In a groundbreaking partnership that signals a cultural shift, Cornbread Hemp, a national leader in the hemp industry, has announced the first-ever THC beverage sponsorship in Division I college athletics with the University of Louisville. This landmark deal brings THC beverages from the margins into the mainstream of American sports culture, positioning Louisville once again as a pioneer in adult beverage innovation.
Known worldwide for its bourbon heritage and a vibrant craft beer scene, Louisville is now emerging as a frontrunner in cannabis beverages due to Cornbread Hemp’s leadership. Eric Zipperle, CEO and co-founder of Cornbread Hemp, emphasizes that this collaboration goes beyond traditional sponsorships: “This partnership isn’t just a logo on a banner. This is the beginning of a relationship that reflects Louisville’s spirit of innovation and hospitality.”
Cornbread Hemp is a family-owned company founded in 2019, headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky. The company produces award-winning THC drinks, USDA certified organic CBD gummies, oils, and lotions, and notably offers America’s only USDA certified organic THC gummies. With products grounded in Kentucky’s 250-year hemp farming heritage, Cornbread Hemp is redefining adult beverages with its cutting-edge THC seltzers.
The company’s rapid growth and impact have not gone unnoticed. Named Kentucky’s fastest growing business by the Inc. 5000 in 2024 and featured in Louisville Business First’s Fast 50 list for three consecutive years, Cornbread Hemp stands at the forefront of the evolving cannabis and adult beverage markets.
This sponsorship marks a significant milestone not only for Cornbread Hemp and the University of Louisville but also for the broader acceptance and integration of hemp-derived THC products into mainstream American culture and sports environments. As Louisville continues to lead innovation, the partnership underscores a future where adult cannabis beverages become a normalized and celebrated part of lifestyle and sports culture.
This historic collaboration between Cornbread Hemp and the University of Louisville reflects both the enduring legacy and the forward-thinking spirit of the city, converging tradition with modern innovation to shape the next chapter of adult beverages in America.
