Climbing Kites THC Drinks

About Climbing Kites

Climbing Kites is Iowa's first cannabis-infused social beverage, launched in 2023 by the team behind Des Moines-based Lua Brewing and co-founder Scott Selix. The brand creates hemp-derived Delta-9 THC and CBD sparkling waters designed to provide an uplifting, euphoric and balanced experience for modern consumers seeking alternatives to alcohol. All beverages are alcohol-free, gluten-free, vegan, and contain zero sugar and calories, making them ideal for health-conscious consumers.

In September 2023, Big Grove Brewery acquired a majority stake in the brand to accelerate distribution and growth across multiple states. The brand emphasizes quality ingredients, third-party lab testing, and responsible consumption education. Climbing Kites has rapidly expanded across the Midwest and recently won platinum at the 2025 LA High Spirits Awards for their Transfusion beverage, cementing their position in the growing cannabis beverage market.

As a hemp-derived product compliant with the 2018 Farm Bill, Climbing Kites ships directly to consumers in 42 states and is available for local purchase in 19 states. Their products are distributed through Iowa Beverage, a major Molson Coors distributor, and have become known as "the Busch Light of THC and CBD beverages" in their regional market. Browse our curated selection of THC beverages to discover similar premium infused drinks from verified retailers.

Products Overview

Climbing Kites offers a diverse range of cannabis-infused sparkling waters and beverages with THC concentrations from 2.5mg to 10mg paired with CBD. Their core lineup includes fruit-flavored sparkling waters plus caffeinated options like Transfusion and Iced Tea Lemonade. All products use nano-emulsified formulations designed for fast onset times of 10-15 minutes and are produced at Fair State Brewing Cooperative's Chill State Collective in St. Paul, Minnesota.

For those seeking low-dose options, Climbing Kites offers the perfect introduction to cannabis beverages with their 2.5mg and 4mg formulations.

Other Products by Climbing Kites

Climbing Kites focuses exclusively on cannabis-infused beverages and does not currently offer other product categories such as gummies, vapes, or edibles. The brand's complete dedication to perfecting their beverage lineup has allowed them to become leaders in the THC drink space with award-winning formulations and consistent quality.

However, according to brand manager Nick Iversen, Lua Brewing and Big Grove are planning to release additional non-seltzer cannabis beverages in the future, expanding beyond their current sparkling water focus while maintaining their commitment to premium quality and innovative formulations.

Background

Climbing Kites was launched in early 2023 by the team behind Des Moines-based Lua Brewing and co-founder Scott Selix, who previously worked as a brewer at Big Grove Brewery. The brand emerged as Iowa's first cannabis-infused social beverage, made possible by the 2018 Farm Bill and Iowa Hemp Act of 2019 which legalized hemp-derived cannabis products.

In September 2023, Big Grove Brewery acquired a 51% majority stake in Climbing Kites to accelerate growth and distribution capabilities. The strategic partnership leverages Big Grove's established distribution network and business expertise while maintaining Lua's creative leadership and product innovation. Dave Moore serves as both Big Grove's Chief Growth Officer and CEO of Climbing Kites, creating synergy between the operations.

Scott Selix had originally opened Lua Brewing in Des Moines's Sherman Hill neighborhood in late 2019, with Big Grove's Des Moines location opening nearby in July 2022, less than a block away. The collaboration between these established Iowa breweries reflects their shared commitment to innovation and quality in the rapidly evolving cannabis beverage market. The brand has quickly become known as "the Busch Light of THC and CBD beverages" in the Iowa market, highlighting their mainstream appeal and accessibility among affluent millennials aged 30-50.

