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Sports and CBD: What You Need to Know

In Spring 2020, when COVID became a presence in our everyday lives, athletes and non-athletes alike became increasingly more aware of their overall health, with a heightened focus on bolstering  the immune system. Consumers took the time to research what functional ingredients would strengthen their immunity, help them sleep better, and decrease stress levels, which lead to them purchasing products with ingredients like CBD.  

In the world of athletics, professional US leagues have changed their stance and rules around cannabis and CBD, mirroring the general public’s growing acceptance of cannabinoids and interest in their health benefits. In 2022, Major League Baseball became the first professional league to enter into a sponsorship agreement with a CBD company, as well as allow individual teams to sell sponsorships to CBD businesses. This year, the NBA announced that under the new 2023 Collective Bargaining Agreement, it will be removing cannabis from its banned substance list and will allow players to invest in and promote cannabis companies.

Many of professional athletes (active and retired) like Rob Gronkowski, Gabby Douglas, Megan Rapinoe, Tony Hawk, and Magic Johnson have extoled the virtues of CBD for a variety of sports-related health concerns including post-activity recovery, consumers who participate in athletics have gained interested in what the cannabinoid might do for them.  

If you are an athlete who is curious about using cannabinoids including CBD but don’t know where to start or what to look for, here are some frequently asked questions and answers. 

What is WADA, and how does it interface with international and national sports governing bodies in terms of determining anti-doping and drug policy?

WADA, the World Anti-Doping Agency, was formed in 1999 as an international, independent agency to coordinate the fight against doping in athletics. In 2004, it introduced “The World Anti-Doping Code,” the core document that aligns anti-doping policies, rules, and regulations within sport organizations and among public authorities around the world. It works in conjunction with six International Standards which aim to foster consistency among anti-doping organizations in various areas: Testing; laboratories; Therapeutic Use Exemptions (TUEs); the List of Prohibited Substances and Methods; the protection of privacy and personal information; and Code Compliance by Signatories. This unified approach addresses problems that previously arose from disjointed and uncoordinated anti-doping efforts. 

One of the largest international governing bodies is the International Olympic Committee (IOC). They recognize other federations for individual sports: The Association of Summer Olympic International Federations (ASOIF), the Association of International Olympic Winter Sports Federations (AIOWF), and the Association of the IOC Recognized International Sports Federations (ARISF). The IOC has an Olympic Charter which sets rules and expectations for Olympic athletes. IOC defines doping as the occurrence of one or more of the antidoping rule violations as laid out in the charter. The rule topics include: Presence of a prohibited substance or its metabolites or markers in an athlete’s sample; use or attempted use by an athlete of a prohibited substance or a prohibited method; evading, refusing, or failing to submit to sample collection; tampering or attempted tampering with any part of doping control, and possession of a prohibited substance or a prohibited method.  

In 2018, WADA declared CBD an acceptable substance. It is the first major agency to acknowledge CBD as a compound separate from marijuana (THC). That said, the organization does caution athletes using CBD to be aware of the THC levels in the CBD products they are using. Their guiding document states, “Synthetic cannabidiol is not a cannabimimetic; however, cannabidiol extracted from cannabis plants may also contain varying concentrations of THC, which remains a prohibited substance.”

This is the current list of Sports Organizations that have accepted the code. 

What is each major athletic association/league’s stance on CBD and cannabis? 

Each has their own stance on cannabinoid use, and they vary drastically.  

FIFA (Fédération Internationale de Football Association)  

Following WADA guidelines (see above), use of CBD is allowed, but THC is not. 

NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association)  

Cannabinoids including cannabis and CBD are listed as a banned substance in the NCAA’s Drug Policies for Your Health and Safety 2022 document. 

MLB (Major League Baseball) 

In 2022, MLB became the first professional sports league in the US to enter into a sponsorship agreement with a CBD company, and individual teams can sell sponsorships to CBD businesses. In 2019, it was the first professional league to remove cannabis from its list of banned substances. In a press release, MLB in association with the Players League commented, “Natural cannabinoids (e.g., THC, CBD, and Marijuana) will be removed from the Program’s list of Drugs of Abuse. Going forward, marijuana-related conduct will be treated the same as alcohol-related conduct under the Parties’ Joint Treatment Program for Alcohol-Related and Off-Field Violent Conduct, which provides mandatory evaluation, voluntary treatment and the possibility of discipline by a Player’s Club or the Commissioner’s Office in response to certain conduct involving Natural Cannabinoids.”

MLS (Major League Soccer)  

If a substance is banned by the US Anti-Doping Agency or FIFA, it is banned by the league. Following WADA guidelines, use of CBD is allowed, but THC is not.  

