Start-up companies, artisan brands, and big businesses, alike, are racing to bring new drinks – infused with cannabinoids – to the market. And with many having already done so, the timing couldn’t be worse to discover that aluminium cans may actually be absorbing CBD and THC from the actual drinks…
Players in the Cannabinoid Drinks Business
In the UK, there is already a growing sector emerging that brings an array of CBD-infused drinks to the masses. In North America, many companies are also exploring THC drinks. As tolerance and acceptance of Cannabis and its derivatives continue to take off, big brands are expecting to capitalise on the new sector of the beverages industry.
Huge household names are even getting involved with the development of new cannabinoid drinks formulas. With the likes of Molson Coors and Anheuser Busch InBev (parent company of Budweiser) currently in development stages for releases in North America.
Constellation Brands, parent brand of Corona and Modelo among many others, is also entering the cannabinoids game through its partnership with Canadian Cannabis company, Canopy Growth.
What is the Problem?
Many companies have made use of nano-emulsion technology, which makes cannabinoids water-soluble. In their natural state, cannabinoids such as CBD and THC are oil-based. Therefore, they do not mix very well with water – which is a pretty essential part of producing drinks.
The problem is that the new water-soluble cannabinoid molecules may stick to the lining of aluminium cans. Some scientists have theorised that the emulsified cannabinoids may be attracted to the lining, which is supposed to protect the can from rusting and, ironically, protect the stability of the contents.
CEO of US brewer, Tinley, told Yahoo Finance:
“When I say there is less cannabis, there is no cannabis left. It’s literally 97% absorption into the can after a few months.”
It is unclear how widespread the issue may be, and whether companies in the UK have experienced the same problem with aluminium cans. However, the release of CBD and THC -infused drinks in North America could continue to see delays.
