+1 310-709-5404
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+1 310-709-5404
info@cannabev.org
November 9, 2021 by Ginger Bryant & Macai Polansky
Who We Are and What We Do If you’re reading this newsletter, chances are you already know the CBA is a California based industry trade association exclusively focused on cannabis beverage…
KEEP READINGOctober 14, 2021 by Jonathan Purow of Zuber Lawler
Like all other companies, cannabis beverage companies build their brands through blood, sweat and tears. Unfortunately, one of the many inequities that arises from the federal legal issues tied to cannabis is that cannabis brands cannot obtain the same types of…
KEEP READINGSeptember 20, 2021 by Sebastian Richard & Dan Marmor of Cann
Stick your arm out fully extended and sweep it back and forth in front of you. Now if you followed that instruction, you are probably cursing my name and questioning…
KEEP READINGAugust 18, 2021 by Evan Eneman and Jim Baudino from Sands Lane
Cannabis beverage is one of the fastest growing verticals in cannabis. Beverages currently represent just over 1% of overall cannabis sales and are poised to grow at a healthy rate over the next several years…
KEEP READINGJuly 12, 2021 by BevZero
With recent trends of holistic wellness and fitness, many young people today are cutting back on their alcohol consumption. This isn’t to say that millennials aren’t consuming alcohol at all, but many people ages 25 to 40 are opting for non-alcoholic alternatives to wine, beer…
KEEP READINGJune 8, 2021 by House of Saka
More Americans are turning away from alcohol in favor of healthier alternatives. Though COVID-related lockdown restrictions led to brief a surge in sales, alcohol use in the United State is on the decline. Alcohol sales fizzle out In the first quarter of 2020…
KEEP READINGMay 4, 2021 by Judy Yee
Being a parent without the stress of the pandemic is challenging, and the pandemic has created a significant amount of other challenges that parents and caregivers have needed to work through over the past year. To help cope with some of the stress and anxiety of getting through the day, many parents have either increased their cannabis use, or found a new love of the plant.
There has been an increase in cannabis retailers catering to this audience and many companies focusing on discreet products such as edibles and cannabis-infused drinks that are more easily, and safely, enjoyed at home.
Results from a recent Harris Poll Survey, show that since the start of the pandemic, 52% of parents who had previously used cannabis started or increased their cannabis use.
Almost overnight, moms like me found ourselves juggling crazy, virtual school schedules, working from home, taking on the role of caregiver, teacher and earner all at the same time. This experience allowed me to see why parents are turning to cannabis in the pandemic.
The pursuit of being a “good mom” during the pandemic seemed laughable and completely unrealistic. For me, being a parent in the pandemic has been about survival.
If I can end the day getting my daughter through distance learning, cooking something for the family, attending my Zoom meetings and squeezing in some time for myself – like going on a run or even 10 minutes of meditation – I consider the day a huge success.
I try to carve out time in the evenings to enjoy a cannabis beverage as I prepare dinner, which helped me compartmentalize my day – it was like a marker that the work day was winding down and my personal time was ramping up. That structure not only gave me something to look forward to, but also helped me unwind and de-stress while staying alert and functional.
As the CEO of a cannabis beverage company, and someone who started incorporating cannabis into my daily routine before the pandemic, I’m not surprised that parents are turning to it during these tough times. It’s a great way to de-stress, relax, connect with my spouse, get some sleep, feel lighter… the list goes on.
This is the reason why we / Mad Lilly launched Moms for Mary to help destigmatize parents’ responsible cannabis use. It was important for me and my team to support and celebrate fellow moms and dads who are using cannabis, which is why we launched Moms for Mary, a community of moms for moms who are sharing their stories and positive experiences with cannabis.
In the same way that airlines tell you to secure your oxygen mask before helping children and those around you, I believe that responsible cannabis use is a form of self-care which leads to being a better partner and parent. It’s our aim to inspire those who are curious to discover how the plant can improve their overall well-being and contribute to ending the unfair stigma surrounding parents and responsible cannabis usage.
It’s our aim to inspire those who are curious to discover how the plant can improve their overall well-being and contribute to ending the unfair stigma surrounding parents’ and responsible cannabis usage. We invite every mom and dad to share their story!
KEEP READINGAs millions of cannabis consumers prepare to kick back and enjoy 4/20, many are turning to infused beverages to ring in the holiday. As one of the fastest-growing markets in the cannabis industry, infused beverages represent a holy grail for manufacturers: a cannabis product that is both easy to dose and produce consistently. Primed for the national stage, the cannabis beverage market has generated millions of dollars in sales, and billions more in investment.
We wanted to provide you with an overview of the beverage market and examples of the hottest brands in the industry.
