On how data-based evidence is beneficial for the cannabis industry for changing minds
The language of data gets everybody excited. I love when a client comes back and asks 10,000 questions that we don’t know the answer to because, to get to those questions, we must answer 1,000,000 questions that nobody else could answer.
What the international cannabis landscape will look like in 5 years
I think, in five years, shipping cannabis across the world will probably be a little bit hard. I think every country will want to have its own product, and they will probably try to make it more difficult to get products cheaper from outside. And I say that because I am thinking about Mexico and Brazil.
Now, you’re hearing about a lot of U.K. companies who are cultivating the U.K. and Brexit, so I think about things like lead times, for instance. Those are the type of things that we think about. How do we improve lead times? How do we get the product faster from one place to the next?
Alvaro Torres – Co-Founder, CEO and Director at Khiron Life Sciences Corp
Reducing opioid dependency and improving medical patient access to cannabis covered by insurance
I think Columbia’s one of the most advanced countries when it comes to the regulation of medical cannabis. It is true that it’s only focused on oils and extracts as a medical market, but it’s also true that the government has unequivocally decided to cover medical cannabis for patients. You think of other countries that have this, [and] you think about Germany but not the United States.
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.
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
Vape pens have become a popular method of cannabis consumption due to their convenience, ease of use, and discreteness. The formulation of vape pens requires precise control of the amount of cannabis oil, carrier oil, and terpenes to ensure consistent dosing and flavor profile. PAT can be used to monitor the entire vape pen formulation process, from mixing the ingredients to filling the cartridges. In the mixing stage, near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy can measure the concentration of cannabinoids, carrier oil, and terpenes in real time. This allows for adjustments to the formulation on the fly to ensure that the final product meets the desired specifications.
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
Terpenes are a critical component of cannabis products as they contribute to the flavor and aroma of the final product. However, terpenes can be challenging to purify, as they are typically present in low concentrations and can be easily degraded. PAT can monitor the terpene purification process, ensuring that the terpenes are of high quality and purity. Gas chromatography (G.C.) can be used to analyze the terpene profile of the initial cannabis extract.
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
Terpenes are a critical component of cannabis products as they contribute to the flavor and aroma of the final product. However, terpenes can be challenging to purify, as they are typically present in low concentrations and can be easily degraded. PAT can monitor the terpene purification process, ensuring that the terpenes are of high quality and purity. Gas chromatography (GC) can be used to analyze the terpene profile of the initial cannabis extract. This information can then be used to develop a purification process to isolate the desired terpenes.
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?
The rapidly growing popularity of CBD and cannabis products in the US. New billion-dollar state markets opening including New York.
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.
