Coffee Meets Cannabis: Former Jones Soda President and Grammy Winner Launch THC Brand

PRESS RELEASE

Coffee Meets Cannabis: Former Jones Soda President and Grammy Winner Kevin Smith Launch “Stir The Pot”

New hemp-derived coffee ritual brand blends CPG discipline with cultural credibility to redefine how consumers engage with THC.

Austin, Texas — April 20, 2026 — Eric Chastain, former President and COO of Jones Soda Co., today announced the launch of Stir The Pot, a hemp-derived THC beverage platform developed in partnership with Grammy-winning musician Kevin Smith. The brand introduces a new consumption occasion centered around coffee culture, with an initial market focus in Texas, Illinois, and Florida, and expansion planned across additional key markets.

Timed to align with the evolving cultural conversation around cannabis, Stir The Pot is designed to move beyond traditional THC beverage positioning—offering a more intentional, functional approach to consumption.

“The category is evolving quickly, especially as hemp-derived THC brings more consumers into the space,” said Chastain. “We’ve focused on finding the right balance—something that fits into real life. Coffee is already a ritual, and Stir The Pot enhances it without compromising clarity or control.”

Where Coffee Meets Cannabis — With Purpose

Stir The Pot’s flagship product is a hemp-derived THC-infused coffee syrup, designed to be added to hot or iced coffee. Each serving delivers a controlled, precise dose, allowing consumers to tailor their experience.

The brand is built around a growing consumer shift toward calm focus, creative energy, and balanced consumption—rather than escapism.

“Music and coffee hit the same nerve for me—they’re both about getting into the right headspace,” said Smith. “Some days you need to lock in, some days you need to loosen up just enough to feel creative again. This sits right in that pocket.”

Smith added, “What I like about this is it’s not trying to take you out of your day—it’s designed to fit into it. That’s a big difference from how a lot of this category has been built so far.”

A Cultural and Commercial Partnership

The collaboration between Chastain and Smith reflects a deliberate blend of operational experience and cultural influence—a model increasingly shaping emerging beverage categories.

Chastain brings more than two decades of CPG leadership, including helping guide Jones Soda through brand expansion and operational scaling. His move into hemp-derived products signals a belief that the category is entering a more disciplined, mainstream phase.

“We’re early, but the next phase of this category will be defined by brands that get the fundamentals right,” Chastain said. “Pricing, positioning, and retail strategy all matter. Our goal is to help shape the category in a way that’s sustainable for consumers, retailers, and operators alike.”

For Smith, the partnership represents a natural extension of his creative and lifestyle ethos.

“I’ve always been drawn to things that feel authentic and a little bit different,” Smith said. “This isn’t about slapping a name on a product. It’s about building something people actually use—something that fits naturally into their lives.”

Designed for Modern Retail and Real Life

Stir The Pot will launch in 10 mg liquid sachets and multi-serve formats, designed for flexibility across retail channels including liquor stores, specialty grocers, and emerging adult-use beverage accounts.

The brand is also exploring grassroots activation through coffee shops, music communities, and creative networks, leveraging Smith’s background to build authentic early adoption.

“We’re not trying to shout at people,” Smith said. “We’d rather show up where the right people already are—coffee shops, studios, places where culture actually lives—and let it grow from there.”

A More Mature Take on THC

While the April 20 announcement nods to cannabis culture, Stir The Pot is intentionally positioned for a broader audience—particularly consumers who are THC-curious but underserved by current offerings.

“There’s a large group of consumers who are interested in THC but don’t see themselves in the way it’s currently marketed,” said Chastain. “This brand is for them—people who want to feel better, stay present, and still show up fully in their lives.”

Availability

Stir The Pot is expected to begin rolling out in select U.S. markets this month, with additional distribution and retail partnerships to be announced.

About Stir The Pot

Stir The Pot, a brand under Ideal Provisions LLC, is a hemp-derived THC beverage platform focused on integrating cannabis into familiar rituals through coffee, culture, and functional design. The company combines CPG expertise with creative influence to develop products centered on balance, clarity, and modern consumer behavior.

Media Contact

Eric Chastain

Ideal Provisions LLC

206.383.5908