A New York-style pizzeria in Ballantyne has launched a new product: a take-and-“bake” pizza infused with hemp-derived THC.
Mike Libretto, the owner of Libretto’s Pizzeria, has developed a product called Spinello’s, an Italian slang term for “joint.” This 10-inch personal frozen pizza is available for $21.99. Customers can find it in local freezers, such as those at Common Market and Tip Top, or order it online for pickup. The pizza is baked at 420 degrees.
Libretto claims that many customers have told him that, aside from the infusion, it is the best frozen pizza they have ever tasted.
Libretto, who learned to make pizza in New York City over 20 years ago, began developing this infused pizza concept more than a year ago. He experimented with infusing oils into the pizza, sending his creations for lab testing, and adjusting the recipe to perfect the potency. Each pizza contains 40 milligrams of THC, with five milligrams per slice. The packaging indicates that each pizza has eight slices, ensuring a consistent experience.
After trying two slices at the restaurant, I felt relaxed. When I ate a third slice on my way home, I quickly felt its effects.
The legality of THC-infused products stems from a 2018 federal decision that removed hemp from the list of controlled substances, provided it contains less than 0.3% of the psychoactive component Delta-9 THC. Libretto confirms that his product is well below that limit. In 2022, North Carolina updated its laws to align with federal regulations, leading to an increase in Delta-9 products on the market.
However, the regulatory environment is still evolving. State lawmakers are attempting to establish clearer regulations for hemp products, but no laws have been passed yet. This uncertainty makes some small business owners hesitant to invest heavily in the market. Despite this, Libretto is optimistic about the future and is careful with the language on his packaging.
“It’s important to be regulated,” he says. “I’m trying to stay ahead and do it the right way.”
Libretto has sold Spinello’s for just a few months, and the product is already available at various locations, including Rhino Market, Crowntown Cannabis Dispensary, Apotheca, Common Market, and Tip Top. Due to demand, he is now offering an 80-milligram pizza and is exploring expansion to other cities.
Related Topics
- Mr. Moto Offers Free Pizza in November to Support YMCA Partnership
- Blaze Pizza to Celebrate New Opening with Free Pizza and Festivities
- Panjo’s Pizza Celebrates 60 Years of Service in the Coastal Bend
