Category: Infused Food & Beverages

Now that Santa has returned to the North Pole, the ball has dropped, and we’ve rung in 2023 with spiked eggnog, champagne, or a few shots of whiskey, that means it’s time to consider going dry in January. 

What is Dry January?

Dry January is a movement that began in 2013 by an organization called Alcohol Change UK. Their goal was for people who drink on a regular basis to take a break from alcohol for one month, and after that month, perhaps they would consider drinking less because they were feeling better. It would provide a time to reset the mind and body on the first day of January, after a month of festivities that often revolve around eating and drinking. With each year that has passed since 2013, more people have participated in the movement, so much so that now most consumers know what Dry January means and the benefits of taking part in it.   

Benefits of Going Dry in January

Better Sleep

While drinking alcohol may help people fall asleep faster, it can interfere with breathing and disrupt the REM phase of the sleep cycle, which negatively impacts the overall quality of one’s sleep.

Better Hydration Levels 

Alcohol is a diuretic, which means that it triggers the body to remove fluids from your blood at a much faster rate than other liquids. As most of us know, dehydration can lead to nasty headaches, fatigue, and dizziness. Unless you’re drinking a glass of water after each alcoholic beverage, you are sure to feel parched after a few cocktails or glasses of wine.

Potential Weight Loss 

There is no doubt that most alcoholic beverages taste great – but with the flavor can come empty calories. For example, a classic margarita is about 200 calories, while a glass of white or red wine has 125 calories. Whatever your drink of choice, a few of them over the course of the evening can add up, and if you aren’t burning those calories somehow, they can turn into a few extra pounds of unwanted weight.

Clear-headedness 

Drinking alcohol regularly can leave you feeling fuzzy and can make it challenging to remember things. It can also alter your perception of distance, as well as slow or impair your fine motor skills. Saying good-bye to alcohol for a month will leave your brain feeling sharper and likely your reactions will be quicker.

Infused Beverages: An Alcohol Alternative 

For people who have never participated in Dry January before, they might be wondering about beverages that can replace a beer while watching football, a cocktail at Happy Hour, a glass of wine with dinner, or a nightcap before bed. A great alternative to any of these is a beverage infused with CBD, THC, or a combination of the two. A drink infused with THC will likely give you an elevated experience, minus the hangover!

There are plenty of different options on the market from you to choose from, such as: 

Infused Sparkling Water 

A plain, infused sparkling water makes a great base for a mocktail. A little bit of fizz goes a long way in making a drink feel festive.

Infused Sparkling Water flavored with natural fruit juice and other functional ingredients also makes a great base for a mocktail or can stand alone with a wedge of fruit in them.

Infused Coffee Beverages 

While some may think coffee is strictly a morning beverage, many people who are not highly sensitive to caffeine like to enjoy a coffee-based beverage after dinner or to replace dessert (or an Irish Coffee!).

Infused Tea

There’s nothing like a warm cup of tea in the evening to wind down before catching some zzzzz’s. 

Infused Mocktails 

There are a number of beverages on the market that replicate the flavors of certain cocktails like Gin and Tonics, the Old Fashioned, or a Paloma, minus the alcohol.

Infused Fruit Juices

Many cocktails feature fruit juices as their base – Margaritas, Pina Coladas, and Daiquiris, to name a few. To create your own mocktail, take your favorite infused fruit juices, mix and match them, and add other ingredients like bitters, herbs, syrups or fresh fruit to enhance the flavors. (Note: Technically bitters are made from alcohol, but they’re often labeled as non-alcoholic given how little you use in a cocktail.)

Tips for a Successful Dry January or Dry ’23

1. Ask a friend to go dry with you

   As we all know, making resolutions is easy, but sticking with them can be hard. If you do Dry January with a friend, you can hold each other accountable as well as have fun creating and making non-alcoholic beverages together.

2. Track how you feel at the end of each day

   The first few days of Dry January might be tough as your body and mind recalibrate themselves. In a journal, in your planner, or on a calendar app, reflect on how you are feeling – not just physically, but emotionally. Consider your energy level, your mood, how hydrated you feel, how you are sleeping, etc.

3. Replace your evening alcohol with an activity

   For many people, alcohol is part of their nightly routine – a cocktail at Happy Hour, wine with dinner, a sip of scotch before bed. For Dry January, you can replace that beverage with a NA drink AND an activity! This could mean a yoga session or a trip to the gym followed by an infused sparkling water, an evening walk followed by an infused tea, or dessert and infused coffee with friends.

4. Host a mocktail party

   For many, drinking is a social activity. This month, instead of meeting up with friends at a bar, consider throwing a mocktail party. Do a little research for recipes online, grab some infused beverages for the mocktail base, then find some fun ingredients fruit or vegetable juices, syrups, and herbs, fruit wedges or pickled vegetables for garnish. You could also have a contest for best mocktail! The Powered by SoRSE Holiday Gift Guide is a great resource for infused beverages you can offer your guests at your party.

5. Be patient with yourself

   Change is hard for most people, especially when it comes to altering one’s behavior or routine. You might be a little cranky when you first start Dry January – and that is normal! When you’re feeling a little off or irritated, try to remind yourself why you are doing this in the first place and then do something nice for yourself, like drinking an infused beverage.

Good manufacturing practices (GMP) play a pivotal role in setting companies up for success. In the cannabis industry, establishing GMP standards now can help with the inevitable transition into legalization in the future. Cannabis is, after all, a consumer product, and currently, the federal government has not provided a clear pathway toward regulating and overseeing legal cannabis-derived products. However, current good manufacturing practices (cGMPs) do exist as the accepted standards for manufacturing with safety and reliability across industries, so how can manufacturers of infused cannabis products get ahead of the curve before legalization becomes a reality? 

Why is GMP Important? 

The top priority of GMP standards is to protect the safety of the consumer. In short, implementing GMP standards means continually assessing potential hazards and updating standard operating procedures (SOPs) to ensure all processes are current and in-line with regulations, safety protocols, and industry-wide standards. These programs include quality control, sanitary practices, preventative measures, supply chain control and supplier accountability. It’s a comprehensive framework meant to ensure the quality of  the product through every step of the manufacturing process.  

Although not required by many state regulatory bodies, many successful cannabis companies have voluntarily become GMP certified because they understand that it promotes efficiency and makes them more adaptable to change, likely charting the path to a smoother transition to full legalization. GMP standards lay the foundation for efficient and safe production processes and create a model for employees. By implementing formal SOPs, cannabis companies are gaining useful tools for complying with state laws. 

GMP Standards & Infused Cannabis Products

Whether you’re a cultivator, processor, or infused product manufacturer, GMP–certification will be a necessary part of compliance come legalization. In fact, the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) requires GMP standards for food, dietary supplements, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals – essentially, any product that’s meant for the human body needs to be manufactured following GMP guidelines. With the cannabis infused product category predicted to earn over $150B in sales by 2030, it’s wise for manufacturers to begin implementing GMP standards today, or at the very least, meet the FDA’s minimum requirements before  federal legalization. Those who fail to do so may risk losing products, funds, or business if they do not meet quality standards.

Furthermore, there are many cannabis-specific issues that infused product  manufacturers face which need to be incorporated into quality assurance and GMP standards. For example, cannabinoids degrade due to temperature and light exposure, and extracts produce resins which may interfere with sanitization processes; there are also the added concerns of pesticide contamination and mold growth. These must all be considered before assessing any additional food products being infused for QA and their own GMP standards. Even if companies are regularly testing their products, this is only performed at the end of the manufacturing cycle, leaving too much room for error and the risk of losing valuable product should they test for contaminants. This problem is preventable if SOPs are followed from the beginning to the end of the manufacturing life cycle. It’s important to note that brands determine shelf life based on stability studies to determine the degradation rate, because degradation is inevitable.  