NBA (National Basketball League) 

Under the new 2023 Collective Bargaining Agreement, the NBA is removing cannabis from its banned substance list and allowing players to invest in and promote cannabis companies. If a player shows signs of “problematic dependency” of cannabis, the league will reach out to them for possible treatment.

 NFL (National Football League)  

The NFL’s current drug policy prohibits the use of THC and synthetic cannabinoids. If a player consumes hemp-derived CBD oil with 0.3% THC or more, they might be disciplined. The most recent collective bargaining agreement ended the policy of suspending players for a positive cannabis test. If a player tests positive during the first two weeks of training camp, the test is reviewed by a group of medical professionals appointed by the players and league. That board then decides if the player needs treatment. 

NHL (National Hockey League)  

The NHL essentially has two drug policies. The first is the performance enhancing drug policy which bans drugs such as stimulants, growth hormones, anabolic agents and drugs that are considered to give players an advantage. The second is the SABH program (Substance Abuse and Behavioral Health). This program was designed for the specific purpose of dealing with issues of substance abuse for players in a confidential manner. If they determine a player’s drug test features “abnormally high levels” of THC, they will contact the player, recommend they enter the SABH, in which they’ll develop an individualized treatment plan, but they are not forced to go.  

WNBA (Women’s National Basketball League) 

Cannabis is a banned substance in the WNBA; however, the league will not test players for use during the offseason and has reduced the penalties for a player use in season. Instead of issuing a suspension after a first offense, players will be issued a fine. 

USA Triathlon  

Under USADA and WADA, CBD is an acceptable substance for triathletes to use. In fact, they have created a partnership with a company producing CBD products. 

Is CBD legal in every state?

Purchasing hemp-derived CBD is federally legal if it does not contain more than 0.3% THC, but some state laws have different regulations for CBD. Some put conditions on CBD products and restrictions on what buyers can purchase and for what reason. For example, some states like Georgia only allow CBD for medicinal use for specific conditions.  

What’s the difference between hemp-derived CBD and marijuana-derived CBD?

Hemp and marijuana come from the same family of plants, Cannabis Sativa L. Hemp-derived CBD and marijuana-derived CBD contain different levels of THC. Hemp plants contain less than 0.3% THC content, while marijuana plants contain higher levels of THC. For more information, check out our blog, Full Spectrum, Broad Spectrum, and Isolate: What’s the Difference? 

Are all CBD products THC-free?

No. Most CBD products are likely to have trace amounts of THC, particularly if the CBD was sourced from marijuana plants as opposed to hemp plants. Most CBD products contain non-detectable THC; products featuring CBD isolate have 0% THC in it. 

For more information, check out our blog: Hemp-Derived CBD Vs Cannabis-Derived CBD.

What does non-detectable (ND) THC mean?

Some companies offer CBD products with non-detectable THC. As mentioned above, the industry and legal standard for THC concentration in CBD products derived from hemp is less than 0.3% THC by weight. This means that a CBD product may legally contain up to three parts of THC for every 1000 parts of oil by weight. To determine if a product is within this legal limit, reputable CBD manufacturers have their products tested by third-party labs to obtain a Certificate of Analysis (COA). The letters “ND” indicate this “non-detect” level of THC in a product. The THC amount in said product is too small to be detected by the instruments used in third-party testing. 

Will CBD show up on a drug test?

CBD should not show up on a drug test, but there have been cases of people using CBD products testing positive for THC. It depends on the quality and composition of the product the person is taking, as many CBD products contain trace amounts of THC. Hemp-derived CBD products are less likely to contain THC because they are legally required to have less than 0.3% THC content. Athletes who want to use CBD products but are afraid of failing a drug test should look for products featuring CBD isolate. 

What should consumers look for when selecting a CBD product? What should they look for on a product label to make sure there is no detectable THC in it?

When it comes to product selection by the consumer, it’s important to look at company websites and read product reviews. Most importantly, the consumer should look for products that have been tested for quality and safety throughout the production process and that the product has a Certificate of Analysis (COA) This document is a lab report that verifies the chemical makeup of the product. 

Product labels display dosing information, milligrams of CBD, serving size/servings per container, CBD oil source, manufacturing date, batch and lot number, license numbers and third-party verification.  

If you are looking specifically for a product with no detectable THC, make sure the product is hemp derived. To do this, ask for a copy of the Certificate of Analysis (COA). Many product websites and retailers have the COA available online. Cross check the CBD concentration on the product label with that on the COA. If they match, and the COA  indicates “ND” for D9-THC,  then there is no detectable THC in the product. 

