In a historic first for the sports industry, the Portland Pickles—a collegiate summer baseball team based in Portland, Oregon—have partnered with Cycling Frog to offer hemp-derived THC products at their home games. This marks a groundbreaking moment for both the cannabis and sports industries, as the Portland Pickles become the first U.S. sports team to legally sell THC products at live events. This exclusive partnership with Cycling Frog introduces fans to THC-infused beverages in an unexpected setting: the ballpark.
Cycling Frog Partnership: A Step into New Territory
Cycling Frog, founded in 2021, is a company that specializes in hemp-derived, full-spectrum cannabinoid products, including THC seltzers, gummies, softgels, and microdose mints. Their product range is based on legal, hemp-derived cannabinoids, allowing them to offer a variety of products in states where THC derived from marijuana is heavily regulated or illegal. The collaboration between Cycling Frog and the Portland Pickles represents a significant shift in how hemp-derived products are marketed and consumed, especially in family-friendly, sports-oriented environments like Walker Stadium.
The Portland Pickles began selling Cycling Frog’s THC-infused seltzer drinks during their home games on June 18, 2024. The partnership introduces two THC seltzer flavors—passionfruit and lemon—which contain 2 mg of THC and 4 mg of CBG per can. These drinks are available at multiple locations within the stadium, providing fans with a unique way to enjoy their ballgame.
Legal Considerations and Regulatory Compliance
The legality of selling THC products at live sporting events in the U.S. is a delicate issue, and the Portland Pickles’ partnership with Cycling Frog is no exception. The THC used in Cycling Frog’s products is derived from hemp, making it federally legal under the 2018 Farm Bill, which legalized hemp and its derivatives as long as the THC content remains below 0.3% by dry weight.
Before launching the product at games, the Portland Pickles consulted with the Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission (OLCC) and Portland Parks and Recreation, which owns the stadium. Both agencies confirmed that the sale of hemp-derived THC products at Walker Stadium is permitted under local and state laws. However, only individuals aged 21 and over are allowed to purchase the seltzers, aligning with state regulations for hemp-derived THC products.
Ross Campbell, the VP of Business Development for the Pickles, stated, “The Portland Pickles have a responsibility in the sports industry to take leaps and set a precedent of innovative partnerships.” He went on to explain that the Pickles were the first sports team to partner with a CBD company in 2019, a move that has since inspired other sports teams, including those at the Major League level, to explore similar collaborations.
THC and Sports: Breaking New Ground
The sale of THC products at a sporting event has drawn significant attention, with many observers noting the historical and cultural significance of the move. This is especially true in light of the general caution the sports industry has shown regarding cannabis-related products. By introducing THC-based beverages, the Portland Pickles are at the forefront of a potential paradigm shift in how cannabis products are perceived in public spaces.
Cycling Frog’s THC seltzers offer a new way for fans to interact with hemp-derived cannabinoids in a casual, recreational setting. Unlike smoking or vaping, which have long been the dominant modes of cannabis consumption, THC seltzers provide a discreet and socially acceptable alternative that appeals to a broader demographic, including those who are curious about cannabis but may not be interested in inhaling it.
Moreover, the fact that these products are hemp-derived ensures that the partnership stays within the bounds of legality, avoiding the more complex regulations surrounding marijuana-derived THC. This distinction is crucial for the Portland Pickles, as it allows them to introduce these products without running afoul of federal law or stricter state marijuana regulations.
Product Availability at Walker Stadium
For fans attending Portland Pickles home games at Walker Stadium, THC seltzers will be available at three locations throughout the venue. Fans can find the drinks at the Jack Daniels Party Deck Bar, Dillon’s Hideaway Bar, and a pop-up kiosk inside the stadium gates. The inclusion of these beverages in the game-day experience adds an extra layer of excitement and novelty for attendees, offering something that no other sports team in the country currently does.
However, strict age limits will be enforced to ensure compliance with Oregon’s legal requirements. As with alcohol sales, patrons must be at least 21 years old to purchase THC products at Walker Stadium, and identification will be required at the point of sale.
Public Reception and Media Coverage
The Portland Pickles’ announcement has made waves not only in the sports world but also in the cannabis industry and beyond. Media outlets quickly picked up on the story, highlighting the team’s pioneering move. One of the most high-profile reactions came from Stephen Colbert, host of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. During a June episode of his show, Colbert referenced the Pickles in his opening monologue, quipping about the novelty of a sports team selling THC products.
Colbert humorously connected the Pickles’ decision to Coca-Cola’s past use of cocaine in its original formula, joking that THC seltzers aren’t all that far removed from historical precedents. His comments brought further national attention to the Portland Pickles, increasing the buzz surrounding their partnership with Cycling Frog.
The Portland Pickles themselves embraced the attention, sharing a clip of Colbert’s monologue on their social media accounts with the caption, “We made it. Again.” The positive media coverage has helped shine a spotlight on both the team and the rapidly growing market for hemp-derived cannabinoids.
The Business of Cannabis at Sports Events
The Portland Pickles’ decision to sell THC products at games comes at a time when cannabis sales in Portland and the broader state of Oregon are facing challenges. According to data from the Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission, cannabis sales in Portland fell in 2022, with the city experiencing its lowest cannabis sales figures in three years. In June 2022, retail cannabis shops in Multnomah County, Oregon’s most populous region, saw a significant drop in sales compared to the boom of 2020.
While some experts attribute this decline to the temporary surge in demand during the pandemic, others point to ongoing challenges in Oregon’s cannabis market, such as oversupply issues and falling prices. Despite these challenges, the introduction of THC products at Portland Pickles games could represent a new avenue for growth in the local cannabis market.
By selling THC products in a sports venue, the Pickles are tapping into a potentially lucrative niche, attracting not only baseball fans but also cannabis enthusiasts who are interested in trying novel forms of hemp-derived products. It also offers fans a legal and regulated way to consume THC while enjoying a day at the ballpark, potentially setting the stage for other sports teams to follow suit.
The Future of Cannabis in Sports
The Portland Pickles’ decision to sell THC products may signal the beginning of a broader trend within the sports industry. As cannabis legalization spreads across the United States, more teams could begin exploring partnerships with cannabis companies, particularly those that produce hemp-derived products. This could pave the way for cannabis to become a more mainstream presence at live sporting events, similar to how alcohol is currently sold.
However, the success of such ventures will largely depend on how well teams navigate the legal landscape, as well as public perception. For now, the Portland Pickles are setting the standard for what a partnership between sports teams and cannabis companies can look like, and they are doing so with careful attention to legal compliance and responsible marketing.
Conclusion
The Portland Pickles have made history by becoming the first U.S. sports team to sell THC products at live sporting events, and their partnership with Cycling Frog represents a significant step forward for the cannabis industry. With hemp-derived THC seltzers now available at Walker Stadium, fans have a new and innovative way to enjoy cannabis in a regulated, legal environment. As cannabis continues to gain mainstream acceptance, the Portland Pickles’ pioneering approach may inspire other sports teams to consider similar partnerships, potentially transforming how cannabis is consumed at sporting events nationwide.
This partnership marks the beginning of what could be a broader integration of cannabis into the sports world, offering fans a unique way to enjoy games while also promoting the benefits of hemp-derived THC products.