The Risks of Not Having GMP Standards in Place 

In many states, GMP certification is not required for cannabis product manufacturers. Despite this regulatory oversight, it’s in every businesses’ best interest to maintain quality control throughout the manufacturing process to protect the consumer. These standards help greatly reduce the risk of costly problems such as recalls and the disposing of large quantities of products, and prevent developing a negative reputation that may be difficult to come back from. No company wants to risk public scrutiny or end up in court because a consumer suffered harm due to a contaminated product. 

The Takeaway 

There are a variety of reasons that infused product manufacturers need to be on top of their quality control measures and GMP standards. The cannabis industry is highly regulated and scrutinized, yet state lawmakers are unsure of how to apply safety measures to this burgeoning industry. Until recently, testing was the only solution. The downside? Most tests are conducted at the end of the manufacturing process, when it’s too late to save products from potential hazards. By not implementing GMP standards throughout the manufacturing life cycle, companies risk the loss of product, and the subsequent loss of funds, which could be devastating to cannabis companies that are already cash strapped. 

Plan for the future and begin implementing GMP standards now so your company is ready to make the transition to federal legalization without any obstacles. The team at SōRSE Technology has always prioritized high GMP standards and quality assurance throughout the manufacturing process for our water-soluble emulsions. By treating our emulsions the same as any other food ingredient, we focus our attention on regulations, sanitary practices, and quality control to ensure that any product that passes through our facilities are safe and compliant.

Partnering with a knowledgeable and trusted industry partner will give you peace of mind as you formulate your product while ensuring consumer safety. Contact us today to work with our team of experts combining 150+ years of experience in food, beverage, and product formulation. 

Seltzers. Tonics. Mocktails. Sodas. Juices. Lemonades. Colas. NA beer. Tea. Coffee. 

It’s hard to believe, but today’s cannabis consumer can purchase the beverages above in states where cannabis is medically and/or recreationally legal. The sector continues to grow year over year with new products coming to market every week. In their recent report, “Cannabis Beverages: Examining category performance and trends,” Headset Data reported that “market share of beverages has increased over 40% in the US and Canada since the beginning of 2021.” How will that change in 2023, and what new trends will emerge? Here are some of our predictions for the industry in the coming year.

Dosing: Low or High, With Little In Between

Most beverages on the market fall into two categories – low dose and high dose. Typically, low dose beverages contain 2 to 10mg THC, whereas high dose beverages contain 100mg, the legal limit for a single unit of product in most states.  

According to Headset Data, in 2022, “The most popular beverage dosage in the US has been 10mg, capturing 39% of the market. High dose beverages over 10mg are very popular as well. High dose products account for over one-third of all beverage sales, with 100mg products contributing 22% of total sales through the first ten months of 2022. Low dose Beverages also have their place in the US market. Beverages with less than 6mg of THC account for over 22% of total sales in the US.” 

In 2022, there were not a lot of drinks in the 15-30mg range, and even fewer with a 50mg dose. Consumers new to cannabis beverages will likely gravitate to low dose products, where cannabis veterans may look to higher dose beverages to meet their needs.

Why aren’t brands creating products with 50mgs? Most likely because that amount of THC would drive up the price point of the product – and ultimately, the consumer wants to get the most bang for their buck.  In a time when consumers, and brands, are mindful of spending, it makes more sense to create a product that can either be consumed in one sitting or dosed over time. The middle ground dosing doesn’t lend itself well to either scenario.

Format: Hit Me with Your Best Shot

In 2022, we saw more beverage producers bringing shots to the marketplace; water-soluble tinctures were also a popular format. In 2023, we’ll see producers expanding their product portfolios with shots, tablets, and stick packs for RTM drinks. These smaller formats are great for consumers who are constantly on the move. They are also cheaper for producers to ship and take up less space on a dispensary shelf. In a dispensary setting, refrigerators are space hogs – so offering smaller formats or formats that don’t need to be refrigerated makes sense for brands trying to create a footprint in the beverage sector.

Product Segments: Variety is the Spice of Life

Consumers in the United States like variety and the ability to choose their favorite type of beverages. That’s why there are so many types of drinks on the market – from seltzers and sparkling waters to lemonades, fruit-forward drinks, and iced teas. Drops, syrups, powder mixes, and elixirs are also popular given their ease of use and flavor options. We’re also seeing more aperitifs and wine-like beverages on the shelves as well.

While most consumers tend to repurchase their favorite brands and types of beverages, inflation may play a role in consumer purchases in 2023, as people may be more mindful of the price point of their favorite beverages and try something new that offers more bang for the buck. Headset reports that since January 2021, “Beverage brands grew 65% in the US… This flood of new brands and products into the market could be exceeding demand and contributing to price compression within the category.” 

Flavor Profiles: When Life Gives You Lemons (and Oranges and Limes and Yuzu) 

In terms of flavor profiles, citrus continues to be a favorite among beverage producers given how well it pairs with other fruit flavors and herbs. Yuzu, a citrus originally from China whose flavor is like a cross between a lemon, lime and grapefruit, has become a popular flavor with beverage producers and consumers alike. With the rise of infused mocktails on the market, grapefruit proves to be a popular flavor too, as it is a stable ingredient in a Paloma or Greyhound. 

Berry varieties like blackberry and strawberry and tropical flavors like Pineapple and Passion Fruit will also be featured in beverages in 2023. Berry flavors evoke feelings of nostalgia and summertime, while tropical flavors evoke feelings of warmth and trips to the ocean.

Floral and herbal beverages are also on the rise, particularly in the form of teas, which highlights the fact that the cannabis beverage space is diversifying in terms of flavor and taste.

Added Ingredients: Majors, Meet Minors 

In 2022, minor cannabinoids like CBG, CBN and CBC were featured more prominently in beverages, and interest in some of the rarer minor cannabinoids like THCv were growing. In 2023, we expect to see the majors paired with the minors, with developers focusing on the specific benefits associated with the minors. Given the fact that the cost of some minors is quite high, producers will need to consider the value the minor cannabinoid brings to the product, and the consumer. 

Terpenes, the oils produced by the trichomes of the cannabis plant, are what give cannabis its aroma and flavor and increase the cannabinoids’ efficacy. For beverage producers working with a water-soluble emulsion, the emulsion technology allows a producer to play up the positive notes the terpenes impart and cut down on the cannabis aroma and taste. In 2023, product producers may bump up their product’s terpene profile, given their therapeutic effects when interacting with cannabinoids (known as the Entourage Effect).

Producers will also continue to explore adding functional ingredients and adaptogens to their infused beverages like cordyceps, ginseng, and turmeric for their added health benefits.

Other Trends: Calorie Count and Caffeine

In today’s marketplace, consumers are conscientious about the amount of sugar and the number of calories they consume, so we expect to see infused beverages like sparkling waters and seltzers continue to be popular, with low to no sugar and low-calorie counts. 

 Another interesting trend to watch is the rise of caffeinated beverages. Infused teas and coffees have become quite popular in the last two years, as have bottled iced teas and iced tea/lemonade combinations (aka the Arnold Palmer). That said, caffeine goes beyond traditional black coffee and black tea-based beverages; caffeine is also derived from green coffee beans, green tea extract and other plant material. The key for product developers is to choose the right amount of caffeine to complement the cannabis, as both ingredients can elevate one’s heart rate. 

New Markets: Great Potential for Reaching New Consumers

While California, Colorado, Washington and Oregon are states with fairly mature beverage markets that continue to grow, there are a number of states with new consumers where beverage brands are looking to expand their national reach. Now that recreational adult use is legal in New Jersey, New York, Missouri, and Maryland, beverage brands will look at ways to establish themselves in these marketplaces. While recreational adult use has been legal in Michigan and Illinois for almost three years, there is still room for growth in the beverage sector in both states. 

With the footprint SōRSE has established through our mobile production program, we will continue to refer brands to our partners in different areas to help them achieve their expansion goals.