Are there any side effects after ingesting CBD?

Harvard Medical School physician, Peter Grinspoon, states that side effects of CBD can include “nausea, fatigue and irritability.” CBD can also “increase the level in your blood of the blood thinner coumadin, and it can raise levels of certain other medications in your blood by the exact same mechanism that grapefruit juice does.” If you decide to try CBD and take other medications, consult with your doctor about possible interactions. 

How long does CBD stay in your system after ingestion? 

This depends on the way you ingest CBD. Also take into consideration that each person processes cannabinoids differently based on our unique body compositions. To learn more about consumption methods, check out our blog: Consumption Methods For Your Lifestyle.

If you are an athlete looking for a CBD-infused beverage Powered by SōRSE for before, during, or after your workout, look no further than Adapt Brand’s SuperWaters. These beverages were created by an athlete, CEO Richie Harrington, for athletes. The beverages contain coconut water which is known for its hydrating qualities and other good-for-you functional ingredients and antioxidants which help with recovery and inflammation, like Mango, Pomegranate, hibiscus flower, chamomile and CBD. Adapt SuperWaters are also NSF: Certified for Sport, which verifies they have undergone rigorous testing and are safe for use by professional and amateur athletes alike.

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PA Cannabis News: CBD Oil for Your Pets

CBD has been gaining in popularity in the US these days as many people are turning towards natural products instead of pharmaceuticals to treat their pets. There are now many options on the market that makes it easy to add CBD into your pet’s diets, such as our partner, Heirloom Pet Products. Our VP of Technical Business Development, Michael Flemmens, discusses the potential benefits of CBD and how it affects your pets in Pennsylvania Cannabis News’ article.

Read the full article.

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Celebrate Moms with Gifts Powered by SōRSE

mothers day beverage gifts

Moms, grandmas, and other mother figures around the world deserve a round of applause and all of our love when we celebrate Mother’s Day on Sunday, May 14. Over the past two years, they have been juggling so many roles – from parent to teacher to employee to chef to counselor to cheerleader – trying to keep family spirits up while maintaining their own sanity. It’s been challenging to say the least! If you’re wondering what to give the mother figure in your life to show your appreciation for all that she does for you and your family this Mother’s Day, here are some products powered by SōRSE that we think they will enjoy.

For Athletic Moms Looking for a Healthy Way to Hydrate, Adapt Superwater

adapt super cbd water

Adapt is a beverage brand out of Los Angeles that offers the first hemp beverage to earn NSF: Certified for Sport certification. Both beverages are infused with 25mg of CBD and are full of plant-based superfoods and adaptogens like mango juice, chamomile, pomegranate and hibiscus extracts. The base  is 100% pure coconut water, which is great for rehydration after a tough workout. Whatever workout your mom loves to do most, she will surely benefit from drinking an Adapt SuperWater before, during or afterwards.  

For coffee and latte-loving moms, Altitude’s Everything Latte

altitude cbd coffee paddleboard

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 Moms Who Enjoy Mocktails, Altitude’s Sunset Vibes Alcohol-Free Cocktails

altitude beverages mocktails

These three lightly fizzy drinks – Blue Hawaiian, Paloma, and Mountain Mule — featuring 20mg of CBD in each can, are the perfect beverage for the end the day! Trust us – Mom won’t miss the rum, tequila or vodka in the alcoholic versions of these drinks, especially since she won’t have a headache the next day! Not only are these mocktails incredibly flavorful and effervescent, but they also feature functional ingredients like L-Theanine, gaba, and white tea. 

For Moms Who Love All Things Lemon, CENTR CBD Sparkling Water

Centr powered by sorse

Centr was one of the first brands to launch a CBD beverage four years ago and is one of the best-selling CBD beverages in the US. For moms who like a little bit of sweetness in the beverages, choose the black can, which is 40 calories and contains organic cane sugar. For moms who prefer the unsweetened version, choose the white can, which is 10 calories. Both make a great base for a homemade mocktail or lemonade. Help your mom find her Centr with these flavorful, effervescent waters! 

For the Canna-Curious Mom, Cann

Cann Sorse CBD

This low-dose social tonic comes in a variety of flavors like the original three — Lemon Lavender, Blood Orange Cardamum, and Grapefruit Rosemary – and seasonal flavors like Pineapple Jalapeno and Ginger Lemongrass. A six-pack of Cann is the perfect present for the mom who’s interested in cannabis but doesn’t want to smoke. Each can is infused with 4mg CBD and 2mg THC, lightly sweetened with agave nectar, and flavored with pure fruit juice, herbs and spices. The sensory experience is just cann-tastic. 