2020: The Year of Cannabis Beverages
2020 in particular was a banner year for the cannabis beverage industry. Over the last year, cannabis beverage sales jumped by 40%, from $67.8 million in 2019 to $95.2 million in 2020. Boosting the sales of cannabis beverages is the decline of alcohol sales.
Despite increased sales during the pandemic, alcohol use is declining. Even as bars and restaurants have begun to open back up, alcohol sales continue to dip. As fewer Americans are drinking, cannabis is rapidly becoming America’s new recreational substance. Almost half of all cannabis users have reduced or replaced their alcohol consumption with cannabis. In 2020, cannabis sales increased by 71% and overall purchase sizes increased by 33%.
This consumer adoption has only been accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to Marijuana Business Daily, although cannabis beverage sales generally are trending upward, sales only started to spike as soon as COVID-19 lockdown restrictions were put into place. Prior to March 2020, infused beverages sales generated less than $6 million a month. In December, monthly sales started to close in on $10 million.
The Future of Cannabis Beverages is Female
Women are the biggest consumers of cannabis beverages. According to a report by Headset, women outspent men on cannabis beverages in every age category. The vast majority of cannabis beverage purchases (80%) included other cannabis products, compared to around 66% of edibles sales. Preference in dosage to vary state by state. For example, in Washington, consumers prefer 100mg bevers, while California consumers prefer products with less than 12mg. Market-wide, consumers prefer beverages with over 100mg of THC (59.8%), followed by 10mg beverages (18%) and 5mg (19.5%).
Cannabis Beverages: A Market Poised for Growth
The infused cannabis beverage market is expected to continue to grow over the next four years. In addition to the gains made throughout the pandemic, increased legality should help propel growth in the market. According to Grandview Research, the infused cannabis beverage market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 17.8% and reach $2.8 billion by 2025. That’s enough to make anyone pop open a bottle in celebration.
Variety of Products Types
The following is a small fraction of the cannabis infused beverages available in the market today. From high dose shots to low dose cider, there is a beverage for any occasion.
Cann is the world’s first Low-Dose cannabis beverage in a Can(n). Made with 5 all-natural ingredients (Carbonated water, Agave, 100% Fresh Juice, 100% Natural Essential Oils, California Cannabis Extract), Cann provides a lighter, less impactful and more controlled approach to cannabis consumption .(2mg THC & 4mg CBD.) 200+ California Dispensaries (including Eaze.com / MedMen / Apothecarium / Sweet Flower…)
Product Description: Cann is the #1 selling THC-infused beverage in California according to BDS Analytics. Founded by Stanford and Harvard graduates, Cann is reshaping social drinking with their microdosed, non-alcoholic beverages that deliver a perfect, uplifting feeling every time. Vegan, gluten-free, and with only 30-35 calories, each Cann has five all-natural ingredients with a strength that is similar to a beer or glass of wine. There are no artificial sweeteners or flavors, sugar substitutes, or cannabis taste.
Retail Price:
Website: shop.drinkcann.com, Instagram: @drinkcann
4/20 Deal: Use code FOURTWENTY on shop.drinkcann.com – get 20% off 4 or more 6pks of Cann.
Nectr is a zero calorie, zero sugar, vegan, uber-refreshing sparkling water that’s perfect for any time of day or night. At 10mg of THC per bottle, it’s a perfect introduction for the canna-curious or regular cannabis user. It can be found in over a hundred dispensaries across California and at tastethehigh.com/find-us.
Matt’s High Soda created the hottest drink of the year with Cannabis-infused Uncle Arnies Iced Tea Lemonade. According to Headset’s sales data, Uncle Arnies is the fastest selling beverage in California. This cannabis version of an Arnold Palmer is every stoner and bud-tenders favorite. Packing a whopping 100mg of THC, it’s enough to make you take a whole afternoon away from reality. So sip back and relax, it sells out fast but you can check mattshighsoda.com/get-some for the list of available dispensaries.
Malus Hard Cider, from Harmony Craft Beverages, is California’s first cannabis-infused cider that uses live resin to maintain the aromatic profile of terpenes. Brewed from nature, Malus is a deliciously drinkable blend of apple and cannabis flavors. With dry cider and floral notes, Malus Granny Smith OG is fast-acting and sessionable with 3mg of THC and <2mg of CBD per can to make your best high better. Founded by a team of beverage and cannabis experience enthusiasts, Harmony Craft Beverages is inspired by a quintessentially Californian heritage and a new generation of social drinkers. For more information on Harmony Craft Beverages and Malus Hard Cider, including retail locations, visit: HarmonyCraftBeverages.com | Instagram: @harmonycraftbeverages, @drinkmalus.
