The Chicago Cubs just made history, becoming the first organization in Major League Baseball to take advantage of new rules permitting cannabis sponsorships. Late last week, the storied team announced their partnership with CBD beverage brand MYND DRINKS.
MYND DRINKS produce “100% plant-based, hemp-infused wellness and recovery drinks that help people relax, refresh and recover” using broad-spectrum CBD. As part of the stipulations regarding CBD sponsorship, the league requires products to be NSF Certified for Sport®. Part of the certification process includes stringent testing and ensuring products are THC-free. CBD brand Charlotte’s Web was the first cannabis company to partner with the MLB, but the MYND DRINKS deal is a first for an individual club.
MYND DRINKS is now the “Official CBD Partner” of the Cubs, and the brand’s three flavors, Elderberry Passionfruit, Orange Mango, and Lemon Ginger, are already for sale at Wrigley Field. In addition, visitors to the stadium will see an assortment of marketing throughout the ballpark, including on-field signage and in-game features. MYND DRINKS will also receive international marketing rights in the United Kingdom for the remainder of the regular season.
“We’re proud to be the first club to partner with a CBD company, but what was more important to us was making sure that the brand was the right fit,” said Alex Seyferth, Vice President of Corporate Partnerships for the Chicago Cubs, in a press release obtained by GreenState. “MYND DRINKS is a Chicago-based company that promotes overall wellness and helps ease the stressors of everyday life, just like a Friday 1:20 game at Wrigley Field.”
The Cubs released a special “guided meditation” on YouTube to celebrate the deal, hosted by team play-by-play announcer Pat Hughes. It’s more of a relaxing journey through a mellow day at the ballpark than a meditation, but the track is designed to “help fans unwind.” The team also announced a “Sounds of Wrigley Field” Spotify playlist, which will be available to fans soon.
The Chicago Cubs’ deal with MYND DRINKS is the first of many expected CBD partnerships in the MLB, as cannabis brands aim to reach new mainstream audiences through professional sports.
Rachelle Gordon is a cannabis journalist and Editor of GreenState.com. She has been covering the cannabis space since 2015, and has been featured in High Times, CannabisNow, and many other niche publications. Rachelle currently splits her time between Minneapolis and Oakland; her favorite cannabis cultivars include Silver Haze and Tangie. Follow Rachelle on Instagram @rachellethewriter