For Moms Who Play Hard Outside and Relax Harder, COPA Beverages

copa sparkling cbd water

The team behind COPA have a true appreciation for nature – 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. 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 Moms Who are Crazy for Cocktails and Mocktails, Crisp and Crude

crisp and crude cbd drink

Crisp and Crude’s four sparkling ready-to-drink NA cocktails feature botanical terpenes and 20mg CBD per can. 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; she won’t miss the spirits with these terpene-forward cocktails!  

For Craft Beverage-Loving Moms, Cruise

cruise cbd drink caffiene

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 mom will thank you for helping her cruise through the day…with Cruise..   

For Active Moms Who Spend Time in the Great Outdoors, Day One Sparkling Waters

day one cbd water

As far as beverages go, Day One is the perfect drink for Mom to have in her cooler or water bottle when she’s spending time outside away from it all. This zero-calorie sparkling water comes in three citrus flavors, made from the juice of limes, lemons, or grapefruits, contains 20mg of CBD and has no added sugar. Mom will love how refreshing and thirst-quenching Day One is after a long hike, mountain bike ride, rock-climbing session, or backpacking into a camp site!  

For Margarita-loving Moms Who Live on the East Coast, HIGH TIDE’s Craft Cannabis Margs!

high tide cannabis drinks

High Tide has taken infused beverage world by storm and launched their three cannabis-infused cocktails just in time for Cinco de Mayo festivities. They’re offering three varieties of margaritas – the Classic, Spicy Diablo (pineapple based with lime and jalapeno), and Watermelon – all of which feature natural ingredients, agave, and 5mg THC per can. Once Mom enjoys a High Tide with her chips and guacamole or fish tacos, tequila will be a distant memory! Currently available in Massachusetts dispensaries and delivery services.

For Those Moms Who Would Love Some Kalm and Klarity, Kleer

Kleer powered by sorse

Many of today’s moms have a lot going on between raising kids, managing their careers, caring for the pets, and taking a little time for themselves. The perfect gift for the mom 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 Moms Who Love to Host Gatherings and Get-Togethers, L8

l8 vanilla coconut cbd drink martini glass

L8 is a women-owned, women-operated beverage company based in Los Angeles offering the perfect beverage for everyday drinking or special occasions. Each of the four drinks available – coconut vanilla, blueberry mint, ginger peach, and strawberry lemonade — is infused with 20mg of CBD and delivers great flavor. Replenishing and rejuvenating, L8 is the beverage your mom, her friends, and your family will enjoy cracking open whenever you’re together.

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

lei back cbd drinks

Whether it’s spring, summer, fall or winter, what mom 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 20mg CBD — remind us that summer is only one month away!

For Moms Who Value Leisure Time with Friends, Leisuretown Sunny Seltzers

leisuretown cbd drinks

These drinks are the creation of three close friends – an entrepreneur, a chemist, and a craft brewer – who grew up on Leisuretown Road in California. Their three CBD-infused seltzers — Ginger Berry, Yuzu Lime and Cherry Vanilla – would be perfect for your mom to share while meeting up with a group of friends for a walk, brunch, or appetizers. Each 12-ounce can tastes delicious and offers 25mg CBD. A low-dose (2.5mg THC, 5mg CBD) cannabis-infused version of these seltzers is also available in select dispensaries in California.

For Moms Who Appreciate Companies that Make the World a Better Place, Mad Tasty

Mad Tasty Yuzu Citrus

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 that many impoverished communities face, Mad Tasty donates 12 ounces of clean drinking water for every 12 ounce can sold through their partnership with Drop4Drop. Each time your mom drinks a Mad Tasty, she’ll be making a difference too.

For Moms Looking for an Elevated Experience, Major

major flavors

Small but mighty, THC-infused Major offers 100mg of THC per bottle. Major moms can choose their own adventure by picking their own dose – a few mgs for a gentle lift, a few more for a heightened occasion. Whatever the case, any one of the five flavors available — Orange Mango, Pink Lemonade, Blue Raspberry, Passion Fruit and Grape — will bring a smile with every sip. Major is available at dispensaries in Washington, Oregon, Colorado, Ohio, and Arizona. 

For Moms Who are on the Move and Deserve a Mid-Day Breather, Pause CBD Water

pause cbd water

Pause, which is produced by Noon Whistle Brewing Company known for its award- winning craft beer, launched early this spring. Their slogan, “Take a break with benefits” couldn’t be more appropriate for this holiday, given how hectic life for moms can be. Pause Waters are infused with 25mg CBD per can, sugar free and calorie free, and they offer three flavors for Mom to choose from – Berry, Lemon-Lime, and Tropical. Give mom a great reason to take a break during the day, with a can of Pause! 

