Circle K Becomes First Major Texas Convenience Store to Sell THC Beverages

VARIN hemp-derived THC drinks now available in dozens of Circle K locations across the Dallas-Fort Worth area.

Jan. 28, 2026 at 4:23pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

VARIN, a hemp-derived THC beverage marketed as a functional alternative to alcohol and energy drinks, is now being carried by Circle K franchise convenience stores in Texas, becoming the first THC drink brand to secure placement in the retailer's cold boxes. The rollout includes dozens of Circle K locations across the Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex, signaling the rapid entry of hemp-derived THC beverages into mainstream retail environments in Texas outside of traditional marijuana dispensaries.

Why it matters

The availability of hemp-derived THC beverages at major convenience store chains like Circle K represents a significant milestone in the normalization and mainstream acceptance of cannabis-infused products in Texas, a state that has historically taken a more conservative approach to marijuana legalization.

The details

Unlike marijuana-derived THC products sold through licensed dispensaries, VARIN's drinks are made using hemp-derived THC combined with CBDV and a blend of functional ingredients commonly associated with focus and cognitive support. The company says this allows consumers to experience a controlled, predictable effect while remaining within the bounds of federal hemp law. The beverages contain zero sugar, zero caffeine and zero calories, positioning them as an alternative to both traditional energy drinks and alcoholic beverages.

  • The rollout of VARIN beverages in Circle K stores across the Dallas-Fort Worth area began in January 2026.

The players

VARIN

A hemp-derived THC beverage company that markets its products as a functional alternative to alcohol and energy drinks.

Tyler Marshall

CEO and co-founder of VARIN.

Circle K

A major convenience store chain that has become the first to sell THC beverages in its Texas locations.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Jitter-free energy. Flow-state focus. Mind-body balance. A signature euphoric social lift. That's exactly why we created VARIN. Our drinks combine hemp-derived THC with CBDV and select nootropics that boost mental performance like theobromine, L-theanine, lion's mane and B-12, to deliver a smooth, uplifting, feel-good-but-still-focused effect without the jitters or the crash. Putting VARIN in the cold box at Circle K makes choosing that kind of experience as easy as grabbing your favorite beverage.”

— Tyler Marshall, CEO and co-founder of VARIN (themarijuanaherald.com)

What’s next

Select Circle K stores are also expected to host regular in-store tastings through 2026 as part of the launch, further normalizing hemp-derived THC beverages within everyday retail settings in Texas.

The takeaway

The availability of hemp-derived THC beverages at major convenience store chains like Circle K represents a significant shift in the mainstream acceptance of cannabis-infused products in Texas, a state that has historically taken a more conservative approach to marijuana legalization. This move signals the growing consumer demand for alternative, functional cannabis-based products that can be accessed through familiar retail channels.