All About Plift

Plift is a black-owned, hemp-infused beverage company creating classic cocktail-inspired THC drinks as a healthier alternative to alcohol. Founded in 2021 by Todd Harris, Glenn McElfresh, and Andrea Slinde in Austin, Texas, Plift's mission stems from personal experience - the founders have family histories with alcoholism and wanted to create better options for unwinding and socializing. Their tagline "All that's missing is U" reflects their commitment to democratizing cannabis access and making hemp-derived THC beverages available to all communities. Plift offers both low-dose 4mg options for beginners and 10mg options for experienced users, all federally legal under the 2018 Farm Bill. As one of the few Black-owned cannabis companies in an industry where minority ownership comprises less than 2%, Plift views their work as both a business venture and a social justice mission.

Products Overview

Plift offers a comprehensive range of hemp-derived Delta-9 THC beverages designed to suit different experience levels and occasions. Their product line includes 4mg options in 12oz cans perfect for THC beginners, and 10mg options in compact 7.5oz cans for more experienced users. All products feature classic cocktail-inspired flavors and are formulated to provide effects within 15-20 minutes that last approximately 60 minutes.

For those looking for a lighter experience, Plift's 4mg line offers a gentle introduction to THC beverages at just $29.99 per 12-pack, while the 10mg options provide a more pronounced effect for experienced users starting at $17.99 per 4-pack.

Other Products by Plift

No information available. Plift appears to focus exclusively on their hemp-infused THC beverage line, with no other product categories currently offered.

Background

Plift was founded in 2021 by three individuals with deeply personal motivations. CEO Todd Harris, who grew up in Minneapolis with alcohol prevalent in his family, recognized he was "one drink away from being an alcoholic" and wanted to create better alternatives for communities affected by alcohol. Along with co-founders Glenn McElfresh (a cannabis and natural foods industry veteran) and Andrea Slinde, they set out to create a delicious, affordable way for people to unwind and socialize without alcohol. As a Black-owned company, Plift is committed to social justice in the cannabis industry, where Black ownership comprises less than 2% of businesses. The founders chose to focus on hemp-derived products due to lower barriers to entry - approximately $1,000 for a hemp license versus tens of thousands for marijuana licensing. By 2023, the company was producing approximately 1,000 cases per week and growing rapidly, with a mission to be within a quarter mile of every consumer through broad distribution.

Quick Facts About Plift

Values

• Democratizing Cannabis Access: Making THC beverages affordable and approachable for all communities, not just the privileged few
• Alcohol Alternative: Providing healthier options for social and solo occasions without the negative effects of alcohol
• Social Justice: Increasing minority ownership in the cannabis industry and addressing systemic inequities
• Transparency & Safety: Rigorous testing protocols with products tested 3-4 times before reaching consumers
• Inclusivity: "All that's missing is U" - creating products that bring people together across all backgrounds

Reviews

Customer feedback for Plift has been overwhelmingly positive, with users consistently praising the brand's refreshing taste, balanced effects, and sessionable nature. Reviewers appreciate that Plift delivers a gentle buzz without overwhelming intensity or next-day hangovers. The ginger flavor emerges as a particular favorite, with multiple customers noting the absence of any hemp aftertaste. Many users have adopted Plift as their go-to alternative to alcohol, with one enthusiastic reviewer claiming it's their favorite among over 20 THC beverage brands they've tried. Customers value how the effects help them slow down, be present, and enjoy both social gatherings and quiet relaxation time.

• "Yummy, sessionable, perfect beverage for poolside or nightlife. Love it for happy hours!"
• "For a guy in his late 30s its tough to find the balance between a buzz and sustained relaxation. Plift is the missing link for a chill night and productive next day."
• "The flavors are tasty and leave no after taste. Ginger might be my front runner, but not by much! Really can't go wrong with either!"
• "We tried them and absolutely love them. It might be our favorite so far out of 20 plus different brands."

Promotions & Coupon Codes

Current promotion: Buy 3 Get 1 Free on Plift Mini products (no code needed - just add 4 to cart, excludes 4mg products). Free U.S. shipping available on orders over $50. The company positions itself as a value-priced alternative to alcohol, making premium THC beverages accessible to more consumers.

Where to Buy Plift

Plift products are available for purchase directly from plift.com with nationwide shipping to states where hemp-derived products are legal. Major retail partners include Total Wine & More, Binny's Beverage Depot, Surdyk's, and Fridley Liquor. The brand is currently available in Kansas, Missouri, Minnesota, and expanding rapidly to other states. Plift maintains a 30-day return policy and offers free shipping on orders over $50. The company's goal is to achieve broad distribution through liquor stores, convenience stores, restaurants, and bars, aiming to be within a quarter mile of every consumer. For wholesale inquiries, retailers can contact wholesale@plift.com.