Closing Thoughts 

As the cannabis beverage market continues to grow from year to year, product producers need to continue to watch consumer trends as they build new products (or revamp old ones) for 2023. As consumers continue to cut back on alcohol consumption, cannabis infused beverages can be a great replacement for a cocktail or glass of wine, providing an elevated experience minus the hangover. For longtime cannabis consumers, an infused beverage is a viable alternative to smoking and inhalation. For new consumers and the canna-curious, beverages provide an easy entry point into consumption.

There’s no doubt that this sector of the market will continue to grow, as product producers continue to innovate and develop beverages with the consumers’ wants and needs in mind. At SōRSE, we look forward to whatever 2023 brings and working with new and existing beverage brands to create the safest, most reliable, best-tasting products on the market.  If you are looking for a water-soluble cannabinoid emulsion supplier for your infused product launching in 2023, come to the SōRSE and book a call with our team today.

‘Tis the season for holiday gift-giving! We all know that it can be a little stressful trying to find just the right present for the people on your list, so we created a cannabis Gift Guide of products that are Powered by SōRSE water- soluble technology that will be sure to bring a smile to the faces of the recipients. We think your friends, family, coworkers, and four-legged companions will love these products as much as we do! 

For athletes and sports enthusiasts, Adapt Brand’s Super Water.

With coconut water as the base blended with the juices of superfoods like mango, pomegranate, and hibiscus, and other functional ingredients, these beverages offer sports enthusiasts a healthy way to stay hydrated. Adapt is the first hemp beverage in the marketplace to be NSF Certified for Sport, which guarantees the product has been rigorously tested and is safe for consumption for those who compete in college or professional athletics. Each bottle is enhanced with 25mg CBD and is gently sweetened with monk fruit.  

For coffee connoisseurs Altitude’s Everything Latte

Americans love their cafes and coffee beverages. Altitude’s twist on the latte puts the fun into the category of functional beverages. The base of the drink is cold brew coffee and oat milk, which is then blended with CBD, turmeric, cocoa, cinnamon, chaga, lion’s mane mushroom, cordyceps, reishi, blue agave and sea salt. Can a coffee drink actually be good for you? In the case of the Everything Latte, chock full of these healthy ingredients, the answer is yes.  

For those who are mad for mocktails, Altitude’s Sunset Vibes alcohol-free cocktails

These three drinks – Blue Hawaiian, Paloma, and Mountain Mule – featuring 20mg of CBD in each can are the perfect way to end the day, especially since there’ll be no hangover headache the next day! Trust us – you won’t miss the rum, tequila or vodka in the alcoholic versions of these drinks. Not only are these mocktails incredibly flavorful and effervescent, but they also feature functional ingredients like L-Theanine, gaba, and white tea.  

For hikers, bikers, climbers and adventurers Aprch

As far as beverages go, APRCH is the perfect drink to have before, during, and after time in the great outdoors. This zero-calorie sparkling CBD water comes in three flavors: Lemon + Lime, Watermelon, Cherry-Lime, and Mint + Cucumber – with no added sugar. Each 12 oz can contains 30mg of CBD, L-Theanine, an amino acid that promotes relaxation, Vitamin C, and organic natural flavors.

For the canna-curious, Cann

This low-dose social tonic that comes in a variety of flavors like Lemon Lavender, Blood Orange Cardamum, Grapefruit Rosemary, and seasonal Cranberry Sage, are the perfect present for the person who’s interested in re-introducing themselves to cannabis and looking for an alternative to inhalation. Each can is infused with 4mg CBD and 2mg THC, lightly sweetened with agave nectar, and flavored with pure fruit juice. The sensory experience is just cann-tastic. Cann is available in California, Illinois, Massachusetts, Nevada and Rhode Island. 

For lemon lovers looking to quench their thirst, CENTR

Centr was one of the first brands to launch a CBD product three years ago and is currently the best-selling CBD beverage in the US. Centr offers two sparkling waters in black and white cans – both feature 30mg CBD per 12 ounces. The black can is the sweetened version that contains organic cane sugar (40 calories); the beverage in the white can is the unsweetened version (10 calories). The lemon flavor in both Centrs is light and refreshing, the perfect drink for any time of day.

For those who play hard outside and relax harder, COPA Beverages

The team behind COPA have a true appreciation for the outdoors – from snowy mountains to the rugged northwest coast. They’ve created four sparkling waters infused with 25 mg CBD and fruit juice that are meant to refresh, recharge, and relax the outdoor adventurer. Their sparkling waters feature creative flavor pairings for an amazing sensory experience, like blueberry and pineapple in Blue Beary, and a blend of raspberry, blackberry, cherry, and black currant juices in Wildberry.  

For friends who are crazy for cocktails, Crisp and Crude

With Dry January right around the corner, a great gift for people who love festive drinks for Happy Hour are Crisp and Crude’s four sparkling ready to drink NA cocktails featuring botanical terpenes. Swap that gin and tonic for an OG Tonic made with juniper, gentian root, angelica, cardamom, coriander, and lime, or try a Mellow Mule which melds tropical pineapple with mint, earthy botanicals, and ginger. Trust us; you won’t miss the spirits with these terpene-forward cocktails! 

For the craft beverage fan and aficionado, Cruise

Based in Chicago, Illinois, Cruise has created a line of nitro-infused, sugar-free CBD drinks featuring 25mg CBD, caffeine from organic green beans, and natural fruit extracts. The flavors include Mellow Mango, Blissful Blood Orange, Loosen Up Lemon, and Peaceful Pear. What makes Cruise unique is the foamy head and rich texture the infusion of nitrogen creates, which results in an amazing sensory experience for the consumer. Your friends will thank you for helping them cruise through the day…with Cruise. 

For people seeking clarity in a can, Day One Sparkling CBD Water

If you’re doing some actual in-person shopping this year, you can’t miss Day One’s eye-catching cobalt blue cans on the shelf; each contains 20mg of CBD. When it comes to choosing one of their beverages, you can’t go wrong, because all three — lemon, lime, and grapefruit – are made with real fruit juice and are beyond flavorful. If you know someone looking to start their morning off right or needs to hit the reset button mid-day, Day One is sparkling water for them! 

For Fido the lab and Felix the cat’s best human friends, Heirloom Pet Products

Many of us know folks who love to spoil their pets rotten. Gifting them some of Heirloom’s water-soluble hemp infused products will be sure to result in wags and purrs. The Food Toppers are a great addition to the food bowl, and the bacon–flavored Road Trip Stick helps take the edge off before a vet visit or a car ride. You can be sure these gifts will earn a 5–paw review and make their owners furever grateful!

For those in need of some kalm and klarity, Kleer

For those in need of some kalm, Kleer. The last two years have been tough for many people. Adjusting (and readjusting!) to life during and after Covid – it’s been a lot! The perfect gift for the person who could use a little TLC in a can are Kleer’s sugar-free sparkling waters. Each can features 25mg CBD and 100% natural flavors. Passion Orange Guava is a blast from the past (who didn’t love POG as a kid?), Cucumber Lime is crisp and refreshing, and Berry Blast is the perfect combination of tart and sweet.

For the New Year’s Eve Party Host(ess), L8

Headed to a New Year’s gathering to close out last year and ring in 2023? Make sure you bring L8 for the friend behind the festivities! They will appreciate the gesture and enjoy the four different drinks infused with 20mg of CBD and refreshing flavors – coconut vanilla, blueberry mint, ginger peach, and strawberry lemonade all deliver great flavors. Replenishing and rejuvenating, L8 is the perfect beverage to crack open on the first day of the new year, and every day after!

For those looking for a little “aloha” and an island oasis, Lei Back (plus a pair of flip flops)

When it’s cold and dark outside, who doesn’t long for sun, sand, and surf, and a beverage that makes them think of fun times at the beach or on vacation? Lei Back’s three sparkling beverage flavors – tangy and refreshing Pomelo, Guava, and Pineapple – all infused with 20 mg CBD, are the perfect remedy for the winter blues and remind us that summer is only six short months away! 

