Green Monké Drinks: A Refreshing Take on THC-Infused Beverages

 

What was once taboo is now trending—cannabis and hemp are fast becoming central to wellness and lifestyle choices. As public perception evolves and regulations loosen, the hemp beverage market is booming, with Green Monké leading the charge. This trailblazing brand delivers delicious, THC-infused alternatives to traditional alcoholic drinks. Under the leadership of Co-founders Pat Gleeson (CEO) and Jen Robinson Lockwood (CMO), Green Monké has built a thriving business offering award-winning products that blend fun with function.

At its core, Green Monké offers a healthier, low-calorie alternative to alcohol—infused with both THC and CBD for a balanced, feel-good experience. Originating in the UK, the brand has grown into a major player across North America, celebrated for its taste and innovation. Pat and Jen’s mission is to build awareness around hemp’s benefits while helping consumers rethink the way they relax.

Let’s dive into their journey—and the strategies that helped Green Monké stand out in a rapidly growing market.

The Spark Behind Green Monké

Green Monké didn’t just appear—it was born from personal experiences and a desire to offer something better. Pat explains, “We started in the UK over seven years ago as one of the first CBD drink brands, and quickly became the market leader.” Their goal? A refreshing beverage that helped people unwind—without alcohol’s negative effects or the overstimulation of energy drinks.

Success in the UK inspired the team to bring their concept to the U.S. in 2021, as cannabis legalization began gaining traction. “When we tried our 20mg CBD Green Monké in 2020, we knew it had U.S. potential—it was just delicious,” says Pat. The American version of the drink was reimagined with both CBD and low-dose THC for a mellow, balanced vibe.

A fresh brand redesign followed, aligning Green Monké’s identity with its playful, psychedelic, and compliant personality. “Our designers nailed it,” Jen shares. “The logo is simple, iconic, and fun—just like our drinks.”

Turning Challenges into Opportunities

Breaking into a new market is never easy, and Green Monké faced its share of hurdles. One major challenge? Reaching the right audience. “We were targeting health-conscious consumers in their 30s and 40s,” says Jen. “But they weren’t the ones walking into dispensaries for cannabis drinks.”

To bridge the gap, the team realigned their marketing and distribution strategies. Their big break came through the rise of hemp-derived THC and strategic partnerships with mainstream alcohol distributors like Johnson Brothers and Anheuser-Busch’s Southern Horizons. Placement in retail chains such as Total Wines, Circle K, and Piggly Wiggly made Green Monké accessible to casual shoppers.

Now, consumers could see it alongside familiar favorites like hard seltzers and wines—making the comparison (and the choice) easy.

Why Green Monké Stands Out

In a crowded market, Green Monké sets itself apart through flavor and quality. “Taste has always been our top priority,” Pat says. “Our drinks aren’t just functional—they’re something you’ll crave again and again.”

Jen adds, “We lean into fun—low sugar, balanced cannabinoids, great taste, no guilt. A better-for-you celebration drink.” Each beverage features a 1:1 ratio of THC to CBD, paired with a sweetener blend for mouthfeel and minimal sugar. Their best-selling flavor? Tropical Citrus—“a citrus-forward cream soda that feels familiar, but totally unique,” says Jen.

Educating the Market

As the hemp beverage space grows, so does the need for education. Green Monké is taking a proactive approach. “Education is key,” says Pat. That’s why they’ve launched a blog, Soberish Reads, added dosage meters on cans, and embedded QR codes linking to more information.

Being a national leader, Green Monké sees itself as a voice for responsible consumption, product safety, and cannabis awareness. “We’ve built processes based on the best standards in the industry,” Jen notes, “and we’re proud of that.”

Innovation and What’s Next

Green Monké’s journey is far from over. New product lines are in the works—including a nostalgic Orange Cream soda launching this summer. “We’re excited—even with Coca-Cola launching their version, we think ours will bring more giggles,” Pat laughs.

They’re also exploring drinks infused with lesser-known cannabinoids, aiming for a fall release. “There’s so much more to cannabis than just THC and CBD,” Pat shares.

Connecting Through Music

To reach new audiences and change perceptions, Green Monké turned to music—a cultural cornerstone of cannabis. In 2023, the brand partnered with major venues like Enmarket Arena and Milwaukee’s Pabst Theatre Group, introducing their drinks to concertgoers.

“THC and live music? It’s a vibe,” says Pat. The response was overwhelmingly positive, with no reported security incidents compared to alcohol events. “It’s a healthier, happier experience.”

Sustainability and Giving Back

From the outset, sustainability and social good have been central to Green Monké’s ethos. “We chose aluminum cans from day one,” Jen explains. “They’re the most recyclable packaging in the U.S.”

The brand also gives back, supporting mental health organizations and California’s Cannabis Entrepreneurship program. “We started during the pandemic—and giving back is still core to who we are,” she adds.

Milestones and Growth

Green Monké has hit several major milestones, including:

  • First hemp soda brand to secure stadium partnerships

  • Launching at national retailers like Total Wines

  • Collaborating with drag star Shea Coulé

  • Securing global rights to create infused drinks with Cookies, the world’s most recognized cannabis brand

The Vision for 2025

Looking ahead, Pat and Jen want Green Monké to be everywhere—from bars to music festivals to backyard parties. “We want to be within arm’s reach of every adult looking for a healthier way to relax,” Pat says.

Jen sums it up best: “We want people laughing over nonsense and waking up without a hangover.”

Advice to Future Founders

To anyone looking to enter the cannabis beverage market, the co-founders offer practical advice:

“Look at the alcohol and beer industries—they’ve nailed taste, distribution, and marketing,” says Jen. Pat adds, “It’s hard work, but if you love what you’re doing and you’re doing it with someone you trust, it’s worth it.”

As Green Monké continues to reshape the cannabis beverage space, Pat and Jen remain dedicated to making cannabis consumption more approachable, enjoyable, and sustainable—one can at a time.

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