Quick Facts About Climbing Kites

Values

• Quality Over All: Utilizing the finest ingredients and cleanest hemp-derived CBD and THC for consistent, premium products with comprehensive third-party lab testing
• Innovation: Leading the cannabis beverage space with fast-onset nano-emulsified formulations that deliver effects in 10-15 minutes, pioneering Iowa's cannabis beverage market
• Responsibility: Comprehensive consumer education, strict age verification (21+), and promoting responsible consumption practices with clear dosing guidelines
• Transparency: Public lab testing results and COA availability for every batch to ensure consumer confidence, with detailed batch tracking and expiration dating
• Social Experience: Creating alcohol alternatives that enhance social situations without hangovers or negative side effects, designed as "mini-vacations in your mind"

Reviews

Customer reviews consistently highlight Climbing Kites' exceptional taste and well-balanced effects. Users praise the crisp, refreshing flavors that avoid being overly sweet, with the smooth onset creating a pleasant "light buzz" or "happy feeling." The 5mg products receive particular acclaim for providing a "decent little buzz" while remaining manageable for most consumers. Many reviewers appreciate the absence of hangovers compared to alcohol, making it an ideal social alternative.

The nano-emulsified formulation delivers on its promise of fast onset, with most users reporting effects within 10-30 minutes that last 1.5-2.5 hours. The brand's primary demographic of affluent millennials aged 30-50 consistently rate the products highly for taste and effectiveness. However, some criticism focuses on pricing, with cost-conscious consumers noting the beverages are more expensive per milligram compared to other THC products like gummies. Despite price concerns, loyalty remains high due to the superior taste and experience quality.

• "Omg, this stuff is better than any drink of alcohol. I will definitely be buying this again and again."
• "I wasn't sure what to expect, but wow. The flavor is crisp, refreshing, and not overly sweet - just the right balance. Within minutes, I felt this smooth, mellow lift that made everything feel brighter. 10/10 will be stocking my fridge."
• "Love a good tea lemonade, this one is delightful and perfect for summer! I can't wait to have them for summer parties or over ice while sittin out on the porch."
• "Tastes great, feels great! Would definitely order again!!"
• "They taste delicious, and are fairly relaxing. The 5ers have a decent lil buzz to them"
• "I liked it but didn't love the flavor so much. Still gave me a good buzz."
• "$5.50 for a 2.5mg can of THC? That is approaching 10x more expensive per mg of THC than Gummies"

For those interested in similar standard-dose beverages, our curated collection offers additional options from verified retailers.

Climbing Kites vs Competitors

Peers selected by category and dose band.

Promotions & Coupon Codes

Climbing Kites offers several active promotional programs for consumers:

• Subscription Discount: 15% off all orders when you subscribe to regular deliveries
• Active Codes: Use "twentyfor420" for 20% off online orders, or "coolmom" for 25% off all orders
• Free Shipping: Orders over $75 qualify for complimentary shipping
• Bundle Savings:
  • Starter Pack: 4 different 4-packs (16 total cans) valued at $79.96 for $64.99
  • Party Pack: 5 different 4-packs plus 3 variety 6-packs valued at $174.92 for $149.99
  • Variety 6-Pack: 2 cans each of Mixed Berry, Pineapple Passion Fruit, and Peach Prickly Pear for $25.99

Where to Buy Climbing Kites

Climbing Kites products are available through multiple channels across the United States. For local purchases, the brand is available in 19 states: Alabama, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New Jersey, North Carolina, North Dakota, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, and Wisconsin. Products are sold through specialty retailers, taprooms, dispensaries, and health-focused stores.

Major distribution partnerships include Iowa Beverage, a Molson Coors distributor covering over 50 counties, plus retail presence at Big Grove and Lua taprooms, popular eateries like Fong's and Lucky Horse, health stores like Campbell's Nutrition and Gateway Market, Total Wine & More locations, and numerous independent retailers. The brand has become particularly popular in coffee shops and upscale dining establishments.

Direct-to-consumer shipping is available in 42 states through their official website at climbingkites.com. The company is actively working on distribution agreements with additional states, with plans for continued expansion throughout 2025.

Looking for similar premium cannabis beverages? Browse our curated selection of THC seltzers from verified retailers at buythcdrinks.com.