For Moms Pining for Palm Tree Paradise, Pink Cloud Beverages

pink cloud beverages sand

Pink Cloud offers two island-inspired, CBD-infused sparkling beverages flavored with natural fruit juices: Pineapple, Yuzu, and Lime; and Lilikoi and Guava. Beyond transporting Mom 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 Surfrider Foundation Oʻahu, an organization with a mission to protect and enjoy the ocean, beaches, and waves, for all people.

For Moms Who Love Fruit, Zenly Sparkling Water

zenly cbd drinks

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. Moms who love the tartness of citrus will love Zenly’s Blood Orange and Lime Mojito, while moms who like a hint of sweetness and the tastes of summer and fall will appreciate Bliss Berry and Honeycrisp Apple. Whatever the case, dehydration will never be a problem once they start drinking Zenly.

If you are a product developer who has an idea for an infused product that you’d like to see on the market for Mother’s Day 2023 – look no further than SōRSE to be your ingredient supplier and strategic partner. Our R&D team is well-versed in production of beverages, food items, and personal care products from concept to final product; they welcome the opportunity to help make your dream a reality. Schedule an exploratory call today with SōRSE to get started on your infused product journey!

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10 Ways to Get Powered by SōRSE This Summer 

rip n sip powered by sorse

June 20th marked an important moment on our calendar – Summer has officially begun! That means the days are longer, the temperatures are rising, and we can spend more time outside doing the things we love – like taking a trip to the beach, hitting the trails, and firing up the grill. Here are some ideas for incorporating CBD into those activities and more! 

XO Marshmallows powered by sorse1. Building a bonfire? Treat yourself to S’mores powered by XO Marshamllows! 

Once the sun has gone down, a great way to end a long summer day is sitting by a bonfire on the beach or firepit in the backyard. Make sure you have all the fixings for S’mores — graham crackers, dark chocolate bars, XO Strawberry hemp marshmallows that feature 10mg CBD per cube, and skewers. Strawberry and chocolate are a match made in heaven – and no one can resist a S’more, sticky fingers and all! 

mad tasty powered by sorse2. Taking a trip to the beach? Don’t forget your Mad Tasty! 

A trip to the beach is a summer must activity. As you’re getting ready for your beach day,  make sure to pack some cans of Mad Tasty in your cooler! Mad Tasty comes in three different flavor profiles — Watermelon Kiwi, Grapefruit, and the newly released, highly mysterious Unicorn Tears – and all three are refreshing and thirst-quenching. Each can contains 20mg of CBD and will leave you feelin’ chill. And for every 12 ounces of Mad Tasty sold, the company donates 12 ounces of clean drinking water to people and places in need through their work with Drop4Drop – so you can feel good about that too! 

rip n sip powered by sorse3. Having cocktails/mocktails on the patio? Enhance them with Rip N Sip. 

It’s 5 PM –– time to head out to the patio and celebrate the end of the day with a beverage! An easy way to add CBD to a Lemonade, Margarita, Gin and Tonic, or pretty much whatever is in your refrigerator is by opening a packet of Rip N Sip and pouring it into your beverage. 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!

Centr powered by sorse4. Hitting the trails for a hike? Bring some cans of CENTR in your daypack! 

After a long week of work, one of the best ways to spend a summer weekend is in the mountains hiking and communing with nature. When you’re packing  for your excursion, don’t forget your water bottle, sunscreen, first aid kit (just in case), trail mix, and a few cans of CENTR, a sparkling CBD beverage. CENTR offers two dosing options – 15mg and 30mg; the gently sweetened, light citrus flavor profile is perfect for warm weather outings and will give you the oomph you need when you’re feeling a little tired at mile five.  

revyv powered by sorse5. Just finished a workout? Recover with REVYV. 

The better the weather gets, the more we all want to be outside getting some exercise, be it walking, running, golfing or swimming. After your workout, don’t forget to stretch well and drink a REVYV, a wellness drink for active people. On the flavor front, there will be two options to choose from – Peach Mango and Aćai Berry. A 14 oz bottle of REVYV contains 15mg CBD, electrolytes (key for rehydration and recovery), terpenes, and Ashwagandha, an adaptogen that can boost brain function and lower blood sugar levels.  

Aprch powered by sorse6. Got a camping trip planned? Don’t forget to pack the APRCH. 

