ADVERTORIAL – Forget about caffeine, CBD-infused coffee may just be the next big thing in your coffee as Starbucks reportedly gears towards offering CBD oil-infused latte in the near future.
In this article, we will dive deeper into how Starbucks could pave the way in mainstreaming cannabis-infused food products.
As the world becomes more open and accepting of marijuana use, more and more mainstream companies are eyeing the possibilities of offering cannabis-based products. From cookies and brownies infused with marijuana to soap and beauty mixed with CBD oil, marijuana is being catapulted as the next big thing in most product lines.
In fact, according to a 100-page report published by Cowan, an independent international design agency that has expertise in retail and consumer brands, particularly in Asia, the retail market for CBD-based and derived products will soon become a $16 billion industry in the next 25 years.
CBD or cannabidiol is the active compounds in marijuana that are extracted to have incredible therapeutic and medicinal value. It is being taken from different parts of marijuana and used as an additive for various products including food, beverages, medicines, beauty and wellness products and more. To understand more about marijuana products, visit Weekend Gardener for more information.
Andrew Charles, one of the expert analysts at Cowan, was quoted to have explained that as the regulations for the use of CBD oil in foods and beverages are becoming more relaxed. As such, the likelihood of Starbucks offering CBD-infused coffee products, pastries, and other items on the menu may soon become a reality. Charles said that Starbucks, being the mainstream coffee company and one of the biggest franchises worldwide, would be wise to position itself at the forefront of this shift towards cannabis-based and infused mainstream food products.
The likelihood of Starbucks becoming the catalyst for change is not far from reality, Already, the world is seeing more and more independent cafes that are offering products with infusions of CBD oil and other marijuana-derived ingredients. A good example of this is the Organic Deli, a coffee shop in Oxford, United Kingdom, that has put up coffee that contains a shot of CBD oil. According to reports, the coffee is made the same way as the usual cup of coffee sold before. But a twist, the coffee shop stirs in the CBD oil directly to its espresso. The drink was said to have oily texture from the CBD oil added to give and a uniquely aromatic smell. CBD oil is also the main ingredient in other coffee products of the said café such as cappuccinos and lattes. However, non-marijuana users can still enjoy their coffee CBD-free. The active compound is, in fact, an addition and costs £2.50 per shot.
In the meantime, Kevin Johnson, Starbucks chief executive said that the company is still not yet offering cannabis-based products. The company, he reiterated, does not have CBD oil in its immediate future plans. However, the company remains vigilant and does not close its doors to the possibility of offering cannabis-infused products on their menu. As a rule, Starbucks is paying attention to the emerging trends in coffee products. But this may not happen as quickly as everyone wants since the ingredient is still being subjected to multiple studies for safety concerns.
