# 297 - Can functional THC beverages help with alcoholism? Jonny Locarni and Magic Cactus believe so!

- Show: [People of Packaging](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/people-of-packaging)
- Published: 2024-12-04
- Length: 33m
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/people-of-packaging/2024-12-04-297-can-functional-thc-beverages-help-with-alcoholism-jonny-locarni-and-magic-ca
- Listen: https://encase.substack.com/p/297-can-functional-thc-beverages

## Summary

Johnny Locarni, founder of Magic Cactus, explains how his company developed a low-dose hemp-derived THC beverage as an alcohol alternative, navigating complex state-by-state regulations that force them to use shrink sleeves instead of traditionally printed cans. He details the R&D challenges of creating a low-sugar, natural product and the operational headaches of managing inventory and labeling changes due to shifting legal landscapes, such as California's temporary ban. Locarni highlights the strategic decision to focus on direct-to-consumer sales in compliant states to avoid the high costs and risks of wholesale distribution in a volatile regulatory environment.

## Chapters

- [0:01](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/people-of-packaging/2024-12-04-297-can-functional-thc-beverages-help-with-alcoholism-jonny-locarni-and-magic-ca#t=1) Introduction: Johnny Locarni and Magic Cactus
- [3:44](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/people-of-packaging/2024-12-04-297-can-functional-thc-beverages-help-with-alcoholism-jonny-locarni-and-magic-ca#t=224) Locarni's background and the origin of Magic Cactus
- [7:30](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/people-of-packaging/2024-12-04-297-can-functional-thc-beverages-help-with-alcoholism-jonny-locarni-and-magic-ca#t=450) R&D challenges: Formulation, microdosing, and dispensary economics
- [12:58](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/people-of-packaging/2024-12-04-297-can-functional-thc-beverages-help-with-alcoholism-jonny-locarni-and-magic-ca#t=778) Regulatory impact on packaging: Shrink sleeves vs. traditional printing
- [20:30](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/people-of-packaging/2024-12-04-297-can-functional-thc-beverages-help-with-alcoholism-jonny-locarni-and-magic-ca#t=1230) State-by-state legal variations and inventory management
- [25:08](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/people-of-packaging/2024-12-04-297-can-functional-thc-beverages-help-with-alcoholism-jonny-locarni-and-magic-ca#t=1508) Go-to-market strategy: Direct-to-consumer focus and state compliance

## Topics

- [Packaging design](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/packaging-design)
- [Certification & compliance](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/certification-and-compliance)
- [Direct-to-consumer & e-commerce](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/direct-to-consumer)
- [Materials & manufacturing processes](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/materials-and-processes)

## Most relevant to

early-stage companies

## Mentioned

- Magic Cactus (company)
- SmartSolve (other)
- The Scrapp App (other)
- Meyers Packaging (company)

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## Citing this page

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