“As the first branded soda company to expand into the cannabis space, we have unique advantages that include 26 years of brand recognition, deep flavor science expertise and an edgy brand personality that’s a perfect fit for the canna culture,” said Mark Murray, president, and CEO of Jones Soda Co. “These attributes have already helped turn Mary Jones into California’s top infused carbonated beverage and the state’s fastest-growing cannabis brand, and we fully expect similar success in Washington, Michigan, Nevada and every other market we enter.”
“This launch is special for us. Our Michigan Jones Soda fans are passionate about the brand and their favorite flavors. They’ve been ready for this launch right alongside us, and we know they will love these products,” said Bohb Blair, chief marketing officer of Jones Soda and CBO of Mary Jones. “Nevada is unique, with a hometown group of consumers matched by a large tourist population. We want each of them to have a great Mary Jones experience to talk about when they get home.”
The first Michigan and Nevada dispensaries to carry Mary Jones products will be announced on the ‘Where To Buy’ page on the Mary Jones website shortly before launch.
