Author: Joy

Editors’ Note: This is an excerpt from our Monthly Playbook. If you would like to read the full monthly playbook and join the thousands of others you can sign up below.

Based on our market observations, the price for almost every rare cannabinoid we track decreased. It was also observed that the prices of Delta-9 THC (Hemp-Derived) and CBN-O Distillate have experienced the most significant percentage changes. The price of Delta-9 THC (Hemp-Derived) Distillate has decreased by 22% from $1,900.00 in February 2023 to $1,174.75 in March 2023. Similarly, the price of CBN-O Distillate has decreased by 19% from $4,200.00 in February 2023 to $2,750.00 in March 2023. The prices of other products have also fluctuated during the period. For example, the price of CBD Isolate has increased by 13% from $265.00 in January 2023 to $401.67 in March 2023. CBDA Isolate and Delta-8 THC Distillate prices have also increased slightly during the period.

On the other hand, the prices of CBDV Distillate, THC-O Acetate Distillate, and CBGA Isolate have experienced significant percentage decreases during the period. Overall, our data suggest that the prices of cannabinoid products in the U.S. market are volatile and can fluctuate significantly within a short period. The changes in prices may be influenced by various factors such as supply and demand, regulations, and production technology advancements. It is essential for businesses operating in this market to stay up to date with the latest trends and make informed decisions to stay competitive.

*Disclaimer: Some of the text from this analysis was generated with an A.I. system.

Editors’ Note: This is an excerpt from our Monthly Playbook. If you would like to read the full monthly playbook and join the thousands of others you can sign up below.

PAT will become increasingly important in the cannabis product formulation industry due to the need for consistent and high-quality products. As we have discussed previously, Process analytical technology incorporates technology, techniques, and systems that can be used for real-time monitoring, control, and optimization of the manufacturing process. This month we will explore how PAT will transform the cannabis product formulation industry, specifically in vape pen formulation, terpene purification, and edible dose monitoring.

Vape Pen Formulation

Once the mixture is complete, the filling process can be monitored using machine vision technology. Machine vision technology can monitor the filling process, ensuring that each cartridge is filled to the correct level and that there are no leaks or defects.

Additionally, ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy can be used to monitor the color of the mixture, which is an indicator of the quality of the product. This ensures that the final product is of high quality and that there is no waste.

Terpene Purification

This information can then be used to develop a purification process to isolate the desired terpenes. During the purification process, NIR spectroscopy can monitor the concentration of the terpenes in real time, ensuring that they are not degraded during the purification process. This ensures that the final product has a consistent and high-quality terpene profile.

Edible Dose Monitoring

Editors’ Note: This is an excerpt from our Monthly Playbook. If you would like to read the full monthly playbook and join the thousands of others you can sign up below.

After years of being banned from advertising Twitter and Google have announced major changes that could shake up the cannabis and CBD industry. Social media platforms dominate the advertising industry and now two of the biggest are allowing CBD and cannabis companies to run ads. Companies in the cannabinoid space will now be able to build brands with less friction. Creating a widely known brand is invaluable for companies that want to build a relationship and loyalty with their customers and attract new investors.

Companies that sell CBD topicals and FDA-approved pharmaceutical products companies are now allowed to advertise on Google. Along with Meta, Google controls a massive share of the digital advertising industry.

Twitter took a much larger step allowing both cannabis companies and CBD topical brands to advertise albeit with many limitations.

Before launching a marketing and branding blitz Google requires CBD companies to jump through a few hoops – the biggest being gaining certification from a company called LegitScript.

In 2019 LegitScript released a report on CBD titled “The Online CBD Industry Unmasked”. The report was quickly criticized for its lack of nuance and scientific objectivity, with some accusing LegitScript of using the document to push an agenda against the growth of the CBD industry. More likely it was a smart way to create a new business line.

Twitter is the first big social media company to allow cannabis advertising on its platform. Such advertising is likely to be a welcomed source of additional revenue for Twitter following Elon Musk becoming the owner. Florida-focused MSO Trulieve launched ads within days of the new policy being announced. Many more companies are expected to follow suite.

Limitations on advertising on Twitter include:

• Advertisers may not target consumers under the age of 21.
• The policy permits the advertising of “approved Cannabis (including CBD– cannabinoids)”
• The marketing of cannabis may now take place on Twitter, targeting 21 United States jurisdictions.
• Have landing pages that are age-gated and sales must be age verified.
• Not use characters, sports persons, celebrities, or images/icons that appeal to minors.
• Not show cannabis product use.
• Not depict people under the influence.
• Not encourage transport across state lines.

Why now for Google and Twitter?

