As people deal with COVID-19, how is cannabis use changing?
SōRSE Technology, a food science emulsification company pivotal to the cannabis and CBD edible supply chain, was created by a team of mindful, physically active people. They have rowers, skiers, cyclists, yoga enthusiasts and runners, all of whom are passionate about CBD and THC. The company understands these sports are easier to do when you are healthy, and being healthy means making wise choices about what you do to your body. They developed their emulsion to allow people to get CBD or THC into their system without inhaling, which is important for athletes, but also important when it comes to protecting your lungs- even more important now as we deal with COVID-19.
At SōRSE Technology, innovation means creating new platforms and new ways to incorporate products into beverages, food, or topicals. The company wants consumers to be aware of these platforms so that they know they have options when it comes to using cannabis. In terms of R&D, they are spending a lot of time researching trends and how consumers think about wellness. With this, they are also seeing a need to for an all-natural CBD emulsion which will be available very soon. Consumers are concerned about their health and immune systems and are looking at ingredients that can support a healthier lifestyle. SōRSE Technology wants customers to have a natural option if that is what they want for their food or beverage.
2020 started with new and exciting flavors; “exotic and accessible” was a trend in January and February. Yet when people feel uncomfortable or uncertain about the future, they have a tendency to circle back to the past and their positive memories, which makes them feel nostalgic. This will be reflected in consumers trying to recreate experiences from recent fond memories, from a wonderful vacation they took or a cocktail from their favorite restaurant – something that reminds them of a happy time when they were together with family or friends.
Because of COVID-19, almost everyone is going through a difficult time right now. We have higher stress levels, and we worry for our families, unemployment and the uncertainty of the future. SōRSE Technology knows that health, and specifically, respiratory health is very much on customers’ minds.
People were already looking for new ways to consume their cannabis that didn’t involve inhaling it. Consumers were also trending towards functional health beverages that placed emphasis on boosting the immune system, improving sleep, or reducing stress. COVID-19 has accelerated that trend and made people even more concerned about their health and well-being. This could explain why CBD sales have been strong the past two months. In states where it is medicinally and/or recreationally legal, THC sales are up as well, which could indicate that people are using it as a way to escape from the stress and anxiety the COVID is causing and bring themselves back to a more relaxed space.
In terms of working with partners and customers, SōRSE Technology sees that people are spending time at home innovating on new ideas. They have budding entrepreneurs reaching out who are interested in starting their own businesses, especially in the realm of e-commerce, and are using this time to reset their lives and reflect on what matters to them. The company’s job is to help customers go in the right direction, knowing that there are a lot of changes happening with the consumer mindset and consumer expectation. They are trying to stay on top of the changing trends so that they can help customers make the right decisions.
