Theory Wellness introduces cannabis-infused seltzers to marketDate: 3/9/2021 CHICOPEE – Theory Wellness’ new cannabis product may signal a new direction for the cannabis industry: infused seltzer water.
The Stoneham-based company – which has a retail location in Chicopee – introduced Hi5 (High Five), its first infused beverage, last week.
Thomas Winstanley, the company’s vice president of marketing, told Reminder Publishing, the product was the first of its kind on the east coast. The products do exist on the west coast, he said.
He explained the beverage is created through an emulsification process that marries the THC molecules – the active ingredient in cannabis – to water molecules.
Winstanley said the new product “bridges the gap” between smoking cannabis and edibles.
“It has a much more controlled onset. We were able to make THC water soluble,” he added.
Winstanley explained that edibles become active after being digested and that time could be as much as two hours. The time literally depends on the person.
“Everyone responds differently [to edibles],” he added.
With Hi5, the onset of the effects of the THC can happen in as little as five minutes, he said. “It’s taking the waiting game out of consumption,” he added.
The name of the beverage reflects it contains five milligrams of THC – the amount that is in a single edible.
In a statement, Brendon Pollock, CEO of Theory Wellness, said, “For a consumer to have control over how cannabis makes them feel in the same way they do with a beer or a glass of wine, Hi5 makes cannabis more approachable than ever, especially for newer cannabis consumers. We think customers are going to love it.”
Theory Wellness management believes this beverage could be a gamechanger and play a role in the cannabis beverage market with projections of $2.8 billion value by 2025.
The beverage comes in two flavors – lime and peach/mango – and is in a can with a child-proof lids that is also re-sealable.
On Feb. 25, the first day of its release, many customers were walking out of the store carrying a four-pack of the beverage. It costs $15 for a four pack, and single cans are available.
“We’re always looking for new ways to innovate, and beverages have been a long-running interest of ours,” Pollock said. “Massachusetts has long been a leader in the beverage market, with Sam Adams launching the craft beer movement, Polar seltzers, even going back to the Boston Tea Party! We’re excited to continue that legacy.”
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