Circle K Is Finally Entering the Cannabis Retail Industry

In 2022, Circle K was trying to enter Florida's cannabis industry, an effort that ultimately failed. Circle K announced this about six months after 4/20 and was intending to open the stores in 2023. Circle K, owned by Alimentation Couche-Tard, Inc., which had made efforts to enter the cannabis industry in Canada through investment in retailer Fire & Flower, gave up the Florida plans in early 2025 after a long battle with Florida. Circle K was planning to work with Green Thumb Industries (GTBIF) in Florida. GTI was going to launch Rise Express stores.

The opening of RISE Express stores at Circle K locations is a game-changer. Convenience is a strong channel in retail, and people want more access to cannabis. The new RISE Express model is a huge step forward in making it easier and more efficient for patients to purchase high-quality cannabis as part of their everyday routine when stopping by their local convenience store.

Green Thumb Founder, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Ben Kovler

Well, Couche-Tard failed in Canada, and it failed in Florida, but it is making an effort again.

Here is the press release from today that suggests that Circle K is partnering with Viola to sell THC beverages:

Circle K and Horticulture Co. Partner with Viola to Launch First National Rollout Program for THC Beverages with Allen Iverson

CHARLOTTE, N.C., Oct. 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Circle K and Horticulture Co., the parent company behind the breakthrough THC beverage brand Tempter's, today announced the launch of the first-ever national rollout program for THC beverages—with global icon Allen Iverson and his Iverson line powered by Viola.

This historic initiative cements Horticulture Co.'s products as the anchor THC beverage offerings in Circle K beverage sets nationwide, establishing THC drinks as a permanent fixture in mainstream convenience retail.

As part of the program, Circle K will carry exclusive offerings available only in its stores, including the Allen Iverson "Sneaker Box" Variety Pack—a limited-edition, collectible release designed to capture the energy of sneaker culture. Packaged to resemble a premium sneaker box, the variety pack blends Iverson's legendary impact in sports and fashion with the cutting edge of alcohol-alternative innovation.

The campaign proudly declares: "Circle K Has the REAL AI." This includes Viola's Iverson Collection. By aligning the Viola brand with Horticulture Co.'s THC beverage leadership, the company strengthens its position as a category pioneer.

"Allen Iverson has always been a game-changer—and this program is no different," said Saf Sadiq, CEO, Horticulture Co. "By making our beverages the anchor THC offerings nationwide and tying in exclusive drops like the Sneaker Box Variety Pack, Circle K is setting the pace for the entire industry. We're beyond excited for the first phase of this partnership and look forward to developing it further with more innovation and offerings in the future."

For Iverson, this is about culture, legacy, and innovation.

"I've always stood for being real and changing the game," said Allen Iverson. "Now Circle K has the REAL AI, and with my drinks, we're giving people something bigger than just a product—it's culture in a can."

"I'm proud to expand the Viola partnership with Allen into the THC beverage space, marking Circle K's first-ever national rollout," said Viola CEO Al Harrington. "Together, we trailblazed in the cannabis industry, and now we're bringing that same innovation to this market with Horticulture Co.—and this is just the beginning of what's ahead."

The program officially launches in Q4 2025 in pilot Circle K markets before expanding nationwide in 2026.