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<p>What if you could get the buzz without the booze? That’s the promise of Nowadays, a THC drinks brand whose growth has been off the charts. Co-founded by Justin Tidwell in 2023, Nowadays has already hit an estimated $15 million in revenue, and Justin says it’s on track to double that in 2025. </p><p>The brand started with a simple but radical idea: a THC-infused spirit that mimics vodka or tequila, giving people the ability to mix their own THC cocktails at home. Now, they’re in 5,000 retail doors across 25 states, partnering with top alcohol distributors to bring THC drinks into bars, liquor stores, and even hotels.</p><p>In this episode, we get into the nitty-gritty of how Nowadays went from a viral TikTok hit to a full-blown beverage powerhouse. Justin shares his playbook for launching a category-defining brand, scaling through social media without paid influencers, and tackling the unique challenges of building a THC drinks business in a world designed for alcohol.</p><p>We discuss:</p><p>- From zero to $1 million in 90 days: How a single TikTok post turned Nowadays into an overnight success.- Cracking the THC spirits market: The formula behind their best-selling 750-ml bottled spirit and its tiered dosing system (2 mg, 5 mg, and 10 mg THC).- Retail expansion: The strategy behind Nowadays’ 400% growth in retail doors and why partnering with alcohol distributors is a game-changer.- Social media without paid influencers? Why Nowadays bets on organic content and lets consumers drive the conversation.- Funding and profitability: How they raised capital after proving demand and built a high-growth, profitable business at the same time.- The future of THC beverages: Justin’s vision for making THC drinks as common as beer and wine in bars, restaurants, and liquor stores.</p><p><strong>Last Call:</strong></p><p>Don’t miss our next episode, dropping on March 12.</p><p>A recent study from <a href="https://news.oregonstate.edu/news/study-finds-consumer-openness-smoke-impacted-wines-offering-new-market-opportunities" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Oregon State University and researchers in New Zealand</a> found that some consumers actually like the taste of smoke tainted wines. As you might expect, we have opinions about this! Listen in as we debate.</p><p><strong>For the latest updates, follow us:</strong></p><p><strong>Business of Drinks:</strong></p><p><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/business-of-drinks/" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">LinkedIn</a></p><p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/bizofdrinks/" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Instagram @bizofdrinks</a></p><p><strong>Erica Duecy, co-host: </strong>Erica Duecy is founder and co-host of <em>Business of Drinks</em> and one of the drinks industry’s most accomplished digital and content strategists. She runs the consultancy and advisory arm of <em>Business of Drinks</em> and has built publishing and marketing programs for Drizly, VinePair, SevenFifty, and other hospitality and drinks tech companies.</p><p><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/erica-duecy-4a35844/" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">LinkedIn</a></p><p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/ericaduecy/" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Instagram @ericaduecy</a></p><p><strong>Scott Rosenbaum, co-host: </strong>Scott Rosenbaum is co-host of <em>Business of Drinks</em> and a veteran strategist and analyst with deep experience building drinks portfolios. He currently serves as Head of Search at Distill Ventures. He was formerly the Vice President of T. Edward Wines &amp; Spirits, a New York-based importer and distributor.</p><p><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-m-rosenbaum/" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">LinkedIn</a></p><p><strong>Caroline Lamb, contributor: </strong>Caroline is a producer and on-air contributor at <em>Business of Drinks</em> and a key account sales and marketing specialist at AHD Vintners, a Michigan-based importer and distributor.</p><p><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/caroline-bork-lamb/" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">LinkedIn</a></p><p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/borkaline/" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Instagram @borkaline</a></p><p><strong>SPONSOR</strong>: SWIG Partners is exclusively offering $100 off their supplier-distributor matchmaking fee when you mention the Business of Drinks podcast, or inquire via this link:<a href="https://www.swigpartners.com/businessofdrinks" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> ⁠https://www.swigpartners.com/businessofdrinks</a></p><p>If you enjoyed today’s conversation, follow Business of Drinks wherever you’re listening, and don’t forget to rate and review us. Your support helps us reach new listeners passionate about the drinks industry. Thank you!</p>

Business of Drinks

Business of Drinks

55: How THC Drinks Brand Nowadays is Scaling Fast with Justin Tidwell - Business of Drinks

