SōRSE Technology 2023: A Year in Recap

As we close the chapter on 2023 and prepare for another exciting year, it’s time to reflect on the top achievements for cannabis beverages. 2023 has been a groundbreaking chapter for enthusiasts and entrepreneurs alike, witnessing a surge in creativity, innovation, and acceptance surrounding cannabis-infused libations.

Embracing the Year of Hemp D9

The past year witnessed increased accessibility and demand of Hemp D9 (THC) beverages. While Minnesota led the way to normalizing cannabis beverages with dual consumption, where alcohol and THC beverages were available to consumers at restaurants and bars, these infused also beverages were shipped to nearly all states and picked up by regional and local distribution partners.

They also found their way onto the shelves of prominent retailers such as Total Wine & More in Minnesota, Binny’s in the Greater Chicago Area, and Shoprite in New Jersey. Many cannabis brands jumped on the Hemp D9 bandwagon as a means of expansion, particularly low-dose beverages that were not favored by the state-regulated adult markets.

Making Waves in Minnesota

Our experience in Minnesota was particularly memorable, an experience we shared through our participation in both Cannabis Drinks Expos and MJ Unpacked, where our very own Diana Eberlein led panels on Hemp D9. You can read more about our Minnesota journey in this blog post.

Celebrating National Drink Cannabis Day

On August 20th, we joined the nation in celebrating National Drink Cannabis Day (aka 820). A new celebratory day our own Diana Eberlein was able to make “officially official!” We received national PR coverage through the Cannabis Media Council and BevNET, further solidifying our position in the cannabis drinks market.

Showcasing at the National Beer Wholesaler Event

In a significant industry breakthrough, Hemp D9 was put on display at the National Beer Wholesaler Event, targeting distributors and offering a glimpse into the future of the beverage industry.  In 2024, we expect to see THC beverages on display nd sampling at many beverage industry events, not just the cannabis events! 

MJBiz – CBA Party Recap

Major cannabis beverage players gathered in Las Vegas for MJBiz, expressing excitement about the prospects of cannabis beverages in 2024. SoRSE hosted the Cannabis Beverage Association’s (CBA) annual speakeasy, showcasing some of the categories newest and “dopest” beverages to hit the market.  Whether it was derived from hemp or cannabis, we were there to give a collective ‘cheers’ to for a great year in beverage – And based on the conversations at the CBA’s event, it’s clear 2024 is looking bright for beverages. 

Making a Splash at BevNET

At BevNET, our VP of Marketing and Business Development Diana Eberlein participated in a panel on the main stage about Hemp D9 and the latest shifts in the market. A Hemp D9 beverage also took home the New Beverage Showdown award, marking the first time a THC-infused beverage had won since Cann’s win in 2019.  In addition, the head of new revenue streams Coca-Cola, Dan White, declared THC beverages as a “category” while stating that the 2 THC beverages in the finals confirmed that theory for him –  making THC beverages a category we will continue to see grow. 

Continuing Our CBA Support & Looking Ahead to 2024

Throughout 2023, we continued to support both cannabis and hemp markets while establishing co-man and co-packer relationships in both industries. This dual approach has allowed us to diversify our portfolio and cater to a broader range of customer needs. 

As we move into 2024, SōRSE Technology is committed to supporting the CBA’s goals. We will be involved in lobbying efforts and a policymaker program with the University of Maryland and well as work with regulators and other associations in DC to properly regulate cannabis beverages. We also aim to establish Hemp D9 Safety & Quality Standards/Protocols, create template regulations for federal and state use, and promote dual integration (Hemp/Cannabis manufacturing) in recreational cannabis markets like California, Massachusetts, and more. 

Last but not least, we will be partnering with groups that can help us gather more Hemp D9 Beverage market and consumer data to our partners sales and investor decks, etc. 

2023 was a remarkable year for SōRSE Technology! We’ve made significant progress in promoting cannabis beverages through our water-soluble cannabinoid emulsions and look forward to continuing this journey in the coming years.

Stay tuned for more exciting updates as we continue to innovate in this exciting industry!