Marijuana Coffee? Sorta. Coral Reef in Lewisville Brews THC-Infused Lattes

Showtime’s Weeds finale sparked an idea in Lanton Forgette's noggin: cannabis-infused coffee. But the owner of Coral Reef Coffee Company says his shop is nothing like the 2005–12 cable TV show about a widow’s illegal marijuana business. His customers have the option to infuse their coffee with Delta 8 THC or CBD hemp extract — and yes, it’s legal — or drink tea and nibble on pastries, including some from La Casita Bakeshop, a James Beard Award finalist.

The vibrant space has bright teal and coral pink walls adorned with work by local artists, which are for sale. Dallas-area muralist Joe Skilz painted the large mural of an octopus drinking coffee when the shop opened in 2020.

Forgette says cannabis is not the mainstay of his business.

“That may change if the law changes,” he says, referring to the current law that allows for small amounts of cannabis in some products, which Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton is already targeting for the next legislative session. “I don’t want my business to fail. I’m a coffee shop first.”

The atmosphere is not specifically tailored for one demographic. We saw college students studying, business people working (supposedly) and others just relaxing. He has noted his clientele includes Christians, Muslims and even a few Buddhist monks. “I believe that most people have more in common than they have not in common,” he says.

All demographics unite under one roof for one thing – high-quality, affordable coffee in a relaxed atmosphere, he says. Whether or not they choose to be cross-faded, we suppose.

Forgette dedicated six months to experimentation to perfect the secret recipe for the Delta-8 drink. His meticulous process ensures that the THC absorbs swiftly into the bloodstream while keeping the flavor discreet at low dosages. We had to try it.

We opted for a 16-ounce Cookie Butter Latte with oat milk ($7.50) laced with 10 mg of THC hemp extract ($1.75) and 10 mg of CBD hemp extract ($1.10). We didn’t hallucinate or start laughing at every little thing, but we did feel different. We were alert, much like drinking a regular cup of Joe. And we were relaxed, not jittery.

According to the shop’s website, the CBD from the hemp extract may help ease the acidic nature of coffee and reduce anxiety caused by consuming too much caffeine.

We were curious to try the 16-ounce Rose Chai Latte ($7.70) from the donation drinks menu. For every drink purchased from that menu, $1 is donated to the Coral Restoration Foundation, which aims to farm and outplant colonies of staghorn and elkhorn in Florida’s coral reef.

A sip of Rose Chai Latte ignited our senses like the warmth of a three-wick candle flickering in a low-lit, rose-scented room. The barista cleverly crafted a flower bouquet design atop the creamy beverage in the pink ceramic mug. The drink was sophisticated and sweet, yet spicy.

Forgette makes his own syrups and updates Coral Reef’s seasonal menu every three to four months. So, people may come to experiment not only with cannabis but also with unique flavors like Irish cream, pecan brown sugar and ginger with rosemary.

Coral Reef Coffee Company, 310 E. Round Grove Rd., No. 300, Lewisville. Monday – Saturday, 6:30 a.m. – 8 p.m.; Sunday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.