House of Saka was established with a mission to bring the Saka’s cannabis infused wine tradition into the modern age. Saka WHITE is the color of muted sunlight with mouth-watering aromas of ripe peach, apricot and toasty oak Saka WHTE offers authentic flavors of rich, buttery vanilla and lush tropical fruit balanced with mild acidity and a long, pleasing finish. With 30mg of TCH and 6mg of CBD per bottle (6 mg of THC, and 1mg of CBD per 5oz serving), Saka WHITE delivers a sensual, relaxing high with rapid onset and offset effects for a truly safe, predictable and social cannabis experience. Five servings per bottle. Nonalcoholic. Fewer than 16 calories per glass. You can purchase Saka WHITE and PINK at houseofsaka.com to have it delivered to your front door in the state of California.
Tomato Jane™ by Van Doran Brands is Southern California’s newest way to enjoy brunch. It is a 10 mg ready to drink product. We use the best combination of spices and flavoring to give you a tasty tangy drink. Enjoy the new way to imbibe with a new vibe™ for your next brunch! You can find these cannabis infused beverages in Southern California dispensaries.
S*SHOTS is infused with 100MG of glorious THC and expertly blended with sweet ‘n tangy fruit juices. It builds the vibe with each tasty 10mg THC shot (10 servings per bottle) for a flavor-explosive, full-body-high. Explore both flavors –Watermelon Punch and Lemon Crush– as a shot on their own, or mix it as a delicious mocktail. Order on eaze.com and in select stores listed at s-shots.com/find-us.
Mad Lilly’s Spritzers Mango Passion won 2nd place for infused beverages at the 2021 Emerald Cup. Let your taste buds bloom with the bright and delicious flavors of Mad Lilly Spritzers: Ginger Pear, Passion Fruit Mango, and Raspberry Hibiscus. Each beautiful (and recyclable) bottle is filled with clean ingredients (all-natural fruit juices and sparkling water – no added sugars or preservatives) and infused with a 1:1 ratio of 5mg THC and 5mg CBD for a perfectly balanced, relaxing experience. Order on Eaze.com now and find us in California dispensaries soon.
Viv & Oak is an innovative wine alternative for women and men that love wine but wants to avoid alcohol. We extract the alcohol, and infuse the wine with premium cannabis. Our Shimmering Scarlett (grapes from Zinfandel) with dosing styles of THC 50mg, THC 30mg, THCv 25mg, CBD 25mg (2:1:1) & CBD 100mg THC 4mg per bottle and our Shimmering Blush (grapes from Rose) with dosing styles of THC 50mg& THC 25mg CBD 25mg (1:1) per bottle. With only 3 grams of sugar and 19 calories per glass.
Giving you an elevated social experience, without the hangovers.
You can thank us in the morning!™
Visit us at www.vivandoak.com for retailers near you!
Pabst Labs: The same Blue Ribbon you know and love now comes with a different kind of buzz. This light and refreshing seltzer is made with California grown cannabis, has only 25 calories, 4 grams of sugar and zero ingredients that are hard to pronounce. Each 12oz can has 5mg of THC, or as we call it, the right amount to start having a good time. Thanks to our advanced emulsion technology, powered by Vertosa, our cannabis infused seltzer works quicker than an average edible, and allows for the most efficient absorption into your system, so you won’t be left waiting for hours to feel a buzz. Order now through our Pabst Labs Shop page or visit our Find It page for retailers near you!
Artet is a modern beverage, inspired by tradition. Unlike traditional aperitifs, Artet is non-alcoholic and cannabis infused. Each batch is a blend of cannabis and eight botanicals that work in harmony to make Artet delicious on the rocks, intriguing when mixed, and always enjoyed in good company. Born out of a backyard BBQ in Los Angeles, Rosemary Jane quickly became a favorite among Artet drinks. The warming notes of Artet working in harmony alongside a blend of italian grapefruit juice, young rosemary simple syrup, and sparkling water. Each can has 5 mg of THC and 5mg of CBD. You can find stores near you to purchase Artet at iheartjane.com.
KEEP READINGOlala cannabis-infused craft sodas first launched in 2015 in Washington state inspired by Lehua Brands’ Founder and Chief Scientific Officer Randy Reed’s (@marlin_rando) Hawaiian heritage and values of loving your life, what you do, and the people that you serve. In the early days of legalization, the cannabis industry was looking for the fastest route to consumers, creating drinks with THC added that failed to deliver a consistent flavor profile, carbonation, or potency in each bottle. With time or temperature changes, many drinks would see THC distillate separating from the water, creating a “crash-out”, or white ring along the surface of the beverage. This both looked unappealing as well as created an inconsistent flavor and potency depending on when it was enjoyed.
Lehua created Olala branded full-spectrum drinks that utilized the latest science to solve these problems, respect the plant and make people feel great. Since its inception, Olala craft sodas have established Lehua and Randy as thought leaders and award-winner in the cannabis-infused beverage industry both for our amazing flavor profiles as well as our technological innovations aimed to deliver superior stability, carbonation, onset time, and efficacy.
