Recap of Last Week:
- THC Beverages Beyond Seltzers: Explored the expanding variety of THC-infused beverages, advocating for more creativity beyond seltzers.
- What’s In My Bar: Featured a mix of drinks including Maison Bloom, Cann, North Canna Co., and Hemp Beverage Co., with a focus on unique tastes and mixology.
- What’s On My Bookshelf: Progressed through “Weed The People” for insights into cannabis culture and legislation, and began “Outlive” for a deeper understanding of longevity.
- Recipe of the Week: Introduced the Black Tequila Margarita, a unique combination of non-alcoholic and THC-infused ingredients with a touch of activated charcoal.
Why Cannabis Beverages?
The rising trend of cannabis beverages brings a unique blend of intrigue and skepticism. As someone deeply involved in this space, I frequently encounter questions from both traditional alcohol consumers and seasoned cannabis users. Here, we’ll explore these questions, offering a deeper understanding of the appeal and practicality of cannabis beverages.
Common Questions and Perceptions:
From Alcohol Drinkers/New Cannabis Users:
- Drowsiness Concerns: “Doesn’t cannabis make me sleepy?”
- Edible’s Strength: “Aren’t edibles too potent?”
- Social Impact: “Will cannabis beverages make me less sociable?”
- Taste Issues: “Do these drinks actually taste good?”
From Cannabis Consumers:
- Dose Concerns: “Aren’t the doses in these drinks too low?”
- Cost Effectiveness: “Why does the cost per milligram seem high?”
- Sugar and Ingredients: “Are these drinks loaded with sugar?”
Addressing the Questions:
- Drowsiness: Cannabis beverages are often crafted with a balanced blend of THC and CBD, reducing the likelihood of drowsiness. The focus is on creating a lively, social vibe rather than a sedative effect.
- Edibles vs. Beverages: Unlike edibles, which can unpredictably hit hard, beverages allow for controlled consumption. They provide a more predictable and gentle onset, making the experience manageable and enjoyable.
- Social Dynamics: Contrary to making users less social, these beverages are designed for social settings. The moderated doses foster a relaxed environment without overwhelming the senses.
- Taste Development: The taste of cannabis beverages has evolved significantly. Producers are now using natural flavors and sophisticated formulations to deliver a variety of appealing tastes.
- Dose Balancing: The lower dosage in cannabis drinks mirrors the experience of enjoying a light alcoholic beverage. It’s about a pleasant, prolonged experience, not just a rapid, intense high.
- Value Beyond THC: The price reflects the advanced technology and intricate formulations that go into making each beverage consistent and flavorful, beyond just the THC content.
- Health-Conscious Options: Many brands are mindful of health concerns, offering drinks with low or no sugar, using natural or organic sweeteners. This trend caters to a health-conscious audience while maintaining taste quality.
The Future of Cannabis Beverages:
Looking ahead, the future of cannabis beverages seems bright and promising. Key growth areas include e-commerce, grocery stores, and on-premise sales. These platforms offer the potential for widespread accessibility and could play a pivotal role in integrating cannabis beverages into everyday social and recreational contexts. As the market expands, we can expect to see a greater variety of products catering to diverse tastes and preferences, solidifying the role of cannabis beverages in the social fabric of our lives.
Industry Round Up
- Ohio Legalizes Recreational Marijuana: Ohio voters approved a measure legalizing recreational marijuana, making it the 24th state to do so. This decision opens a potentially billion-dollar market.
- Growing Support for Marijuana Legalization: A new Gallup poll shows that seven in ten Americans now support marijuana legalization, an all-time high since the company began polling on the topic in 1969.
- Investor Interest in Cannabis Multistate Operators (MSOs): Institutional investors are increasingly interested in U.S. cannabis MSOs. A survey suggests that marijuana rescheduling by the federal government could encourage big investors to invest more in MSOs. The survey respondents also saw a 75% chance that the U.S. government will move marijuana from Schedule 1 to Schedule 3 within the next 18 months.
What’s In My Bar:
- Maison Bloom: Continues to be a unique and cherished choice for my evening relaxation, offering a distinct and enjoyable taste that stands out in the beverage space. Use NEWBLOOMER15 for 15% off your first order
- Cann: This has remained a dependable and enjoyable pick-me-up, seamlessly integrating into various social settings with its easy-going and pleasant flavor. Use HERBAL30 for 20% off!
- North Canna Co.: The combination of their Pineapple Orange with Blood Orange Ginger Fever Tree remains a favorite, creating a bubbly and spicy mix that’s hard to resist. Use my link and you will receive 15% off your order site wide.
- Brez: This has quickly become my go-to and constant companion in the bar. It’s easy, delicious, and just great for any occasion, proving to be a reliable and satisfying choice time and time again. Use LARS5 for $5 off your order!
Recipe of the Week: Tropical Strawberry-Lemongrass Fusion
Ingredients:
- 1 can of Maison Bloom Strawberry Provençal + Lemongrass Elevated Seltzer
- 2 oz Lyre’s white rum
- 1 oz fresh lime juice
- 1/2 oz simple syrup
- Fresh strawberries, for muddling and garnish
- Fresh lemongrass, for muddling and garnish
- Ice cubes
- Mint leaves, for garnish
Instructions:
- Prepare the Base:
- In a cocktail shaker, muddle a few fresh strawberries and a small piece of lemongrass to release their flavors.
- Mix the Ingredients:
- Add the Lyre’s, fresh lime juice, and simple syrup to the shaker. Fill the shaker with ice and shake well until the outside of the shaker feels cold.
- Assemble the Drink:
- Strain the mixture into a glass filled with ice cubes, ensuring the essence of strawberries and lemongrass is infused.
- Add the Seltzer:
- Top off the glass with Maison Bloom Strawberry Provençal + Lemongrass Elevated Seltzer, gently stirring to combine the flavors.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Garnish with a strawberry slice, a sprig of lemongrass, and a few mint leaves. Enjoy the sensual yet playful dance of flavors – a perfect blend of sweet, fruity, and a hint of zesty kick.