Quality & Testing

Climbing Kites maintains rigorous quality standards through comprehensive third-party lab testing conducted by accredited and independent laboratories. All products undergo testing for cannabinoid potency, pesticides, heavy metals, microbes, mycotoxins, and residual solvents to ensure consumer safety and product consistency. The brand is fully licensed and registered with the Iowa Department of Inspections and Appeals, ensuring compliance with all federal and state laws.

The brand provides exceptional transparency with an extensive public database of Certificates of Analysis (COAs) organized by batch number, production date, and expiration date. Each product includes specific batch tracking with typical 12-month shelf life and detailed lab results showing exact cannabinoid profiles. Products consistently test within label claims, with some batches showing variance for different serving interpretations (1 serving vs 2 servings per can for higher-dose products).

Available COA links include:

• Transfusion 10mg Batch 5225 COA
• Mixed Berry 4mg Batch 5225 COA
• Peach Prickly Pear 4mg Batch 5223 COA
• Transfusion 4mg Batch 5224 COA

All hemp is sourced from legal USA growers, including Colorado and Florida, depending on seasonal availability and supply partner relationships. The brand uses only hemp-derived cannabinoids that stay within legal limits of Delta-9 THC per the 2018 Farm Bill.

Important Safety Warning: THC beverages may cause intoxication; do not drive or operate machinery after consumption.

Ingredients

Climbing Kites beverages are crafted with premium, natural ingredients tailored to each product type. The sparkling water varieties contain carbonated water, citric acid, natural flavors including cannabis terpenes, hemp-derived CBD, and hemp-derived cannabis oil. All sparkling waters are formulated to be alcohol-free, gluten-free, vegan with zero calories and sugar.

Product-Specific Ingredients:

• Sparkling Waters (Orange Mango, Pineapple Passion Fruit, Peach Prickly Pear, Mixed Berry): Carbonated water, citric acid, natural flavors, hemp-derived CBD, hemp-derived cannabis oil
• Transfusion: Carbonated water, cane sugar, natural flavors, citric acid, organic caffeine from green tea, hemp-derived CBD, hemp-derived cannabis oil
• Iced Tea Lemonade: Water, cane sugar, natural lemon juice concentrate, natural flavors, citric acid, natural black tea concentrate, potassium citrate, vitamin C, organic caffeine from green tea, hemp-derived cannabis oil

The brand sources all THC and CBD from 100% legal USA hemp in compliance with the 2018 Farm Bill, ensuring federal legality and consistent quality across all product batches. Natural terpenes are included in formulations to enhance flavor profiles and potentially contribute to the entourage effect.

Recalls or Safety Issues

No recalls or regulatory actions reported as of 2025. Climbing Kites maintains strict quality control and regulatory compliance across all production batches.

Events

Climbing Kites actively participates in consumer education and market expansion events across their distribution territories. Recent activities include the Georgia market launch in October 2024, partnership announcements, and sampling opportunities at local establishments. The brand focuses on responsible introduction of cannabis beverages through educational tastings and retailer training programs.

The company participates in industry trade shows, beer festivals, and cannabis beverage events to showcase their products. They work closely with establishments like Big Grove taprooms to provide on-site education about THC beverages, helping consumers understand dosing, onset times, and responsible consumption practices.

PR & Media

Climbing Kites has garnered significant media attention as Iowa's pioneering cannabis-infused beverage brand and through their strategic partnership with Big Grove Brewery. Major industry recognition came with their platinum award win at the 2025 LA High Spirits Awards for the Transfusion beverage, establishing credibility within the competitive cannabis beverage space.

The brand has been featured extensively in beverage industry publications including Brewbound for their innovative approach and rapid market expansion. Coverage highlights their role as Iowa's first cannabis beverage, the successful Big Grove partnership, and their achievement of major distribution through Iowa Beverage (Molson Coors). Regional outlets like Axios Des Moines, The Gazette, and WHO-TV have covered their growth story and market success.