Randy harnessed his background in pharmaceuticals and love of cannabis to patent processes that infuse full-spectrum, full-flower cannabis oils into soda and other drinks while still retaining the entourage effect and flavor profiles of true craft sodas. The result is products that allow consumers to enjoy the benefits of THC, CBD, and other cannabinoids which naturally occur in the plant but lets the flavors shine without distraction. Olala’s high carbonation, short onset times, and Hawaiian-inspired flavors bring a consistent product that makes you feel amazing throughout and after enjoying.
California has long been associated with the highest quality of cannabis products and standards. Lehua has partnered with leading California cannabis cultivators to marry the Lehua proprietary technology to high-quality cannabis to deliver a consistent beverage experience every time. With Olala and other beverage products to come, Lehua aims to delight consumers while promoting values of respecting the plant, loving your life, what you do, and the people you serve.
Life’s Better Chilled with Olala and Lehua is bringing the chill to you across the Golden State. Experience the benefits and great flavors of full-spectrum craft cannabis soda from the Redwoods of San Francisco & the Bay Area to the beaches of Los Angeles & San Diego. Olala craft soda is the perfect addition to any leisure activity, to sip on the beach, for summer adventures, and to share with friends.
Olala will be rolling out to select licensed cannabis retail stores and home delivery platforms across the state in the coming months. At launch, both the 10mg THC and 100mg THC potencies will be available, each in 4 delicious flavors of Orange Cream, Blue Raspberry, Mango, and Guava. If you click here you can use the store locator to find a store near you that sells Olala. Be sure to check out Olala’s website (www.enjoyolala.com) consistently for updates or subscribe to the newsletter to find out when Olala is hitting a fridge near you.
Life’s Better Chilled! Please respect the plant and make sure to recycle.
KEEP READINGThe Cannabis Beverage Association (CBA) has made tremendous strides since its inception in 2019. We started as a small group of passionate cannabis-beverage entrepreneurs and business operators who recognized the potential of the infused-beverage category, but also saw and experienced many severe challenges that would stifle the category’s growth.
Some of those challenges include:
Cumbersome and expensive protocols for procuring samples for marketing and testing.
As an association, we’re taking these challenges head-on by building a coalition of stakeholders who share our vision for the future of cannabis and infused-beverages and our passion and drive to influence change, so that we can, as Vertosa puts it: #infusetheworld. You can see in our purpose, vision and mission, that we’re steadfast at our core:
Purpose: We believe in the power of infused beverages to de-stigmatize and broaden cannabis use.
Vision: We aspire to a world where cannabis is federally legal, access is not restricted, and beverages are the leading method of cannabis consumption.
Mission: Our mission is to unite cannabis beverage stakeholders and advance the collective interests of the industry through advocacy and education, providing an alternative method of consuming cannabis in a socially acceptable manner with products that provide a safe and enjoyable experience for consumers.
We have lofty goals and the plans in place to achieve them. The following initiatives will be a focus for this year:
CBA Seal of Approval – a program we’re building to create standards and certifications for operators in the space, starting with infused beverage testing. In partnership with TraceTrust, we’re conducting a study to understand the disparities across labs for testing beverages.
We hope you share our excitement about infused beverages! We appreciate you subscribing to our Newsletter, and we encourage you to join us, as a member, in paving the way for this category to thrive!
From concept to market-ready, Spacestation offers turnkey contract-manufacturing and co-packing solutions for companies seeking to develop cannabis-infused consumable products. Our full-service product development strategy and manufacturing capabilities take your cannabis-infused product to market faster and more effectively.
Contact: Macai Polansky
CBA President
Co-founder Spacestation Mfg. / Spacestation Distro / Nectr / Matt’s High Soda
Macai is a cannabis industry veteran with experience in cannabis cultivation and processing, manufacturing, distribution and non-storefront home delivery. He got his start in the industry, pre-regulation, during the Prop 215 era. When MMRSA and Prop 64 passed, he got involved in the early stakeholder meetings with the state and then helped found the California Cannabis Couriers Association (CCCA). During his presidency, the association successfully lobbied the State to create a license type for non-storefront delivery businesses, helped create the cannabis delivery ordinance and tiered license fees in the City of Sacramento, as well as helped fight the winning battle which ensured borderless statewide delivery. Since then, he co-founded Spacestation Mfg, the state’s first contract manufacturer focused solely on infused-beverage as well as Spacestation Distro – a beverage centric cannabis distributor focused on paving the way for the infused beverage supply chain. Lastly, he founded the CBA and has aspirations of seeing infused beverages in bars and traditional retail, alongside alcohol, as a safer alternative for all occasions.
