CBD Beverages Seeing Mixed Success – Medical Marijuana Program Connection

Hemp Hydrate’s CBD-infused water is an alternative to Smart Water or Vitaminwater.

CBD beverages are meeting with mixed success. While some major regional chains and independents offer such products, CBD isn’t legal at the federal level, dissuading national retailers and large suppliers. 

“Most chains are still a little reluctant to get into the category,” says Greg Billmeyer, COO of Port Coquitlam, British Columbia-based Hemp Hydrate. Retailers that do become involved are doing well, however. This is particularly true of those that position the products as alcohol alternatives, such as New Seasons Market, which operates only in Oregon.

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“We’re leaning on the nonalcoholic space more than others,” notes Ryan White, program category manager at Portland-based New Seasons. 

One product offered by several regionals is Noble Brands Inc.’s Plift. It contains 4 milligrams of Delta 9 THC. Sweetened with stevia, products come in Tart Lime, Crisp Ginger and Juicy Grapefruit flavors.

“There’s a utility to CBD beverages that supplements don’t have,” explains Todd Harris, CEO/co-founder of Chicago-based Plift. “They have cachet in the nonalcoholic movement. We can speak to a cannabis connoisseur or a nonalcoholic connoisseur and not change our tone. It’s a way to unwind that doesn’t involve alcohol and has just 50 calories per can.”

Another brand of CBD wellness/recovery beverages is from Chicago-based…