Inside the Bottle Ep. 6 - Crafting Cannabis Beverages

For many years, I have said, “Experience Matters.” Over the last three decades, Flavorman has developed countless beverage formulations for our clients in every category imaginable. This has taught us the technical nuances of beverage formulation and the ability to predict which products will succeed in the marketplace. Consumer preferences, trends, and habits change daily, calling our Beverage Architects to stay keen on new technology, science, and techniques.

About 20 years ago, a client wanted to develop an energy drink called Hemp Head, which contained an ingredient called “hemp oil,” now known as CBD oil. Back then, we processed the oil through an extraction process, creating a water-soluble component. Our Beverage Architects applied their knowledge and process from this client’s product to make other “hemp oil” beverages. Through working with Hemp Head, our experts anticipated the growth of cannabis popularity, so we’ve spent the last decade honing our skills with those ingredients to prepare.

The investment has certainly paid off, as we’ve worked on dozens of cannabis-infused beverages over the last 18 months. Navigating the THC landscape is no simple task! For example, federal law allows the sale of products containing less than 0.3% THC on a dry weight basis. However, some states allow for a higher amount, and the regulations of THC products vary widely from state to state.

The legality aside, consumers are often confused about the difference between THC and CBD. Both are cannabinoids, which are chemical compounds found in the cannabis plant. Cannabidiol (CBD) is non-intoxicating and frequently associated with purported therapeutic benefits like stress and pain relief. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is a component of cannabis that induces psychoactive effects when consumed, otherwise known as a “high.” Both compounds are used in various applications like lotions, gummies, oils, and, of course, beverages.

In developing any drink, our Beverage Architects start by naming all the ingredients and materials needed to create the finished product. So, for example, a soft drink would have a sweetener, color, flavor, acid, water, and any other additive the client desires. We treat THC and CBD just like any other ingredient used in the formulation process. In the R&D Laboratory, we only use CBD in all of our cannabis beverages during the initial development process. This is for the safety of our Beverage Architects, who conduct several tastings throughout their work, and to adhere to Kentucky’s restrictions on THC products. Clients can substitute whichever compound they desire after signing off on final formulations. This process allows Flavorman to create and develop cannabis beverages quickly, safely, and in a technically sound manner.

Who could have known that working with a product containing “hemp oil” decades ago would allow us to be ahead of the trends in 2025? As consumers search for non-alcoholic substitutes and products centered around wellness, Flavorman has assisted several innovative brands with capitalizing on the cravings. All of this to say, Experience Matters!