NEW ORLEANS — After being named Greater New Orleans’ fastest-growing company earlier this year and recently selling its 20 millionth can, Crescent Canna faces a federal restriction that could make its popular Crescent 9 THC Seltzer illegal to sell beginning Dec. 11. The New Orleans-based beverage manufacturer has already laid off approximately 20 employees as the deadline approaches, threatening the future of a business that has expanded into more than 8,500 retail locations across 20 states.
Founded in 2019, Crescent Canna launched Crescent 9 THC Seltzer in February 2023 and has since expanded into a national hemp-derived THC beverage business. The company ranked No. 407 on the 2026 Inc. 5000 list of America’s fastest-growing private companies, the highest ranking of any Greater New Orleans company, with 858% revenue growth over three years. Crescent 9 has also become the nation’s top-selling THC beverage brand by volume and dollar sales in grocery, liquor and convenience stores tracked by consumer research firm NielsenIQ, according to 2025 data.
Louisiana has been a significant market for the company. As of August, Crescent Canna reported selling more than 5.5 million cans in the state, including approximately 2 million in 2025. Its products are carried by national retailers as well as Louisiana businesses such as Rouses Markets, Martin’s Wine Cellar and Breaux Mart…