According to reports, Climbing Kites has quickly become the fastest-growing retail premium THC brand in the United States, leading in their home North Central Region. The brand now accounts for approximately 20% of Lua Brewing's taproom sales, demonstrating strong consumer adoption and repeat purchasing behavior.

Social Media

Company Details

Related THC Beverage Brands

The cannabis beverage market continues expanding with several notable brands offering similar products to Climbing Kites. CANN Social Tonics focuses on microdose social beverages with 2-5mg THC formulations popular in California markets. Wunder creates premium cannabis beverages with various cannabinoid profiles targeting wellness-conscious consumers. Recess combines CBD and adaptogens for functional wellness drinks with national availability.

Other notable competitors include Klaus cannabis drinks, which are part of the growing trend in THC-infused beverages, and Snoop Dogg's recently launched line of THC and CBD beverages. Regional competitors like ReUnion Brewery have also launched THC-infused seltzers in Iowa markets, though Climbing Kites maintains first-mover advantage and strongest regional presence.

Frequently Asked Questions About Climbing Kites

How much THC is in Climbing Kites products?

Climbing Kites offers products with THC concentrations ranging from 2.5mg to 10mg per serving. Their Orange Mango contains the lowest dose at 2.5mg THC, while most other flavors are available in 4mg, 5mg, or 10mg options. All products also contain CBD in balanced ratios, typically 1:1 or 1:2 (THC:CBD) for smoother effects.

What do Climbing Kites beverages taste like?

Customer reviews consistently praise Climbing Kites for their crisp, refreshing flavors that aren't overly sweet or artificial tasting. Popular flavors include Mixed Berry, Pineapple Passion Fruit, Peach Prickly Pear, and Orange Mango for the sparkling waters, plus Grape and Ginger Beer for Transfusion and classic Iced Tea Lemonade. The natural flavoring includes terpenes for enhanced taste profiles.

How long do effects take to kick in?

Climbing Kites uses nano-emulsified formulations specifically designed for fast onset. Most consumers report feeling initial effects within 10-15 minutes, with full effects developing over 20-30 minutes. Effects typically last 1.5-2.5 hours depending on individual tolerance, metabolism, and dosage consumed. This is significantly faster than traditional edibles.

Are Climbing Kites beverages safe and legal?

Yes, all Climbing Kites products are made with hemp-derived Delta-9 THC in compliance with the 2018 Farm Bill, containing less than 0.3% THC by dry weight. They undergo comprehensive third-party lab testing for potency, pesticides, heavy metals, and contaminants. The brand is fully licensed with the Iowa Department of Inspections and Appeals and ships legally to 42 states.

What's the best dosage for beginners?

New consumers should start with the Orange Mango variety containing 2.5mg THC, or the 4mg options of other flavors. Most customers describe these lower doses as providing a "light buzz" or "happy feeling" without overwhelming effects. The brand recommends waiting at least 20-30 minutes to feel full effects before consuming additional servings, as with any cannabis product.

How should I store Climbing Kites beverages?

Store Climbing Kites beverages chilled for optimal taste and experience. Products have approximately 12-month shelf life from production date as indicated on batch labels. Keep refrigerated and consume by expiration date. As with all cannabis products, store securely away from children and pets.

Last Updated

Last Updated: August 29, 2025

Sources

• Climbing Kites Official Website — 2025-08-29
• Climbing Kites COA Database — 2025-08-29
• Brewbound - Big Grove Acquires Majority Stake — 2024-02-20
• Axios Des Moines - Statewide Distribution — 2024-05-02
• Red and Black - Georgia Market Launch — 2024-11-20
• Soberish - Product Information and Reviews — 2025-08-29
• CIV Plus - Brand Overview — 2023-10-16
• Yahoo Finance - Partnership Analysis — 2024-02-21
• Hawkeye Beacon Forums - Consumer Reviews — 2023-06-02
• Total Wine & More - Retail Availability — 2025-08-29
• WHO-TV - Growth Analysis — 2024-02-21
• Climbing Kites Instagram — 2025-08-29