For someone searching for more sunny days this winter, Leisuretown

These social seltzers are the brainchild of three close friends – a cannabis entrepreneur, a craft brewer, and a chemist – who grew up on Leisuretown Road. They’ve created three low-dose sessionable beverages — Ginger Berry, Yuzu Lime, and Cherry Vanilla. Each 12–ounce can features 2.5mg THC and 5mg CBD and is only 25 calories. The company is backed by Rob Dyrdek, Diplo and Chelsea Handler, who recently commented, “I have finally found a brand that I believe can take my wellness to the next level.” Leisuretown is available in California dispensaries and delivery services.    

For friends who appreciate companies that make the world a better place, Mad Tasty

Mad Tasty’s sparkling waters come in four refreshing flavors — Watermelon Kiwi, Grapefruit, Unicorn Tears, and Yuzu Citrus – and each can contains 20mg of CBD. Knowing that access to clean water is a problem in many impoverished communities face, Mad Tasty donates 12 ounces of clean drinking water for every 12 ounces of Mad Tasty sold through their partnership with Drop4Drop. Each time your friends drink a Mad Tasty, they’ll be making a difference too.

For canna-enthusiasts looking for an elevated experience, Major

Small but mighty, THC-infused Major packs a punch at 100mg of THC per bottle. Major drinkers can choose their own adventure by picking their own dose – a few mgs for a gentle lift, a few more for a heightened occasion. They can also choose between the OG 6.7-ounce bottle (available in Orange Mango, Pink Lemonade, Blue Raspberry, Passionfruit and Grape) and the newly released 2-ounce shot (available in Blackberry Lemonade, Blueberry, and Fruit Punch). Whatever the size, whatever the flavor, Major will bring a smile with every sip. Major in its original size is available at recreational use dispensaries in Washington, Oregon, Colorado, and Arizona and medical dispensaries in Ohio; shots are available in Washington with more states coming on board soon!

For soda lovers looking for lift with a hint of nostalgia, Mary Jones by Jones Soda

Jones Soda is well known in the beverage industry for their bold, unique soda flavors like Blue Bubblegum and Fufu Berry. Last spring, they launched Mary Jones, bringing four of their iconic flavors to the cannabis marketplace – Berry Lemonade, Green Apple, Orange & Cream, and Root Beer. Prefer a lower-dose drink? Choose the bottles featuring 10mgs THC. More of a high-dose consumer? Choose the 16-ounce cans which feature 100mg THC.  

For someone pining for palm tree paradise, Pink Cloud Beverages

Pink Cloud recently launched two island-inspired, CBD-infused sparkling beverages flavored with natural fruit juices: Pineapple, Yuzu, and Lime; and Lilikoi and Guava. Beyond transporting a person to the tropics with each sip, Pink Cloud is committed to preserving our oceans and beaches. The company donates a portion of their proceeds to 1% of the Planet, an organization that helps bring like-minded businesses and communities together to create positive change. Pink Cloud donates 1% of their gross proceeds to protect oceans, beaches, and waves.

For those on the go, Rip N Sip

We all have friends who are constantly on the move, rushing out the door for a run before meeting up for coffee. An easy way for that person to add CBD to their daily routine is by opening a packet of Rip N Sip and pouring it into whatever beverage they choose. Each 3 ml packet contains 20 mg of flavorless liquid CBD which disperses rapidly. It doesn’t get any easier than that to make your own CBD-infused drink! 

For fans of fruit, Zenly Sparkling Water

Drinking sparkling water is a great way to stay hydrated, and it’s even better when it’s enhanced with fruit flavor and infused with CBD. Friends who love the tartiness of citrus will love Zenly’s Blood Orange and Lime Mojito, while friends who like a hint of sweetness and the tastes of summer and fall will appreciate Berry Bliss and Honeycrisp Apple. Whatever the case, dehydration will never be a problem once they start drinking Zenly.

The days are getting shorter, the weather’s getting colder, and Halloween is right around the corner – Fall is officially upon us, and we’re a few days into the tenth month of the year. That means it’s time for Sober October, a campaign that that challenges people to go without alcohol for the month, much like Dry January. 

This movement was started in 2010 by an Australian youth health organization called Life Education which created a fundraiser called “Ocsober.” The name “Sober October” is attributed to Macmillan Cancer Support, a charity based in the United Kingdom, that kicked off their campaign in 2014 to raise money for supporting people with cancer. In the past few years, the movement has become more recognized and mainstream, given the celebrities who have taken on the challenge and shared it with their audiences.

Benefits of Going Sober in October 

Better Sleep  

While drinking alcohol may help people fall asleep faster, it can interfere with breathing and disrupt the REM phase of the sleep cycle, which negatively impacts the overall quality of one’s sleep.  

Better Hydration Levels 

Alcohol is a diuretic, which means that it triggers the body to remove fluids from your blood at a much faster rate than other liquids. As most of us know, dehydration can lead to nasty headaches, fatigue, and dizziness. Unless you’re drinking a glass of water after each alcoholic beverage, you are sure to feel parched after a few cocktails or glasses of wine.  

Potential Weight Loss 

There is no doubt that most alcoholic beverages taste great – but with the flavor can come empty calories. For example, a classic margarita is about 200 calories, while a glass of Chardonnay has 125 calories. Whatever your drink of choice, a few of them over the course of the evening can add up, and if you aren’t burning those calories somehow, they can turn into a few extra pounds of unwanted weight.  

Clear-headedness 

Drinking alcohol regularly can leave you feeling fuzzy and can make it challenging to remember things. It can also alter your perception of distance, as well as slow or impair your fine motor skills. Saying good-bye to alcohol for a month will leave your brain feeling sharper and likely your reactions quicker.  

Infused Beverages: An Alcohol Alternative 

For people who have never participated in Sober October before, they might be wondering about beverages that can replace a beer while watching football or the Major League Baseball playoffs, a glass of wine with dinner, or a nightcap before bed. A great alternative to any of these is a beverage infused with CBD, THC, or a combination of the two! A drink infused with THC will likely give you an elevated experience, minus the hangover! 

There are plenty of different options on the market for you to choose from, such as:

Infused Sparkling Water 

Infused Sparkling Water flavored with natural fruit juice and other functional ingredients also makes a great base for a mocktail or can stand alone with a wedge of fruit in them.  

Infused Coffee Beverages 

While some may think coffee is strictly a morning beverage, many people who are not highly sensitive to caffeine like to enjoy a coffee-based beverage after dinner or to replace dessert (or an Irish Coffee!). 

Infused Tea 

There’s nothing like a warm cup of tea in the evening to wind down before catching some zzzzz’s. 

Infused Mocktails 

There are a number of beverages on the market that replicate the flavors of certain cocktails like a Gin and Tonic, an Old Fashioned, or a Paloma, minus the alcohol.  

Infused Fruit Juices 

Many cocktails like Margaritas and Greyhounds feature fruit juices as their base. To create your own mocktail, take your favorite infused fruit juices, mix and match them, and add other ingredients like bitters, herbs, syrups or fresh fruit to enhance the flavors. (Note: Technically bitters are made from alcohol, but they’re often labeled as non-alcoholic given how little you use in a cocktail.) 

Tips for a Successful Sober October 

1. Ask a friend to go dry with you. As we all know, making resolutions is easy, but sticking with them can be hard. If you do Sober October with a friend, you can hold each other accountable as well as have fun creating and making non-alcoholic beverages together.
2. Track how you feel at the end of each day. The first few days of going sober might be tough as your body and mind recalibrate themselves. In a journal, in your planner, or on a calendar app, reflect on how you are feeling – not just physically, but emotionally. Consider your energy level, your mood, how hydrated you feel, how you are sleeping, etc.
3. Replace your evening alcohol with an activity. For many people, alcohol is part of their nightly routine – a cocktail at Happy Hour, wine with dinner, a sip of scotch before bed. For Sober October, you can replace that beverage with a NA drink AND an activity! This could mean a yoga session or a trip to the gym followed by an infused sparkling water, an evening walk followed by an infused tea, or dessert and infused coffee with friends. 
4. Host a mocktail party on Halloween. For many, drinking is a social activity. On Halloween, consider throwing a mocktail costume party. Do a little research for recipes online, grab some infused beverages for the mocktail base, then find some fun ingredients fruit or vegetable juices, syrups, and herbs, fruit wedges or pickled vegetables for garnish. You could also have contests for the best costume and best mocktail!
5. Be patient with yourself. Change is hard for most people, especially when it comes to altering one’s behavior or routine. You might be a little cranky when you first start cutting out alcohol – and that is normal! When you’re feeling a little off or irritated, try to remind yourself why you are doing this in the first place and then do something nice for yourself, like drinking an infused beverage. 
6. If you’re looking for some infused beverages for Sober October and beyond, check out our Powered by SōRSE page where you can find some of the best-tasting drinks on the market!

