CQ maintains a strong market presence across multiple states, consistently ranking in the top tier of cannabis beverages in Illinois, Arizona, California, Michigan, and Washington. The brand offers an extensive product lineup that caters to every consumer preference and experience level.Their bestselling products include Strawberry Lemonade Shot and Old Fashioned Lemonade Shot, both containing 100mg THC in 2oz bottles. The lineup features 12oz cans with 10mg THC for casual consumption, while 16oz bottles with 100mg THC serve as mixers for experienced users. CQ's high-dose sodas come in classic flavors like Cola, Ginger Ale, and Dr. Quencher, each containing 100mg THC in 12oz cans.The brand also offers specialized formulations like Nighttime Berry Lime with CBN for sleep support. All CQ drinks are made with real fruit juice, cane sugar, terpene-rich cannabis, and contain no artificial colors. Every batch undergoes rigorous third-party lab testing for pesticides, heavy metals, and microbials at multiple stages, ensuring consistent quality and safety.
CQ began life as Venice Cookie Company in 2008, founded by Kenny Morrison and Marco Hoffman in Venice Beach, California. The brand entered the beverage category in 2010 when actor Dennis Hopper requested a hot cannabis tea while battling prostate cancer, marking the beginning of what would become California's longest-standing cannabis drink brand.Originally known as Cannabis Quencher, the brand underwent a modern rebrand to CQ in 2012, reflecting its evolution from medical cannabis collective roots to a sophisticated lifestyle brand. By 2015, the company had grown to over $10 million in annual revenue with distribution in 800+ California dispensaries. The brand achieved a major milestone in 2016 by selling its first million bottles.CQ launched in Washington's medical market in 2014, winning the Dope Cup for Best Cannabis Beverage. Since 2020, VCC Brands has focused exclusively on beverages, expanding CQ's reach through licensing partnerships. Today, CQ operates in seven states with plans for an eighth, bringing Venice Beach's countercultural spirit to cannabis consumers nationwide.
CQ's guiding principle is simple: "Take a break from booze, not your social life", positioning cannabis beverages as sophisticated alternatives to alcohol for social occasions. The brand sits between fun and function, offering benefits including sleep support and stress relief while delivering a deliciously refreshing experience.CQ emphasizes wellness and inclusivity, creating products that appeal to everyone from busy parents to seasoned cannabis consumers. With 80% of their seltzer customers being new to cannabis, the brand focuses on precise dosing and approachable flavors that make cannabis consumption stigma-free and accessible.Founded on the principle that cannabis edibles should be delicious, safe, and wellness-oriented, CQ continues normalizing cannabis consumption through clean branding, fast-acting nanoemulsification technology, and lifestyle-oriented appeal that reflects Venice Beach's progressive, creative spirit.
At Calm Effect, we're impressed by CQ's genuine heritage in the cannabis beverage space. While many brands are newcomers, CQ has been perfecting cannabis drinks since 2008, giving them unmatched expertise in flavor profiles and formulation.The brand's commitment to quality over price point—"CQ always wins the taste test. It isn't the cheapest; it's the best"—resonates with deal-seekers who want premium products at fair prices. Their consistent top-tier performance in multiple state markets, with products like Strawberry Lemonade selling over 6,400 units monthly, proves consumers agree.We appreciate CQ's versatility: whether you want a light 10mg spritzer, a potent 100mg mixer, or a specialized sleep formula with CBN, they've got you covered. Their fast-acting nanoemulsification technology means effects kick in quicker than traditional edibles, perfect for consumers who want predictable experiences and great deals on quality cannabis beverages.