Portland Pickles: Baseball, Beer, and Cannabis – The Next Big Thing in Sports?

The Portland Pickles, a collegiate wood-bat baseball team in the West Coast League, have made history by becoming the first sports franchise to sell THC-infused beverages at their games. They have partnered with Cycling Frog, a company based in Ballard, Washington, that produces THC-infused seltzers. The Pickles will now be selling Cycling Frog THC Light Seltzer products at every home game at Walker Stadium in Portland, OR.

The sale of these seltzers is legal in Oregon and the team has consulted with the Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission (LCC) as well as Portland Parks and Recreation to ensure compliance with regulations. Only fans who are 21 years old and above will be allowed to purchase these beverages.

Ross Campbell, VP of Business Development for the Pickles, stated that the team has a responsibility to take innovative steps in the sports industry. In 2019, they were the first team to partner with a CBD company and now they are leading the way in selling THC-infused beverages. Cycling Frog, founded in 2021, offers a variety of hemp-derived cannabinoid products including THC seltzers, gummies, softgels and mints.

Matt Palomares, VP Brand Marketing of Cycling Frog expressed excitement about this partnership with the Portland Pickles. He believes that cannabis consumption should be normalized and accessible and selling THC seltzers at baseball games is a step towards that direction. The partnership between the Pickles and Cycling Frog aims to spark a broader conversation about cannabis consumption and its place in sports and entertainment.