Athletes who want hydrating drinks with less sugar. Coffee lovers who want a lift in the afternoon with the added bonus of functional ingredients. Cocktail drinkers who want to shift to mocktails for a healthier lifestyle. Outdoor enthusiasts who want refreshing sparkling waters to fill their coolers. Cannacurious consumers who want flavorful, low dose beverages to elevate their experiences. Veteran cannabis users who want a beverage or shot that will pack a punch.  

Cannabis-infused beverage consumers come in all shapes and sizes, with different interests, hobbies, tastes, and passions. For companies looking to create an infused beverage, knowing the person who will be holding and consuming the product inside and out is critical for that drink’s success in the marketplace.  

Here are four important steps for identifying and connecting with your beverage’s target consumer with the goal of developing a loyal, repeat customer.   

Before Getting Started  

Most successful beverages on the market have been created by a person or a group of people motivated to share it with a wider audience – and they’ve identified a hole in the marketplace that needs to be filled. There’s no doubt that a beverage – or any consumer product for that matter — will be more successful when you are passionate about that idea and believe others will benefit from consuming it.  

That said, it’s important to ask yourself why you want to make this beverage and what you will bring to the table. What is your niche, and how will you differentiate it from other drinks?  What unmet need or gap does your beverage fill in the current marketplace?  What’s the story you plan to tell that will resonate with your audience? Having clear answers to those questions will help you better envision your target consumer.  

Step 1 – Create a Profile of Your Consumer 

So, you’ve generated the idea for your beverage — perhaps inspired by a product or flavor you loved as a child or something you experienced in another town, state, or country. The next thing you need to do is figure out who is going to buy this beverage and where they will buy it; in other words, you need to identify your audience.  

When you create an image and a profile of your target consumer in your head, that profile should be as specific as possible. You should be able to picture what that person looks like, what kind of clothes they shop for, what kind of food and beverages they buy, and where they buy them. To figure out what they really want from the beverages they drink, you need to imagine the world from their perspective. If you can picture them reaching for your product on a store shelf for a certain reason, then you’re on the right track.  

The narrower you can make that profile of your consumer, the better – because you will know exactly what that person wants and needs. It’s also important to visualize what your consumer is doing after purchasing the product, when they are consuming your beverage, because this will inform other decisions you make down the road, such as the format you choose, the packaging, and the branding.   

Step 2 – Study the Infused Beverage Marketplace and Trends 

Knowing the current infused beverage marketplace will help you make the best product possible for your target audience. This involves doing in-depth research on market trends and the growth and changes in the infused beverage sector over the past few years.   

For example, interest in CBD rose 24% in 2019 – and with the pandemic in 2020 and 2021, we saw consumers become more interested in functional ingredients and healthy ingredients paired with CBD since they were more focused on health and wellness. Now, in 2022 with inflation rising, we see consumers being more careful with their spending, and as a result, they are focused on getting the most bang for their buck with their purchases.  

When you look at beverages currently on the market, you should take note of how many milligrams of CBD or THC are in the product, what flavor profiles are being offered, what functional ingredients or minor cannabinoids are being incorporated, and what size bottles or cans are being utilized. You not only want to understand the current trends, but how those trends apply to your desired customer.   

As you conduct market research, don’t simply focus on how your product is going to appeal to a consumer; focus on how your product will stand out from the rest for your desired consumer – in the short term and in the long term. Make sure an aspect of your beverage is something that no other producer can talk about. Solve a problem or fill a void so that the consumer keeps coming back for more.    

Step 3 – Explore Current Flavor and Ingredient Trends  

Adding cannabinoids to a beverage formula that already exists is relatively easy; starting the process from ideation requires some dedicated research into  food and flavor trends. These trends tend to start at restaurants and eventually trickle down to other areas of the industry. Make sure to differentiate the emerging microtrends and mainstream trends from those that are on their way out.   

Most of today’s consumers are exposed to different types of food and are generally open to trying new flavors. That said, it’s wise to consider using a base flavor for your beverage that is transferable and versatile in almost any recipe. The secondary flavors are the ones that might be more adventurous, ones that you wouldn’t expect to see paired with the base flavor. For example, citrus is a common base flavor, and it pairs well with other secondary flavors like mint or berry.  As you consider flavor pairs, think about your audience. Are they adventurous when it comes to food and beverage or more conservative? Do they love tropical flavors or prefer berries? The key is to always focus on how an ingredient trend may or may not appeal to your target audience.

Step 4 – Seek Out Feedback on Your Beverage from Your Target Audience 

Once you have a clear picture of your drink’s consumer, studied the beverage market, explored ingredient and flavor trends, and developed an initial formula, the next step to finalize your formulation and ingredients and test that recipe with your potential consumer and gather feedback on it from them. Consider what kind of feedback will be helpful to you moving forward – perhaps that is on flavor, mouthfeel, level of effervescence, or the packaging. Whatever the case, the more specific the questions you ask of your product testers, the more comprehensive and helpful the feedback you receive will be. Gather this type of feedback each time you change or tweak your formulation so you can track how your consumer reacts and interacts with each iteration of your drink.  

Sourcing Your Active Ingredient 

You’ve identified your target consumer. You’ve got a base formulation (or a few). Now it’s time to find a supplier who can deliver an emulsion that can be seamlessly integrated into your beverage. When you start evaluating suppliers, ask to taste not only their emulsions, but their customers’ drinks as well. That will give you an idea how your beverage might taste should you use their product, but also how consistent their active ingredient is in a finished product. It’s important to find a supplier who has a lot of experience working with beverage companies – especially if this is the first beverage you’re launching. An experienced supplier will be able to help you with your formulation and your flavor profile, as well as connect you to other suppliers and co-packers. 

The SōRSE R & D team is not only a group of experienced food scientists, but they have helped many of our customers bring new beverages to market. If you are looking to launch an infused beverage in 2023, let us be your RESōRSE. Book a meeting with our team today to talk about your product development needs! 

Sometimes, smoking a joint or popping an edible amongst friends doesn’t seem as convivial as bonding over leisurely sipped beverages. This is likely just one of the factors contributing to cannabis beverages’ huge success. According to Headset, cannabis beverages are one of the fastest growing segments in the industry. 

In addition to cannabis beverages increasing in popularity, cannabis consumption lounges offer a more normalized and visible recreational approach. Cannabis consumers can enjoy cannabinoid products in a public, social setting, much like they would enjoy a beer or cocktail at a bar or nightclub. This familiar bar-like setting being adapted in the US is inspired by Amsterdam’s ever-popular “coffee shops,” where customers can choose from a menu of products and then enjoy them on site. Today, consumption lounges offer a variety of opportunities to further the reach and popularity of cannabis beverages. Here are five reasons why:

1. Buying a cannabis beverage at a consumption lounge gives the products legitimacy

Until recently, cannabis consumers had nothing equivalent to a bar setting to enjoy their favorite products. By tapping into cocktail culture, cannabis beverage companies are creating a pathway for the “canna-curious” to try a product in a familiar format – a mixed cocktail, a can or a bottle, rather than smoking flower or using a vape. Consumption lounges provide a safe, legal setting for consumers to enjoy cannabis, and offer a legitimate platform for brands to showcase their products.