Camping is a great summer activity for many reasons. It gets us out of the house where we can  unplug,  relax, and get in tune with nature. As far as camping beverages go, APRCH is the perfect drink to have in the cooler. This zero-calorie sparkling CBD water comes in three flavors: Lemon + Lime, Watermelon, 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. Crack open a can as you’re making dinner on your camp stove, or when your settling into your sleeping bag for a good night’s rest. 

Kleer powered by sorse7. Looking for an alternative to tap water on a sweltering day? Stay hydrated with Kleer. 

On those days where the thermometer reads 90 and it feels even hotter, it’s important to drink at half a gallon (equivalent to 8 8oz glasses) of water a day to stay hydrated. Why not make some of those ounces Kleer sparkling CBD water? If you loved POG as a kid, there’s a Passion Orange Guava option, as well as Berry Blast and Cucumber Lime. Kleer’s sugar-free sparkling waters offer 25mg CBD and 100% natural flavors per 12 oz can. When the heat is getting you down, grab a Kleer to provide some relief. 

CANN powered by sorse8. Not sure what to bring to your friends’ BBQ? CANN is the answer! 

If you’re invited to a friend’s BBQ this summer and wondering what to bring, CANN social tonic is a great alcohol-free option! Each can of CANN is infused with 4mg CBD and 2mg THC, lightly sweetened with agave nectar, and flavored with pure fruit juice. There are three flavor options, each one equally tasty — Lemon Lavender, Blood Orange, and Grapefruit Rosemary; all pair well with chips, dips, salads, and food hot off the grill. 

9. Hosting a 4th of July BBQ (socially distanced, of course!)? Whip up some sauces infused with CBD.  

If you are having family or friends over for the 4th but have no idea what to make, here are some links to Chef Stacy’s recipes that are perfect for an Independence Day celebration (and any occasion really!). These recipes are quick and easy and will have your guests saying, “There’s CBD in there?! I couldn’t even tell!” 

10. Want to try some of the products mentioned above? Enter SōRSE’s Summer Giveaway on Instagram! 

Each month, we’ll be hosting a giveaway with products Powered by SōRSE that will make your summer, A BETTER SUMMER. Follow our Instagram account to learn how you can enter our giveaway.  

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4/20, Powered by SōRSE – It’s About a Lifestyle, Your Lifestyle

sorse ops team celebrating 4/20

For people who believe in the power of the cannabis plant, 4/20 is a day of celebration. Some people attend rallies to promote national legalization, some celebrate at concerts, and others simply gather with friends to share their ‘stash’.  While 4/20 looks a little different this year, for those who work in the industry, every day is 4/20 – including the employees at SōRSE. And it’s busier than ever. 

 

Our team is comprised of people from all walks of life with different roles in the company – we are scientists, project managers, designers, product developers, regulatory experts, writers, and thought leaders. These are some reflections on 4/20 from members of our team powered by SōRSE. 

 What Does 4/20 Mean to You? 

“4/20 is not generally a special holiday in my book because CBD has become a regular part of my regimen, but it is a great time to reflect on how far the industry has come and where it’s headed. The more we understand about the plant, the more we realize that everyday can be 4/20. For me, 4/20 doesn’t symbolize a day to get high; it’s about living a higher quality life.” – Diana Eberlein, VP of Marketing 

 

4.20 sorse dog“Life–changing at many levels. My wife and I were just reflecting how marijuana social norms have shifted so much during our lifetime. The Sixties was the time of “Turn on, tune in and drop out;“ the Seventies (my teen years) brought the war on drugs, literally vilifying all things marijuana. Fast forward to today, not only basically legal, marijuana is now considered a “vital” resource and medicine with dispensaries kept open and classified as “essential” services….Wow! What a long strange trip it has been! 4/20 is also Monte’s (our daughter’s dog) birthday; he is turning two this year.” – Scott Riefler, CSO 

 

“4/20 is a time of celebration! To celebrate the legality of cannabis and to celebrate all the companies out there that are trying to make the word a better place though cannabinoid research.” – Michelle Sundquist, Director of Product Development 

 

“4/20 is a time to think about the past, present, and future of cannabis – with the hope that people will continue to embrace and accept all that the plant has to offer.” – Dana Perkins, Corporate Communications Specialist 

 

“The best excuse to use cannabis.” – Jalen Tims, Medical Applications Specialist 

 

How Has CBD Positively Impacted Your Life or Someone That You Know? 

