Keef Brands currently operates across 14 states, Canada, and Puerto Rico, with their strongest markets being Missouri ($14.3 million in sales) and Colorado ($11.2 million) through August 2024. The company offers more than 70 stock-keeping units (SKUs) including gummies, oils, vape cartridges, and beverages, though carbonated sodas represent 80% of their sales.Their diverse product portfolio includes Keef Classics, Keef Mocktails, Keef Sparkling H2O, Keef Energy, Keef Life H2O, Keef PAX Pods, Keef Carts, and Keef Oil Syringes. The brand features eight soda flavors and three sparkling waters, with THC dosages varying by state regulations—10mg per can in Colorado, 25mg in Missouri. Top-selling products include Bubba Kush Root Beer, Orange Kush, and Blue Razz varieties.All beverages are infused with CO2-extracted cannabis oil and formulated for fast-acting effects, providing a consistent, reliable experience. The company has strategically deployed thousands of refrigerators in dispensaries nationwide, understanding that proper product presentation is crucial for beverage sales.
Keef Brands was born in 2010 in Boulder, Colorado, when Erik Knutson and his brother Kelly faced unemployment during the Great Recession and brainstormed a revolutionary idea: combining the social nature of drinking with cannabis. The eureka moment came when Erik mixed up an early batch of "Keef Cola" and tested it on his 85-year-old grandmother, Dee, who had never consumed cannabis before. When Grandma Dee took a sip, then another, they knew they had something special.What started as a garage operation quickly evolved into America's #1 cannabis beverage brand by 2021, according to BDSA Analytics. In 2021, longtime friend and business partner Travis Tharp took over as CEO, bringing extensive experience from tech companies like Handy and HopSkipDrive. Today, Keef operates in 14 states plus Canada and Puerto Rico, with 2024 sales reaching $18.9 million from January through August—a 26% increase from the previous year. The company's journey from construction workers to cannabis beverage pioneers exemplifies American entrepreneurship and innovation in the rapidly evolving cannabis industry.
Keef Brands is "on a mission to introduce both cannabis connoisseurs and the canna-curious to a contemporary wave of consuming the cannabis plant while drinking with friends". The company's core mission centers on blending "the fun, social, celebratory experience of drinking with the magic and joy of cannabis".At the heart of their values lies accessibility and education. CEO Travis Tharp frequently mentions receiving letters from medical cannabis patients who use their beverages for pain relief, describing how Keef has improved their quality of life during difficult times. The company actively supports industry development through founder Erik Knutson's work helping create ATACH (American Trade Association for Cannabis and Hemp) and the Cannabis Beverage Council.Keef positions itself as offering "a new generation of consumers an alternative to alcohol and an innovative new way to celebrate, have fun and enjoy life", committed to breaking down cannabis stigma through familiar, approachable products.
At Calm Effect, we're impressed by Keef's authentic pioneering spirit and consistent market leadership. Being the #1 cannabis beverage brand in America isn't just about sales—it's about earning consumer trust through over a decade of quality and innovation. Their 26% sales growth in 2024 during challenging market conditions demonstrates real staying power.What sets Keef apart for deal-seekers is their diverse pricing tiers and dosage options. From 10mg beginner-friendly sodas to 100mg high-potency mocktails, they cater to every tolerance level and budget. The Bubba Kush Root Beer remains a fan favorite, perfect for creating cannabis-infused floats.Their commitment to education and patient advocacy resonates with our values. The "Grandma Dee test" philosophy—if an 85-year-old can enjoy it, anyone can—perfectly captures their approachable, inclusive brand ethos. For cannabis consumers seeking familiar flavors with reliable effects, Keef delivers every time.