MAR 12, 202563 MIN
Business of Drinks

55: How THC Drinks Brand Nowadays is Scaling Fast with Justin Tidwell - Business of Drinks

MAR 12, 202563 MIN

Description

<p>What if you could get the buzz without the booze? That’s the promise of Nowadays, a THC drinks brand whose growth has been off the charts. Co-founded by Justin Tidwell in 2023, Nowadays has already hit an estimated $15 million in revenue, and Justin says it’s on track to double that in 2025. </p><p>The brand started with a simple but radical idea: a THC-infused spirit that mimics vodka or tequila, giving people the ability to mix their own THC cocktails at home. Now, they’re in 5,000 retail doors across 25 states, partnering with top alcohol distributors to bring THC drinks into bars, liquor stores, and even hotels.</p><p>In this episode, we get into the nitty-gritty of how Nowadays went from a viral TikTok hit to a full-blown beverage powerhouse. Justin shares his playbook for launching a category-defining brand, scaling through social media without paid influencers, and tackling the unique challenges of building a THC drinks business in a world designed for alcohol.</p><p>We discuss:</p><p>- From zero to $1 million in 90 days: How a single TikTok post turned Nowadays into an overnight success.- Cracking the THC spirits market: The formula behind their best-selling 750-ml bottled spirit and its tiered dosing system (2 mg, 5 mg, and 10 mg THC).- Retail expansion: The strategy behind Nowadays’ 400% growth in retail doors and why partnering with alcohol distributors is a game-changer.- Social media without paid influencers? Why Nowadays bets on organic content and lets consumers drive the conversation.- Funding and profitability: How they raised capital after proving demand and built a high-growth, profitable business at the same time.- The future of THC beverages: Justin’s vision for making THC drinks as common as beer and wine in bars, restaurants, and liquor stores.</p><p><strong>Last Call:</strong></p><p>Don’t miss our next episode, dropping on March 12.</p><p>A recent study from <a href="https://news.oregonstate.edu/news/study-finds-consumer-openness-smoke-impacted-wines-offering-new-market-opportunities" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Oregon State University and researchers in New Zealand</a> found that some consumers actually like the taste of smoke tainted wines. As you might expect, we have opinions about this! Listen in as we debate.</p><p><strong>For the latest updates, follow us:</strong></p><p><strong>Business of Drinks:</strong></p><p><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/business-of-drinks/" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">LinkedIn</a></p><p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/bizofdrinks/" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Instagram @bizofdrinks</a></p><p><strong>Erica Duecy, co-host: </strong>Erica Duecy is founder and co-host of <em>Business of Drinks</em> and one of the drinks industry’s most accomplished digital and content strategists. She runs the consultancy and advisory arm of <em>Business of Drinks</em> and has built publishing and marketing programs for Drizly, VinePair, SevenFifty, and other hospitality and drinks tech companies.</p><p><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/erica-duecy-4a35844/" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">LinkedIn</a></p><p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/ericaduecy/" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Instagram @ericaduecy</a></p><p><strong>Scott Rosenbaum, co-host: </strong>Scott Rosenbaum is co-host of <em>Business of Drinks</em> and a veteran strategist and analyst with deep experience building drinks portfolios. He currently serves as Head of Search at Distill Ventures. He was formerly the Vice President of T. Edward Wines &amp; Spirits, a New York-based importer and distributor.</p><p><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-m-rosenbaum/" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">LinkedIn</a></p><p><strong>Caroline Lamb, contributor: </strong>Caroline is a producer and on-air contributor at <em>Business of Drinks</em> and a key account sales and marketing specialist at AHD Vintners, a Michigan-based importer and distributor.</p><p><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/caroline-bork-lamb/" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">LinkedIn</a></p><p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/borkaline/" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Instagram @borkaline</a></p><p><strong>SPONSOR</strong>: SWIG Partners is exclusively offering $100 off their supplier-distributor matchmaking fee when you mention the Business of Drinks podcast, or inquire via this link:<a href="https://www.swigpartners.com/businessofdrinks" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> ⁠https://www.swigpartners.com/businessofdrinks</a></p><p>If you enjoyed today’s conversation, follow Business of Drinks wherever you’re listening, and don’t forget to rate and review us. Your support helps us reach new listeners passionate about the drinks industry. Thank you!</p>