The cannabis drink industry is still in its infancy, but showing signs of growth. In recent years, several major players have entered the market. More and more products are also coming onto the market.
Several properties make cannabis drinks attractive to newcomers: ease of consumption, discretion, fewer health problems and less stigma, as with methods such as smoking or vaping. Popping open a can is more acceptable than lighting up a joint or dripping CBD oil under your tongue.
Benefits of cannabis drinks
Cannabis drinks belong to the group of edibles† With some edibles, you don't feel the effects until late. That is not always desirable. The effects of cannabis drinks usually come on quickly, as the cannabinoids are mainly absorbed into the bloodstream through the mouth and sublingually (sublingually), but also in the stomach. This means that the consumer feels the effects in real time instead of having to wait.
This makes it easier to find the right dose and avoid overconsumption. Drinks come in different dosages, 2,5mg to 25mg of THC or CBD are common, and the two cannabinoids are often combined in one product.
The overall wellness market continues to grow, and like gummies and oils, CBD or THC-infused drinks supply a demand. Consumers are often looking for drinks that are low in alcohol, sugar and calories. Alternative edibles, such as baked goods and sweets, are often considered unhealthy due to their high sugar or fat content. Beverage labels advertising claims like "chemical-free," "all-natural," or "organic" are huge hits with modern consumers.
Cannabis 'Drinking Problems'
In the early days of the industry, there were numerous formulation and packaging problems. The production of cannabis drink involves dissolving a cannabis oil in a liquid, and if the resulting oil droplets are too large, it can result in a low quality.
There is also the problem that some of the oil can be absorbed by the inside of the package. The combined effect of these two issues raises concerns that consumers may not be getting the levels of THC or CBD promoted on the label.
There are also complex regulatory barriers to overcome, including restrictions on packaging design. For example, depending on regional restrictions, the packaging must be child-resistant, opaque, durable or tamper-resistant.
One restriction that hinders the sale of Canadian cannabis drinks is the strict limit on how much can be purchased at one time. Canadian consumers can purchase up to five 350ml (approximately 12 oz.) drinks at a time, regardless of THC level. While there are steps to increase the limit, there are concerns that this restriction will prevent shoppers from trying new products. Another concern in Canada is the 10 mg THC limit per drink.
It is feared that this level is too low and could drive consumers towards illegal products.
As with any cannabis product, there are safety risks associated with overconsumption. That is why it is important to buy legal products and to check whether a brand provides a certificate of analysis for each product.
While the stigma for drinks is lower than for other cannabis products, it hasn't completely disappeared. Even in regions where cannabis is legal, there is still resistance to buying and consuming medicinal and recreational cannabis. As such, it may be a long time before we see cannabis drinks compete with the sale of alcoholic beverages.
Source: Leafly.com (EN)