2. The ability to socialize in a public setting with a cannabis beverage normalizes consumption

State-licensed, legal cannabis consumption lounges completely shift the discourse surrounding consumption in general. Rather than having to consume within the confines of your own home, individuals can now meet friends at a lounge, or socialize with fellow cannabis enthusiasts. By creating these spaces, cannabis consumption is being normalized. Since beverages are already one of the fastest growing product segments in the industry, getting more cans in more hands will only increase their popularity. After all, imbibing in social settings is the norm – the only difference is that these products are non-alcoholic, and won’t give drinkers a nasty hangover. This opens the door to non-habitual consumers who may not choose to puff on a preroll, but would gladly enjoy a sparkling soda.

3. Consumption lounges offer a controlled environment to enjoy cannabis products

Much like a bar, restaurant, or nightclub, a cannabis consumption lounge is a controlled setting. Consumers will choose from legitimate, legal products and enjoy them within the parameters enforced by the lounge. Consumers will not have to worry about ingesting a potentially unsafe, illegal product, or over consuming due to lack of dosage transparency. Cannabis beverage brands that get their products into established consumption lounges will be trusted, and enjoyed in a setting that welcomes the “highs” that come with consuming, creating positive brand associations and hopefully, brand loyalty.

In addition to this, consumption lounges will also provide staff members who will be available to help answer questions and make recommendations around a specific person’s preferences, interests, desired effects, tastes or other parameters like low sugar, low or high dose and similar. This will help improve first time experiences with infused beverages as well as a person will have support in determining where they should start and what would be best for them.

4. Cannabis beverages have a faster onset time

Due to water-soluble emulsions, those who choose to drink cannabis beverages can feel the effects faster – as early as 7 to 15 minutes – than if they chose an edible that can take up to two hours to set in. This is a key differentiator often highlighted by cannabis beverage manufacturers and a result of water-soluble emulsion technology which accelerates the absorption of the active ingredient for the consumer. 

Now is the time to ensure that you have the right emulsion partners. As the market expands and competition grows, brands will want their product to shine among the rest. This means fast onset times, solid flavors, aromas, and mouthfeels in all of their ready-to-drink and ready-to-mix products. Those that can’t get their formulations right will surely fall to the wayside as more successful products zoom to get placements on the back bars of every consumption lounge.

5. Low-dose cannabis beverages give consumers the opportunity to drink more

It’s widely acknowledged that inconsistency is a major factor in customer’s disapproval for certain cannabis products. In terms of potency, it’s extremely important that cannabis beverages are accurately dosed, so consumers can predict their effects. For low-dose beverages, cannabis consumers that don’t want a strong “high” can opt for one or two drinks, while others may choose to enjoy several over the course of a few hours. Either way, proper emulsion technology is needed to maintain accurate dosage, in addition to pleasant tastes that amplify or compliment the beverage’s flavor profile. After-all, psychological research suggests that consumers remember bad experiences more than positive ones, and roughly 17% of consumers will walk away from a brand after just one single bad experience.

So what’s the key takeaway? It’s imperative for cannabis beverage brands and manufacturers to partner with trusted emulsion experts to create the best tasting, most efficacious and consistent products. At SōRSE Technology, we believe that products have to taste good, but also need to be consistent, effective, and safe. By creating products that integrate easily into the consumer’s daily routine, we can meet the growing consumer demand and stand out amongst competition. Contact us today to schedule an exploratory call about your beverage brand.

In the cannabis marketplace, beverages have come a long way in a relatively short amount of time. There are plenty of products on the market for consumers to choose from – still water, sparkling water, juice, tonic, seltzer, aperitifs, and mocktails, just to name a few. Some drinks are infused with CBD, some with THC, some with a pairing of CBD and THC, and others with minor cannabinoids. To differentiate themselves, many brands are creating unique flavor pairings, or putting their own spin on classic beverages like soda, seltzers, or cocktails. So many drinks – so little time!

This spring, Brightfield predicted that CBD drinks will reach $192M in annual sales this year, up 9.5% compared to 2021. That’s a significant amount of growth in a year. Another analytics group, BDSA, reported earlier this summer that the cannabis beverage category had 64% growth last year and 27% growth quarter over quarter.  This growth begs the question — what’s driving consumers to try cannabis beverages?

REASON #1: CANNABIS DRINKS ARE A GREAT REPLACEMENT FOR ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES

In the past few years, we’ve seen a shift in consumer behavior around alcohol. More people are cutting back on the amount of alcohol they drink, and some are abstaining from alcohol altogether, especially as we learn more about the negative effects it has on the body and brain.   

 In 2021, a Nielsen survey reported that 22% of consumers were drinking less and cutting back on their alcohol consumption. When asked why they were doing this, consumers responded that they either wanted to have a healthier lifestyle, they had lost interest in drinking alcohol, they weren’t going out as much as they used to, or they were interested in NA beverages instead.

For those who are sober curious or those who have chosen to cut out alcohol altogether, cannabis beverages are great replacements for alcoholic beverages. Many can be used as a base for a mocktail or as a stand-alone drink over ice. For consumers who want an elevated experience without the headache the next day, THC infused drinks offer that lift with a gentle letdown.  

REASON #2: CANNABIS DRINKS ARE A HEALTHY ALTERNATIVE TO EDIBLES

Cannabis edibles are a popular format for consumption – namely gummies and chocolate – which makes sense given how familiar consumers are with these formats. That said, edibles are often high in sugar, and in the case of chocolate, high in fat. In comparison, most cannabis beverages are low in sugar and have no fat in them whatsoever. Many drinks also offer other good-for-you ingredients like adaptogens, superfoods, and functional ingredients. When you drink a cannabis beverage, you’re not just ingesting the cannabinoids – you’re staying hydrated and reaping the benefits of other healthy ingredients.

REASON #3: CANNABIS DRINKS ARE GREAT FOR SOCIAL EXPERIENCES

 Whether you are sharing a meal with friends, out at a park for a picnic, on a hike with your best friend, or doing movie night with your neighbors, cannabis drinks are great to share with others. It’s fun to offer a variety of different drinks for folks to try – ones with CBD, THC, or a CBD/THC combination — because everyone’s tastes and levels of interest in cannabis are different. Bringing a low-dose THC drink to an outing might give someone who’s canna-curious the opportunity to try a product that they might not otherwise be exposed to

Another fun event involving cannabis drinks is a Happy Hour Mocktail party. Invite a group of friends over, have them bring some of their favorite cocktail/mocktail ingredients, pull out the blender, fill up a bucket of ice, and get creative as you mix infused sparkling waters, seltzers, or tonics with your guests’ ingredients

REASON #4: CANNABIS DRINKS BRING VERSATILITY IN FORMAT AND DOSING

 In 2022, we’re seeing more beverage companies getting creative with the products they are offering to the consumer. There are plenty of ready-to-drink items on the market sold in cans or bottles, but now we’re seeing more wellness shots and single serve, ready-to-mix packages like stick packs hitting the shelves. These are great for folks who are on the go since they don’t take up a lot of space and deliver a healthy dose of cannabinoids in a smaller, more compact format.

In terms of dosing cannabis drinks, typically, CBD beverages on the market offer anywhere from 20-40mg of CBD per 12-ounce container. The dosing with THC beverages is more varied – you can find low dose products with 2mgs THC per container, and at the other end of the spectrum, 100mg. While 100mg may sound like a lot, a beverage with this dosage is quite versatile; a consumer could drink 5mgs at a time, or 10 – it’s really up to the person and their level of tolerance

REASON #5: CANNABIS DRINKS OFFER CONSISTENT, QUICK ONSETS AND BETTER BIOAVAILABILITY THAN EDIBLES

 Cannabis drinks that are made using water-soluble emulsions like SōRSE offer the consumers quicker onsets consistently. Someone who consumes an infused beverage will typically feel the effects within 8-12 minutes, which is relatively quick compared to an edible’s onset which can take upwards of an hour or two depending on a person’s body chemistry. Because every human body is unique and functions differently, no one person will metabolize and absorb or experience cannabinoids in the exact same way as someone else. 