 “A good friend I grew up with struggles with an eating disorder and substance abuse. Recently, she was diagnosed with epilepsy. The treatment program she is on the waitlist for will not admit her into the program unless she is seizure-free for 30 days. Since using CBD, she has not had a Grand Mal seizure. She is now eligible to be admitted into the treatment program!” – Jalen Tims, Medical Applications Specialist 

 

“One of my favorite stories is family friends who have autistic sons or daughters. CBD has helped with calming aggression and forming sentences with more structure and understanding. These parents have tried everything under the sun to help their children, and they are willing to try anything. CBD has been very helpful.” – Emily Skrobecki, Process Engineering Manager 

 

“One of my best friends has a 15–year-old German Short-Haired Pointer, Ruby, who started having seizures last October – which was scary for everyone involved. There were some days where she was seizing multiple times. I suggested that my friend start giving Ruby CBD with her meals to see if it would help – and it did. Ruby’s last seizure was on 2/18 — she has been seizure-free for two months!” – Dana Perkins, Corporate Communications Specialist 

 

We Asked the SōRSE Team How They’re Celebrating 4/20 (during shelter in place) This Year, and This Is What They Said: 

sorse celebrates 4/20 with vertussorse ops team celebrating 4/20mad tasty and dog

 

  • Topping off a glass of champagne with a THC bubbly, Vertus, our Washington State processor’s take on cannabis ‘champagne’ 
  • Infusing drinks with Pearl Mixer and watching How High on the couch. 
  • SōRSE CBD emulsion & citrus–based mocktails. Full of CBD and Vitamin C!  
  • Trying out some new recipes infused with CBD in the kitchen. 
  • Wrapping up the workday at the SōRSE office and sipping on Happy Apple and Utopia 
  • Hanging out with the dogs and drinking Mad Tasty 
  • Rooting for our Culinary Director, Stacy Primack, who competed in “Cooked with Cannabis” premiering on 4/20/20 on Netflix. 

 

 

We’d love to hear from you on what 4/20 means to you, how you’re celebrating 4/20, and stories on how CBD has positively impacted your life! Follow us on social to find out how you can enter for a chance to win a complimentary CBD Wellness Kit!

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How 4/20 Can Be A Way of Life and Doesn’t Mean You’re High!

4/20 can be a way of life

The term “4/20” has one of the most interesting and legendary origin stories in stoner culture. Despite the dramatic–though apocryphal–connections to police codes and hidden numerology, it actually comes from a story about a group of California high school students in the 70s bent on locating an abandoned cannabis crop in the nearby San Rafael forest. They met at 4:20pm each day to search for it, and eventually “4/20” became their code for getting high. The students had connections to the Grateful Dead fanship, and the term soon caught on with Deadhead subculture, eventually amplified into widespread consciousness through High Times magazine in the 90s. Today it is a global phenomenon, emblematic of stoner culture and the Prohibition era that necessitated speakeasy-style coded language. It’s definitely not a secret anymore! 

Though we don’t condone the stigma attached to the pre-legalization market, 4/20 doesn’t have to live in the realm of cannabis leaf sunglasses and Bob Marley wallhangings. 4/20 as a way of life means embracing the range of cannabis-derived products that can improve your happiness and well-being. 

Be Like Snoop; Smoke Weed Everyday! 

More and more people in the modern cannabis marketplace are embracing the concept of maintenance dosing, but that doesn’t mean they are getting high. CBD, THC’s non-intoxicating partner, can be optimized at smaller daily or ongoing dosages. In aggregate, these smaller doses can soften waves of stress rather than allowing them to peak and responding after the fact. It’s a proactive, rather than reactive, approach. Maintenance dosing also allows consumers to take advantage of the myriad low-dose products on the market. For many, a single low dose of CBD may not be enough to feel an effect, but when taken regularly, those doses add up to a meaningful difference in quality of life.    

Think Outside The Bong 

Most of our customers aren’t necessarily looking to light up. SōRSE emulsion technology appeals to those who want a more predictable, cleaner-feeling cannabis product. Expanding the concept of 4/20 to include beverages and topicals takes it beyond the smoke session and into everyday life. Layering is an adjacent concept, based on the idea that using multiple consumption methods yields a symphonic, presumably better tolerated, effect. For example, one can use a suppository, a topical, and an edible to treat certain types of discomfort. As a wider range of cannabinoids becomes available, using multiple consumption methods can be a way to diversify and amplify the effectiveness of your products.    

