As liquor stores across Minnesota — and the country — begin stocking hemp-derived THC beverages and edibles, one thing is clear: these aren’t just trendy add-ons. They’re fast becoming core revenue drivers, with category growth outpacing craft beer and many RTD (ready-to-drink) spirits.
But selling these products well requires more than putting them on a shelf. Success comes down to one word: merchandising.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to merchandise cannabis beverages and edibles, backed by real sales data, customer psychology, and market forecasts. Whether you're new to the category or looking to scale sales, this playbook will help you convert curious shoppers into confident repeat buyers.
Why Merchandising Matters in Cannabis
Unlike a bottle of wine or a six-pack of IPA, a THC-infused gummy or cannabis seltzer often sparks questions:
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“Will I feel this right away?”
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“Is this legal?”
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“How much should I take?”
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“What does 5mg mean?”
- "What does THC and CBN feel like?"
In other words, this category carries education baggage. But with thoughtful merchandising, you can reduce confusion, build customer trust, and dramatically boost basket size.
1. Build a Dedicated Cannabis Section
Location Matters
Place cannabis beverages and edibles in their own branded section, not mixed with sparkling water, soft drinks, or beer. This:
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Helps customers find the products more easily.
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Avoids confusion about what’s psychoactive and what’s not.
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Creates space for signage and product education.
Signage Tips
Use clear, visible signage that answers FAQs:
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“Hemp-derived THC is legal in Minnesota.”
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“Low-dose = controlled experience.”
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“Start slow. Most people feel effects in 30–60 minutes.”
A shelf without education is a missed opportunity. Think of your display as both retail space and your sales rep.
2. Organize by Potency — Microdose to Standard
Organizing products by THC strength makes shopping intuitive. We recommend:
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🟢 Microdose (1–2mg THC per serving): Perfect for beginners, social drinkers, and those seeking light, functional effects.
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🟡 Low Dose (5mg): The sweet spot for many users who want a light buzz.
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🔴 Standard Dose (10mg): For experienced consumers seeking a stronger effect.
Color-coded shelf tags or display headers help communicate this instantly.
3. Merchandise by Effect, Not Just Milligrams
The future of cannabis retail is effect-based shopping. People don’t just want 5mg THC — they want to feel a certain way.
We recommend organizing or tagging products based on:
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☀️ Uplifting / Social — Think Sativa-like terpenes or energizing blends.
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🌙 Relaxing / Chill — Indica-style for winding down.
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😴 Sleep Support — CBN- or CBD-heavy formulations.
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🧠 Focus / Creative — Great for working or creating.
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💪 Wellness / Non-Intoxicating — CBD or CBG-based products.
These effects can be communicated visually using icons on shelf talkers or display cards. Customers love this guidance — it simplifies choice and drives discovery.
4. Showcase Cannabinoid Ratios in Plain English
Many products go beyond just THC. Blends include:
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1:1 THC:CBD — Balanced, less intense.
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2:1 THC:CBG — More functional or energizing.
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CBN-heavy — Better for sleep.
Rather than listing ratios, use consumer-friendly language like:
- "Active Buzz"
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“Calm Blend”
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“Sleep Formula”
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“Balanced Buzz”
This helps make the category feel accessible and prevents customers from walking away confused.
5. Lean Into Lifestyle Features
As with beer and spirits, customers care about ingredients and lifestyle fit.
Group or tag products for:
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Low Sugar / No Sugar — Growing interest from health-conscious buyers.
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Mocktail-Friendly THC Beverages — Promote as social, alcohol-free alternatives.
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Terpene-Infused / Flavored — Offer sensory-driven experiences.
Consider cross-merchandising:
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THC mixers next to NA spirits.
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“Craft Your Cannabis Cocktail” displays for curious bartenders and party hosts.
6. Use Seasonal and Trend-Based Displays
Much like alcohol categories, cannabis products rotate well with the seasons:
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Summer: Lemonades, citrus blends, light social seltzers.
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Fall/Winter: Apple ciders, dark berry, chai or herbal blends.
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Holidays: Gift bundles or party packs.
Retailers who rotate displays see increased interest — and repeat visits.
7. Empower With QR Codes and Interactive POS Tools
Most customers have questions they don’t want to ask out loud. That’s where QR codes shine.
Brands like Nothing But Hemp offer 30–45 second videos at point of sale that explain:
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How to dose
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What the product does
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What to expect
This is like having a digital budtender — no staffing required.
National Market Projections: Where It’s All Going
This category isn’t slowing down. According to national industry forecasts:
🍬 Edibles
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2024: $950M
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2029: $1.35B
+42% growth over five years.
🥤 Beverages
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2024: $382M
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2029: $750M
+96% growth — nearly double.
The takeaway? Beverages are the fastest-growing segment in cannabis. That’s a huge opportunity for liquor stores to dominate early.
Minnesota: Leading the National Movement
Minnesota is on the front lines of hemp-derived THC retail. Here’s what 2024 looks like:
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THC beverage market revenue: $130M–$200M
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Legal clarity + retail accessibility = booming sales
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Liquor stores are key access points for the category
Local Innovation: Brands to Know
Minnesota is home to some of the most innovative cannabis beverage and edible companies in the U.S. Here’s how they help you win:
🟣 Nothing But Canna
Terpene- and cannabinoid-ratio gummies with split dosing. From calm and focused to social and sensual, these gummies make cannabis feel like choosing a wine varietal — not a drug.
🟡 Vibes
Effect-driven THC beverages with sativa, indica, and hybrid formulas. Flavors like Pineapple Express and Black Cherry Pie match relaxing effects.
🟠 Minx
Mocktail-style beverages infused with THC + CBC. Designed for parties, brunches, and social occasions, Minx drinks look as good as they taste — and deliver consistent, uplifting effects.
Final Takeaways: Your Cannabis Merchandising Checklist
Whether you're testing one SKU or rolling out a full cannabis beverage aisle, use this checklist:
✅ Create a standalone THC section
✅ Organize by potency and effect
✅ Use icons and consumer-friendly language
✅ Rotate seasonal displays
✅ Include educational signage and QR codes
✅ Leverage Minnesota-made brands that understand retail
The more you guide, the more customers buy — and come back for more.
Ready to Merch?
If you’re looking for POS materials, staff training, interactive signage, or in-store displays, Nothing But Hemp can help. We specialize in helping liquor stores maximize this high-growth category with education-forward solutions and award-winning products.
Get in touch:
📧 team@nothingbuthemp.net
🌐 nothingbuthemp.net