For those who wonder how beverages can deliver a quick onset in a repeatable manner, it’s because of the way the emulsion delivers the cannabinoids. When cannabinoids are enrobed in a water-soluble emulsion, they will be evenly dispersed throughout the beverage, which means there are the same amount of cannabinoids in the first sip as the last.  

 The body also has an easier time digesting cannabinoids in a water-soluble format compared to oil. When a person orally ingests CBD or THC in oil form, it can typically take 1 to 2 hours for the onset of effects, followed by a plateau between 2 and 5 hours, depending on how much a person has eaten. Emulsion technology breaks oil down into small particle sizes for even dispersal and stability, allowing for greater absorption in the intestinal tract for better bioavailability. Absorption actually begins in the mouth, before you even swallow your first sip of an infused beverage!

Infused beverage is definitely a category on the rise in today’s cannabis industry. For consumers looking for alternatives (or supplements!) to flower, tinctures, and edibles, cannabis beverages are a terrific option given the taste profiles being created by product producers, the variety of products on the market, and the consistent experience a beverage made with a water-soluble emulsion can deliver. If you are a beverage designer interested in creating a cannabis drink to launch, come to the SōRSE and book a call with our team today, a team well-versed in beverage formulation.  

Most professional and amateur athletes care about the quality and safety of the products they consume; knowing that the beverages and supplements they take to improve their training, performance or recovery are free of harmful substances brings peace of mind. That is why NSF developed its Certified for Sport® program and why our Powered by SōRSE partner, Adapt Brands, decided to pursue NSF Certified for Sport® for its SuperWater, which it was granted this spring after a thorough process of product testing and review. Adapt SuperWater is the first hemp beverage to garner this certification. Adapt’s owner, Richie Harrington, a former Division 1 college athlete, is dedicated to producing the safest, highest-quality beverage for professional and amateur athletes, and determined to provide a product that is a great alternative to products on the market that are more harmful than helpful.  

What Does NSF Certified for Sport Mean?

 

NSF launched its Certified for Sport® certification in 2005. Prior to that, steroids were difficult to identify in products on the market because no organization was testing products for adulterants, steroids, or banned substances. Many professional athletic organizations and leagues knew that this type of testing was needed; thus, NSF worked with Major League Baseball and other organizations to discuss their needs for a product testing and certification program. The goal was that an athlete could pick up an NSF Certified for Sport® product and immediately know that it had been thoroughly tested for harmful ingredients, contaminants and banned substances. 

 

What is Required for NSF Certification?

Companies like Adapt Brands undergo the following process to earn NSF Certified for Sport® certification for their products:

1. First, NSF meets with the business owner to walk through the steps to becoming certified, including what documentation will be required.  
2. NSF then gathers documentation from the company, including product labels, formulations, COA’s for every ingredient, and a Product Information Form that outlines details such as the product’s manufacturer and packager, and what category it falls into. This is important because any facility manufacturing or packaging NSF certified products must also meet rigorous auditing criteria. 
3. NSF then starts the technical review process for the product. The technical review team assesses the product for several things, including: a desktop calculation of the formulation to ensure it aligns with the facts panel; each ingredient has an established upper safety limit; evaluation of the COAs with assays to confirm that the purity and the type of ingredient is accurate; and checking that the product meets regulatory and standard requirements. 
4. Once the technical review process is completed and approved and any concerns are addressed, the product undergoes testing. There are three main testing categories required for Certified for Sport®: 1) facts panel label claims, 2) contamination (microbiological and chemical), and 3) a banned substance screen for substances prohibited in sport.  
5. If the product passes all of the tests, the final step is a review of the total package to make sure the scope of work has been completed in its entirety. Then the product is officially certified and listed as NSF Certified for Sport® on nsf.org, nsfsport.com and the NSF Sport mobile app.  

From start to finish, this process typically takes about 45 days after the initial conversation. The timeline is heavily dependent on how quickly a company can provide the necessary documentation. To ensure products remain compliant with the certification requirements, audits and testing are repeated frequently. 

NSF’s core company value is public health and safety. Their goal is to ensure that what people are consuming is safe – that a product is not going to be harmful or cause side effects that they weren’t prepared for. NSF also understands that things are continuously changing and evolving with food, beverages, and supplements, and increased consumer interest in hemp and CBD is a great example of that. Because of that, NSF constantly reviews information on ingredients as soon as it becomes available.  

After hemp was made legal in 2018 but was still in FDA limbo, NSF conducted its own research, with support from industry stakeholders, to determine a safety limit. That study yielded a 20mg daily maximum limit, which has since been increased to 60mg following further research. However, hemp and CBD were still banned from the athletic industry and therefore were not eligible for Certified for Sport® certification. In 2021, hemp was removed from the banned substances list, which opened up opportunities for brands like Adapt SuperWater to become NSF Certified for Sport®. Certified products display the Certified for Sport® mark on their label and are listed on nsfsport.com or the NSF Sport app. For thoroughly tested, safer products like Adapt SuperWater, look for the Certified for Sport® mark on the label.  

Meet Andrew Freedman, The Cannabis Sommelier from Calgary, Canada whose unique approach to pairing cannabis, wine, cocktails and food has led him to presenting cannabis-infused fine dining events across North America. Andrew has been connected to cannabis for many years and is passionate about sharing his knowledge of the plant and its benefits with those who love great food and drink. Seeing the connections between cannabis and wine led him to go through the training to become a sommelier, further honing his ability to describe the various sensory attributes of both cannabis and wine. Andrew is well-versed in discussing terpenes, having authored a book on them entitled, Terpenes for Well-Being.

On Wednesday, July 27, Andrew will be speaking at the American Culinary Federation’s National Convention in Las Vegas, giving a presentation on “Cannabis Beverages: Demystifying Infusions, Pairings, and Service” using SōRSE in his demo. During his session, attendees will learn about cannabis, cannabis infusions, how chefs are using cannabis service in restaurant and event settings, and the importance of diner care when serving infused meals and beverages. SōRSE is proud to be partnering with Andrew on this presentation about elevated dining experiences. For more information on this event, check out the ACF website. 

Can you start by sharing your background with us – how you got involved in cannabis, and what inspired you to become The Cannabis Sommelier?  

 I have been involved with cannabis the majority of my life. When I first found cannabis at a young age, I began self-medicating. Cannabis consumption unlocked an incredible tool in my mind — the ability to think before I spoke. Cannabis gave me the opportunity to form and understand my ideas without getting distracted by the next task at hand. Because of this, I was drawn to the medical aspect of cannabis and learned to grow and extract cannabis. 

As a teenager, I was introduced to cannabis activism and began constantly talking to anyone who would listen about the benefits of cannabis, mainly regarding harm reduction and youth cannabis consumption. When I moved to Vancouver to work in brick & mortar cannabis stores long before legalization, I awakened to the depth and complexity of cannabis flavors and aromas, as well as the large commercial scale of cannabis. 

Cue moving back to Calgary and seeing a documentary called SOMM. This documentary is about the Master Sommelier program, a highly elite club of wine professionals who can sniff and swirl a wine, taste it, and tell you the exact type of grape, region and year it was made. I knew I needed this knowledge, so I Googled ‘wine course.’ Low and behold, there was a course that Saturday for $420. I took that as a sign I needed to learn how to smell and taste wine and cannabis like the gentleman on my TV screen. When discussing with my wife what I should tell people about why I am taking the class, we decided that I would be the first real cannabis sommelier who would teach people how to pair cannabis and wine. The rest is history.

What kind of training and education have you done to become a sommelier? 

I am a WSET 3 (Wine & Spirit Education Trust); I am also a Canadian Wine Scholar. I spent the 2016 vintage living and working on a winery as a winemaker’s apprentice. Others choose to join the Court of Master Sommeliers for their training and accreditation. Technically speaking, you do not need any schooling to become a somm, but you must control a wine program and be part of wine service.

