420 with CNW — Marijuana Could Fuel Novel Food C
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For decades, plants within the Cannabis Sativa family have been associated with marijuana and its infamous “high.” Even as the state-legal cannabis industry becomes larger and more lucrative, THC (delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol), the compound responsible for marijuana’s intoxication, has taken center stage. However, cannabis and hemp are extremely versatile and have a wide variety of applications ranging from textiles and construction to health and wellness.
Cannabis is undoubtedly one of the fastest-growing industries in the country, with Ben Larson, CEO of Oakland, California-based firm Vertosa calling it the most exciting growth opportunity since the advent of the internet. Vertosa is a technology company that specializes in deriving ingredients from cannabis for food and beverage manufacturers. During The Future of Food @ SXFW event, which was held virtually from March 18–21, Larson said that cannabis and hemp may be at the heart of a novel food culture in the future.
With his company focusing on beverages infused with cannabis and hemp extracts, Larson pointed out that with all the money being invested into cannabis beverages, the space is looking at a lucrative future. With its versatility, cannabis isn’t just confined to beverages, he says, stating that its applications in health and wellness, athletics and even pet care present an extremely attractive opportunity for growth.
Mario Rodriguez, the owner of New York-based Bootleg Avocado LLC agrees. Rodriguez moderated the SXSW session titled “Cannabis: The Catalyst for New Food Culture,” and he believes that the time has come for the world to dissociate cannabis from the stigma of being an illicit drug and uncover its plethora of food and beverage applications.
In fact, several companies have already jumped onto the bandwagon, producing cannabis beverages that prioritize wellness over intoxication. For instance, Innoviom, which is based in Stamford, Connecticut, has developed a line of beverages called Tranquini Wowie that contains 20 mg of hemp as well as adaptogens such as lavender, chamomile and lemon balm. Designed to offer quick relief from stress and anxiety, a single 12-oz can of the relaxation beverage contains 20 calories. According to CEO Ahmed ElAzizi, Tranquini Wowie can take you from “hectic to hanging loose” without the drowsiness associated with cannabis. In Venice, California, Cann & Bolt Co. has created a nonalcoholic beverage infused with THC and CBD. It leaves users feeling invigorated and gives them a slight buzz thanks to the THC.
Over in Santa Fe, New Mexico, Verde Juice Co. has a line of high-pressure and cold-pressed functional teas and juice beverages that are made using whole hemp leaf juice. Each 10-oz bottle has 12 mg of CBD, less than 1 mg of THC and 35 calories with no added sugar. With companies conducting more research into cannabinoids, terpenes and flavonoids, they are bound to come up with different combinations that will create new dynamic experiences.
Scottsdale, Arizona-based The Alkaline Water Company Inc. (NASDAQ: WTER) (CSE: WTER) also has a line of CBD-infused products, including drinks, being marketed across the country. This goes to show just how fast the cannabis food culture is growing, with much more to come.
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