Be Proud, Get Loud 

Attitudes about cannabis are changing. Lazy stoner stereotypes and stigmas belong in the past. Did you know that cannabis users are more, not less, likely to exercise? That Bill Gates, Carl Sagan, and Steve Jobs have all used cannabis to decrease stress and enhance their creativity? As time wears on, Michael Phelps’ cannabis scandal seems more and more ridiculous. Every day it gets a little easier to be out as a cannabis consumer. Whether you enjoy the non-intoxicating calmness of Mad Tasty or want to get elevated with Major, you are reaping the benefits of cannabis. Hemp and marijuana are the same plant; the only difference is their percentage of THC. Instead of using CBD to distance and abstract from the illicit associations of 4/20, we should embrace all the cannabinoids as useful and complementary parts of a wondrous plant. 4/20 as a lifestyle means taking advantage of all the different ways cannabis can make your life better. 

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What Does The Future of Cannabis Consumption Look Like?

future of cannabis consumption

Imagine a hosting a BBQ on a hot summer day five years from now. Parched, you open the cooler to find beers, sodas, and an assortment of distinctively-bottled CBG beverages. On the table, there’s a shaker of CBD-infused salt. And for dessert, S’mores with homemade marshmallows containing a few milligrams THC-V each, for the grown-ups only.    

This is one possible future, one on which many in the cannabis industry are betting their energy and resources. Alcohol has some negative effects: It can make people short-tempered, can impair coordination and decision-making, and it can be extremely addictive.  What if there was an alternative that offered healthy relaxation without all the downsides?  

The emerging cannabis user is often averse to smoking (and with vapes dealing with some major PR concerns at the moment, their future is uncertain). In the near future, consumption methods that feel clean and healthy will occupy a much larger part of the commercial space than they do today. Non-intoxicating, multiply-therapeutic topical applications are also poised to take off. Cannabinoids will become standard ingredients in many over-the-counter medicines, from ointments to cough drops.  

 

This is not to say that there aren’t huge challenges. Both cannabis and alcohol make you feel relaxed, but in different ways. If you think alcohol tastes bad, you should try cannabis extracts —  their bitterness is off the charts! How do we overcome delayed onset? Safety concerns? The answer to this is, : where there’s a will, there’s a way. Human beings’ attempts to make alcohol more palatable created an entire field: mixology. CBD’s move into grocery stores and pharmacies portends a mindset change, and it’s likely that this gentle, non-intoxicating cannabinoid will be the wedge that opens consumer minds to the cannabis pharmacopeia. Here at SōRSE we are already making progress on the main hurdles to convenient, normalized cannabis use. Don’t think about what can be done now; think about what you want the end product to be and overcome the challenges to make it happen.  

  

At the moment, however, cannabis innovation is outpacing regulation, leaving both consumers and producers in a risky limbo. Synthetic cannabinoids may offer a parallel route to legal consumption without the massive resource sink of farming. Novel analogs could sidestep the regulatory battles altogether, traveling the drug approval route instead. But make no mistake, CBD regulation is coming. It could happen in two years or five, but it won’t be long before there will be some manner of product safety and efficacy enforcement for hemp’s star cannabinoid.  

Will the regulatory framework expand to include THC? Perhaps. If it does, we can expect to see a similar shift to less intense, more palatable form factors. Despite the presence of many chic, low-dose options, the THC market is currently driven by one metric: milligrams per dollar. Now, the question for the THC business is,: Can you develop products for today’s market while planning for tomorrow’s? 

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5 Reasons Why CBD Should Be Allowed In Food Items

aisle of food items at supermarket

At the State level, acceptance of and regulation around CBD products varies. At the individual level, CBD still remains mysterious for many consumers and producers alike. The reality is, CBD is a versatile and approachable ingredient for a variety of products – here are a few reasons why CBD should be allowed in food and beverages:

CBD IS NOT INTOXICATING.

Although very similar in molecular structure to the THC strain of cannabis, CBD is not intoxicating. This makes it a great option for infusion in various edible products and should remove a great deal of consumer concern over safety.

AMERICANS ARE ALREADY USING CBD REGULARLY

Nearly 7 percent of Americans are already using cannabidiol (CBD), placing the potential market opportunity for the much-hyped cannabis compound at $16 billion by 2025, according to a new analysis by Cowen & Co.

MANY CONSUMERS CLAIM TO USE CBD AS A WELLNESS PRODUCT.

Almost 62% of CBD users reported using CBD to treat a medical condition. The top three medical conditions were pain, anxiety, and depression.  [A Cross-Sectional Study of Cannabidiol Users]

THE 2018 FARM BILL

The federal 2018 Farm Bill lifted a nationwide ban on producing hemp, from which the oil is made, and which formerly was classified as a controlled substance. But the bill left states to follow their own laws, many of which still classify hemp as illegal, reports The New York Times. The federal-level acceptance of hemp is a good indicator for future product development and widespread acceptance of hemp-infused products.