How does your experience working in the wine industry influence the work you do with cannabis?

I saw wine as an opportunity to better understand cannabis on so many levels. Cannabis and wine are basically the same things — from the passionate people, the interesting places, the unique products, all the way down to the shape of a trichome head and a grape. Both are circles with a waxy skin that encompass a plethora of terpenes, esters, and flavonoids. The only difference between the two intoxicants is one has to be fermented and one has to be heated to enjoy their effects. 

Wine has such an incredible recorded history. When Noah landed his arc, the first thing he did was plant grape vines. This made me realize that not enough cannabis research and opinion was being documented. Wine also shaped the realities of globalizing an intoxicant to me. It’s incredible that when we walk into liquor stores, we have rows and rows of seemingly the same products imported from all over the world. Yet what wine really taught me was how to accurately and scientifically explain flavors, aroma and quality.  

A sommelier’s primary role is educating the customer or consumer. What are some of the common questions you are asked in your role? 

There is so much knowledge to be shared about cannabis. From the ground up, most people are confused, just like they are when they shop for a bottle of wine. The most important role I have is my duty of care for the customer, making sure they feel safe and comfortable with their intoxication and not placing them in harm’s way. The first thing I always explain is how intoxication will feel and how cannabis interacts with your body.

Next is “Why can’t I find the right weed for me?” This garners a very simple answer — start low and go slow, and if an experience isn’t enjoyable multiple times over, maybe it just isn’t for you. We all have a unique biology, and no two people’s body chemistries are identical.

“Why does it smell like skunk?” That’s actually 321 MBT, the same chemical found in skunk spray and oxidized beer! Yes, that Heineken actually does smell like weed.

“What is a terpene?” Terpenes are such a hot word right now for marketers, but very little explanation actually gets back to the end consumer. The easiest way to think about terpenes is to see them as the building blocks of aroma; they are single cell molecules each with an individual color. Stack these blocks together into any shape you want to create, and we can consider the finished objects combination of bricks to be an essential oil.

What commonalities do you see between consumers of wine and consumers of cannabis (in terms of product expectation, consumption method, etc.)? 

• What is the feedback you receive from wine consumers when they are introduced to cannabis? Do they understand how they can complement each other?

Wine drinkers are much more receptive to the ideas of cannabis tasting and pairing, and most have usually already been coached on the concept along the way at a wine tasting or wine dinner. Higher price-point wine drinkers are often searching for unique and enticing flavors for their palate. Also, most alcohol consumers already have some relationship with cannabis in their lives. 

• And then the same for cannabis consumers being introduced to a wine or alcohol pairing? 

Cannabis consumers are much more difficult; many are non-drinkers, so this creates the first layer — second is the taste of wine. Some can very quickly get over the taste of alcohol and explore the nuances of the drink, but many have a hard time. Cannabis consumers are much more receptive to the agricultural concepts and the relationship between growing and creating the two intoxicants. So where they find less joy in the tasting than a wine consumer, I find they take more out of the general experience of education because of the agricultural connection.

• Do they feel alcohol and cannabis can play in the same sandbox?

Everyone is receptive to cannabis and alcohol, except for government bodies. In Canada, 1 in 4 people have consumed cannabis in the last 12 months, with over 50% of people having tried cannabis in their lifetime. 80% of Canadians 15 and older have had at least one alcoholic drink a year. The consumption habits are already intermingling. It is now our responsibility to make sure that happens safely and enjoyably. 

What goes into creating a cannabis culinary experience for your clients? Specifically, how do you decide what dishes to prepare and what beverages to pair with each dish? What is your favorite dish to serve and beverage to pair with it?

I am fortunate to work with many amazing chefs across North America. My role as The Cannabis Sommelier is to help educate chefs how to safely and effectively introduce cannabis into their cuisine. I generally let the chef I am working with for the event create the menu. It is always best when a chef is inspired to create and then learn a new trick to add another layer of complexity using cannabis. I pair wines with two main concepts in mind – first, a great pairing with the dish, and second, a wonderful story about the wine that can relate back to cannabis. I love introducing people to Lambrusco – it’s a cold, sparkling red wine. It is almost always something nobody has had before and is exceptionally unique. I usually love to serve it with a rich pork dish. Second to that is Champagne and bone marrow; after you clear out the bone, use it as a slide to pour champagne in your mouth and get every last bit of that rich, fatty goodness. 

Tell us about your book, “Terpenes for Well-Being.” What inspired you to write about terpenes? What are some of your favorites? 

Terpenes for Well-Being is an opportunity to understand what it means when you stop and smell the roses. What are aromas? Why are they surrounding us? What are they made of? Our sense of smell is one we cannot turn off. It is our trusted guide to understanding what we should put in our mouth before we ever even consider it. The book is a great intro into smell, taste, cannabis, and how to utilize them altogether in everyday life. I am super proud that the book won the silver medal at the International Publishers Living Now Awards 2021 in the Health and Wellness category.

Terpinolene and Limonene are my favourite terps! Can’t get enough of fruit aromas! 

How does cannabis enhance the meals you create?

Cannabis is so much more than just an intoxicant; it is an ingredient with so much depth to explore. Working with chefs to look at cannabis in creative ways and plate it to be enjoyed is a blast. From deep frying leaves to strain-specific oil infusions, we can highlight the taste and depth of aroma the plant has to offer. 

What information about terpenes is your audience most surprised to learn?

People are often surprised to learn that so many things on earth create terpenes for different reasons. Roots, shoots, flowers, trees, and bugs all create different combinations of terpenes for specific, genetically adapted reasons — some anti-bacterial, some insecticidal, some fungicidal. All of the individual evolutionary components of terpenes combine to make that subject’s specific and unique essential oil.

People also love to know that the terpene Humulene was discovered when researching hops and cannabis. An unidentifiable terpene existed until the same tests were run on hops; a matching chemical analysis was found, and the smell and word Humulene were dubbed after the scientific name for hops, Humulus Lupulus. 

What excites you most about the cannabis industry right now? Where do you see the industry heading in the future, particularly in the beverage sector? 

We are watching the globalization of cannabis unfold! I am a Canadian heading to Las Vegas to speak about safe cannabis consumption in restaurant settings! I imagine the next 5 years will be incredibly exciting for cannabis to be accepted globally. As we watch nations change policy and their stance on cannabis every day, it is so exciting to know that soon we may have dispensaries with rows of cannabis products grown all over the world. I can’t wait to see coolers full of craft cannabis products made by passionate people around the globe. I think Beverage is a leader in the commercialization and globalization of cannabis because of how we already consume and distribute beverages. It can very easily be placed into our routines, normalizing cannabis consumption publicly, rapidly. 

How did you become associated with American Culinary Federation? What excites you about their National Convention coming up? What drew you to SōRSE and incorporating it into your cannabis experience? 

I was fortunate to meet Jacqui Pressinger of the American Culinary Federation a couple of years ago. Since meeting Jacqui, she has given me such great opportunities to speak to chefs and culinarians about cannabis service and consumption. The ACF is a front runner in cannabis education. I am happy to have helped audit the American Culinary Federation’s Cannabis Cuisine & Edible course and have become one of the first people certified by the ACF in cannabis in the world. 

I am so excited to speak alongside the most powerhouse line up of chefs ever! The whole conference is like watching the food network! I am so humbled and honored to speak with such amazing taste makers and pioneers in the culinary industry. I am most excited for Chef Amaury Guichon, the chocolate wizard who you will have seen all over the internet for his incredible displays of pastry or on his Netflix show teaching other pastry artists to build life size sculptures completely made of chocolate. 

 SōRSE creates incredible products and solutions. As soon as I was able to find commercialized culinary ingredients to help chefs accurately dose dishes, I started highlighting these products and giving chefs the power of duty of care. I work with SōRSE because of their diverse product offering, professionalism, and high industry standing as a leader in cannabis food and beverage.