How It Started: Great Tasting Beverages with Mark Mahoney, Principal & Founder of The Drinkable Company

As part of our “How It Started” interview series, we had the pleasure of chatting with Mark Mahoney, Principal & Founder of cannabis beverage brand The Drinkable Company.
Thanks for joining us! What was it about cannabis that first piqued your interest, and when did that happen?

While I was working as an advisor to LEVIA, a good friend of mine was going through terminal cancer. He was self-medicating with THC gummies to aid with sleep and pain, and we had many discussions about THC vs. alcohol and how your body processes each.

How did The Drinkable Company come to life?

As I personally pivoted away from alcohol consumption in favor of cannabis, I realized that there was a need for a unique cannabis beverage that fits seamlessly into consumers’ lifestyles. With the oversaturation of cannabis-infused seltzers in the current beverage market, our team decided to develop drinks that our consumers enjoy regularly, like soda, tea, and cold brew, instead.

What is it about the company that makes it stand out?

The Drinkable Company is comprised of a team of beverage professionals with over 100 years of experience and a passion for creating great tasting beverages that consumers enjoy.

What does your typical day look like and what do you enjoy most about your work?

With multiple states and expanding constantly, I’m always solving problems, plotting new strategies, and leveraging my network. I enjoy meeting new people to find synergies and create opportunities together.

What has been the highlight of your cannabis career to date?

So far, our launch has been the highlight as we rolled out our products in over 75 Massachusetts dispensaries in such a short time. We’re currently working on rolling out in dispensaries across Maine.

Can you give us one cannabis trend that excites you?

At a state level, cannabis is taxed at an unfair rate that constrains capital and puts undue pressure on operators. I’m seeing tax appeals at the state level starting to gain traction. Additionally, home delivery is a very exciting development for cannabis beverages.

Is there a product or service you hope someone creates to serve the cannabis community?

There has been innovation in powdered emulsion, which is a very exciting category that I’m excited to see develop further.

What is the biggest change you want to see in the sector?

On a legislative side, I’d like to see an ease in restrictions in beverages at a retail level. I’d love to see beverages able to be displayed in coolers for consumers to grab like they can with alcoholic beverages in stores. A more appropriately set tax would also be a positive change for the industry.

Any advice you would give to someone looking to enter the cannabis industry?

With oversaturation, tenuous laws, and hurdles to get started in the industry, it can seem quite daunting. I’d encourage prospective entrepreneurs to keep in mind that every start-up experiences high and lows. Starting a business is a marathon, not a sprint.

What’s next for you? What should we be on the lookout for?

I’m thrilled with the developments of the beverage category of the cannabis industry, and I want to continue to offer products with the best consistency and innovation available. I’d love the opportunity to partner with national distribution channels and specialty food and beverage companies in the future.

Regarding product innovation at The Drinkable Company, we are working to develop beverage shots for sleep, energy, and calming using natural ingredients.