1. The rapidly growing popularity of CBD and cannabis products in the US. New billion-dollar state markets opening including New York.
2. Diminishing domination of the digital ad space, especially for Google

From 2014 until 2022 Facebook (Meta) and Google have controlled 50%+ of the digital ad space. That’s now dipped below 50% because of a host of new entrants. Uber, TikTok and most relevant to CBD, Amazon have taken a real bite out of Google’s core revenue stream.

and unlike Google – Amazon has allowed CBD topicals companies to advertise some years.

Slippery slope?

It’s unlikely that supplements and food additives containing CBD as an active ingredient and other CBD products will soon be able to advertise on Google or any other major digital ad platform. They will likely need the cover of guidance from the FDA before they loosen their ad ban further. And as we’ve seen the FDA is unlikely to act on its own without direction from Congress. The big question is will other online advertising platforms such as Uber follow Twitter’s path as it seeks to establish itself as a major player in the advertising and cannabis delivery space.

Editors’ Note: This is an excerpt from our Monthly Playbook. If you would like to read the full monthly playbook and join the thousands of others you can sign up below.

Editors’ Note: This is an excerpt from our Monthly Playbook. If you would like to read the full monthly playbook and join the thousands of others you can sign up below.

Although Cannabis is legal and readily accessible in many US and some international jurisdictions, much of the industry maintains some of its practices from traditional markets. However, consumers have entered a new market of Cannabis products and brands. As they grow comfortable and familiar with the commodity, questions arise about the quality and effect of the different plant cultivars.

Initially, botanists categorized Cannabis by dominant phytocannabinoids, Δ9 THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol), using Type I (THC dominant), Type II (Equivalent THC and CBD), and Type III (CBD dominant) to distinguish plant types. Yet, very little research.

has evaluated the multiple combinations of terpenes or how they might affect the consumer.Terpenes, a component of the essential oil of the Cannabis flower, are well known to have medicinal benefits and toxicities in isolated forms. However, studying the combined synergistic effect of multiple plant constituents is uncommon in Cannabis research. As well, multi-agent pharmaceutical development is an untapped paradigm. In that regard, Cannabis blazes a trail to the potential discovery of new drug combinations or classes. Whether it is a consumer product good (CPG) or pharmaceutical drug, the process best starts by creating an index of cultivar subtypes that aids current consumers in their purchasing decisions.

Terp Tag Technology

CESC introduces Terp Tag Technology, a process using artificial intelligence (AI) to map the multiple constituents in Cannabis. The work began by sourcing data from Cannabis prevalent communities mapping their aroma descriptors to terpene profiles. The results establish an algorithm that incorporates the content and ratio of both cannabinoids and terpenoids. Terp Tag Technology is an objective categorization of classifying Cannabis flower subtypes. The algorithm is dynamic, adapting to new hybrids and characteristic effects. “By putting a stake in the sand, we are able to compare different cultivars and learn how they might affect people,” states Dr. John Abrams, CESC’s Chief Science Officer.

The Cannabis Flight Study

The wine industry incorporates a “flight” when marketing different varieties. This concept, commonly presented to the consumer at wineries and tastings, involves a comparison sampling of different types of wine. The concept also works well as an empirical real time trial of complex multi-agent Cannabis cultivars. All consumers are not alike. Some seek products that provide energy, focus, or creativity. Others require products to relieve pain or induce sleep. Finally, others like to vary their experience depending on the occasion.

The Cannabis Flight Study will be launched at San Francisco’s Flore Dispensary,

the historic epicenter of the Cannabis industry’s resurgence. Flore’s Cannabis flower inventory is tagged using Terp Tag Technology. The store is preparing to offer Cannabis Flights to participants interested in providing their feedback. Responses are generated on several experiential categories, including aroma, altered effects, relaxed-energetic effects, head-body effects, and specified mood affect defined as happy, euphoric, aroused, focused, and creative. “Combining The Cannabis Flight Study with our ongoing Dosing Project initiative contributes to a better understanding of both recreational and medicinal indications,” states Dr. Jean Talleyrand, CESC’s Chief Medical Officer.

The Cannabis industry is transitioning from awareness and acceptance to quality assurance. Terp Tag Technology, as an objective measure of quality, comprises a methodology that assigns Cannabis flowers to categories based on relative as well as absolute terpene content. Terp Tag AI is dynamic yet identifies consistent reliable products. Quality attributes such as aroma, taste, and effect are correlated with terpenes. Terp Tagging Cannabis flowers assure consumers get what they expect. As a tool, Terp Tags manage product lines for cultivation, distribution, and retail by ensuring the industry maintains an appropriately broad range of cultivar types. Contact us at [email protected] to learn how Terp Tag Technology may benefit your enterprise.

Editors’ Note: This is an excerpt from our Monthly Playbook. If you would like to read the full monthly playbook and join the thousands of others you can sign up below.