Green Monke USA has entered into a new distribution agreement to bring its hemp-D9 beverages to the Virginia market, expanding its East Coast presence and making its products available across 12 states. The agreement with a major alcohol and beer distributor network dominating the Northeast provides a growth platform that opens future distribution routes for New York and Massachusetts markets.
The company has fulfilled initial purchase orders for its three leading products: award-winning Tropical Citrus, best-selling Blue Raspberry, and Mango Guava. These beverages have been specifically adapted to comply with Virginia's regulatory environment that caps THC content at 2mg per can, making Green Monke one of the first non-Virginia brands to enter the market with this formulation.
"This distribution agreement is a transformative step for Green Monke," said Pat Gleeson, Co-Founder & CEO of Green Monke. "It allows us to bring our Happy Sodas to a sophisticated audience in Virginia while laying the groundwork for future expansion into key Northeast markets. We are embracing Virginia's 2mg cap to introduce a truly approachable, sessionable experience."
The launch makes Green Monke's hemp-derived THC beverages accessible to Virginia's population of approximately 8.75 million consumers. Virginia's hemp market operates under a formal registration process managed by the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS), creating a stable regulatory environment that allows compliant brands to operate with legal standing amid federal uncertainty.
This expansion holds particular significance as Virginia serves as the corporate home of Total Wine & More, a leading national retailer with 20 locations across the state. By establishing a presence in Virginia, Green Monke brings its products to one of its most important retail partners' home market, potentially increasing visibility and accessibility for consumers seeking alcohol alternatives.
Green Monke's formulation focuses on clarity and enjoyment rather than high CBD content, with the company noting that 125mg or 250mg of CBD can affect both taste and effects. The company's approach emphasizes creating beverages that allow consumers to appreciate the category without being overwhelmed by excessive CBD content.
As part of its broader strategy, Green Monke has partnered with Oak View Group (OVG), a global sports and entertainment company, to offer its Happy Sodas at select OVG venues in the U.S. and UK. The company also features higher potency Cookies x Green Monke Cultivar Sodas through its exclusive partnership with the global cannabis brand Cookies. Additional information about Green Monke products can be found at www.greenmonkehemp.com/s/shop.
The Virginia launch represents a strategic move in the competitive hemp beverage market, where regulatory compliance and distribution networks play crucial roles in brand success. By securing placements in high-traffic retail environments and building strong distribution partnerships, Green Monke aims to set standards for quality, taste, and cultural relevance while expanding access to its award-winning products across growing markets.