Quality & Testing

Plift maintains rigorous quality standards with products tested three to four times before reaching consumers. The company emphasizes complete chain of custody and goes above and beyond industry standards to help legitimize the hemp beverage category. All products are 2018 Farm Bill compliant, making them federally legal hemp-derived Delta-9 THC beverages. Test results and Certificates of Analysis are available on their website at plift.com/pages/test-results. The founders actively support regulatory guidance for the hemp industry, stating they want to be regulated and pay their fair share of taxes to ensure consumer safety. The company provides clear labeling, training materials for retailers, and performs ID checks at all events to ensure products stay out of the hands of minors.

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

• Test Results and COAs

Ingredients

Plift beverages feature natural, cocktail-inspired flavor profiles developed by the same team that created Waterloo sparkling water and Cantina ready-to-drink cocktails. The products are notably low in calories, with the original 12oz cans containing just 50 calories and the compact 7.5oz Plift+ cans containing only 18 calories. All products use hemp-derived Delta-9 THC that is federally legal under the 2018 Farm Bill. While specific ingredient lists are not publicly available, the beverages are crafted to deliver clean, refreshing tastes without any hemp aftertaste, as noted by multiple customer reviews.

Recalls or Safety Issues

No recalls or regulatory actions reported as of 2025.

Events

Plift representatives frequently attend events throughout metro areas, particularly SipSteady's Hemp Social events designed for those interested in alcohol alternatives. The company recently hosted an event at Low Ferns in Kansas City to celebrate their Missouri and Kansas distribution launches. ID checks are performed at all events to ensure age compliance.

PR & Media

Plift has garnered significant media attention for its mission and Black ownership in the cannabis space. The company has been featured in The Pitch KC, MPR News, PRWeb, and Benzinga, with coverage focusing on their role as one of the few Black-owned cannabis companies in Minnesota. CEO Todd Harris has been profiled in Startup CPG, where he discusses the social justice aspects of cannabis access and the importance of creating affordable alternatives to alcohol. Media coverage has highlighted how the founders' personal experiences with family alcoholism drove them to create better options for communities disproportionately affected by alcohol. The brand has also received attention for its commitment to making hemp beverages accessible to underrepresented communities and its advocacy for fair regulatory frameworks in the evolving cannabis industry.

Social Media

Company Details

Related THC Beverage Brands

Consumers interested in Plift often also consider Cann, Wynk, and Cycling Frog for similar THC beverage options. Browse our full selection of THC sodas to compare products side by side.

Frequently Asked Questions About Plift

How much THC is in Plift products?

Plift offers three THC levels to suit different preferences: their original line contains 4mg of hemp-derived Delta-9 THC per 12oz can for beginners, Plift+ and Plift Mini contain 10mg THC per 7.5oz can for experienced users, and the upcoming Rocket Fuel line will contain 25mg THC per can for those seeking stronger effects.

What do Plift beverages taste like?

Plift beverages feature classic cocktail-inspired flavors without any hemp aftertaste. The Tart Lime variety delivers a sweet lime flavor inspired by margaritas, Juicy Grapefruit offers a Paloma-inspired citrus taste, and Crisp Ginger provides a Moscow Mule-inspired profile. Customers consistently praise the clean, refreshing taste with one reviewer noting "The flavors are tasty and leave no after taste."

How long do Plift's effects take to kick in?

According to Plift, effects typically begin within 15-20 minutes of consumption and last for approximately 60 minutes after finishing a can. However, the company notes that timing can vary by individual, and they recommend taking it easy to get used to the "light and heady buzz" delivered by their beverages.

Are Plift products good for THC beginners?

Yes, Plift specifically designed their 4mg product line for the "cannacurious" or THC beginners. These lower-dose options in 12oz cans provide a gentle introduction to THC beverages. As CEO Todd Harris says, "We are meeting consumers where they are in their journey with cannabis."

What's the difference between regular Plift and Plift+?

The main differences are THC content, can size, and calories. Regular Plift contains 4mg THC in a 12oz can with 50 calories, while Plift+ contains 10mg THC in a smaller 7.5oz can with only 18 calories. Both lines feature the same delicious cocktail-inspired flavors, but Plift+ is designed for more experienced users seeking stronger effects in a lower-calorie format.

Last Updated

Last Updated: September 5, 2025

Sources

• Plift.com — 2025-09-05 — Plift
• Plift 4mg Collection — 2025-09-05 — Plift
• Plift Mini Collection — 2025-09-05 — Plift
• Total Wine & More — 2025-09-05 — Total Wine
• The Pitch KC — 2024-08-13 — The Pitch
• PRWeb — 2023-09-07 — PRWeb
• MPR News — 2023-08-31 — Minnesota Public Radio
• Benzinga — 2022-10-04 — Benzinga
• Startup CPG — n.d. — Startup CPG
• Herbal Newsletter — n.d. — Herbal
• Surdyk's — n.d. — Surdyk's
• Fridley Liquor — n.d. — Fridley Liquor
• Instagram — 2025-09-05 — Instagram
• TikTok — 2025-09-05 — TikTok