By Kevin Revolinski
I n 2023, Richard Bowman and NessAlla Kombucha founded RA!, an all-natural hemp and wellness company. Initially, they produced edibles, but soon decided to develop a nonalcoholic THC beverage line and bring on another investor.
Tina Noel, a former neurosurgical nurse practitioner with a master’s degree in nursing, answered the call.
Noel currently works at a clinic that takes a holistic approach to healthcare, using plant-based supplements for healing.
“My neuro background helps me understand how these cannabinoids (THC) can help the body — so this [business] fits right in with my purpose,” she says. “I saw the industry changing and the collective shift away from alcohol amongst all age groups — and I like being a disruptor.”
Noel’s intention was to come on as a silent third partner in 2024, but with a fundraising background from serving on the UnityPoint Health- Meriter Foundation’s board and the Clean Lakes Alliance, she knew she couldn’t remain “silent.”
“I knew people that own the restaurants, grocery stores and distributors we wanted to get into, so I’m like, all right, this isn’t working — I need to get on board!” she says.
RA!’s sparkling beverages include varying amounts of Delta-9 THC (vs. the semi-synthetic Delta-8) derived from Wisconsin-grown organic hemp extracted using a physical proprietary process rather than a chemical process that affects the taste.
Hemp-derived THC products came about after the 2018 Hemp Farming Act and have been largely unregulated. A federal ban on “intoxicating” hemp THC, which takes effect in November 2026, closes that loophole.
This ban “would impact Wisconsin farming immensely,” says Noel. States have until then to develop a regulatory system to avoid the outright ban.
RA!’s lineup includes sparkling hibiscus, passionfruit lemongrass and pomegranate rosé flavors, each available with three or 10 milligrams of THC, plus a lemonade offered in five-, 10- and 20-milligram options.
Produced at Broken Bat Brewing in Milwaukee, RA! is distributed statewide, including at Woodman’s, Willy Street Co-op, and several bars and restaurants in Madison.
