Cannabis taffy makers unveil hemp version for national distribution
The Colorado-based company is leveraging its reputation for consistent, accurate dosages of THC in its flagship line. It works with more than 800 dispensaries in Colorado, California and Nevada.
“Our new hemp CBD infused taffy line has been in demand long before the passing of the Farm Bill, and consumers were coming from all over the country – many outside of legal cannabis states that we operate in,” said Eric Leslie, partner at HCC Brands.
Each taffy piece contains 25mg of cannabidiol (CBD) derived from organic US hemp plants. An independent lab tests the candies for accurate dosing, the company said.
“We've built a strong, relied upon brand over the last decade and felt it was important that hemp-derived CBD consumers had that same sense of trust and confidence in the products they purchase,” added Leslie.
“Producing this new line of hemp chews allows us to deliver all across the country, providing the same quality standards and trusted experience many have already experienced in the cannabis sector.”
Cheeba Chews launched with four flavors – chocolate, strawberry, sour apple and caramel. The bites are wrapped in packs of four ($18), 10 ($32) or 20 ($45), available through the company’s website.
Hemp, CBD, and Cannabis in the US
The 2014 US farm bill defined industrial hemp as containing no more than 0.3% THC on a dry weight basis, according to the American Farm Bureau Federation. The 2018 farm bill finally removed hemp as a Schedule I drug and formally established the crop as an agricultural commodity.
Nearly a quarter of US hemp was used to produce CBD in 2017, the Hemp Business Journal found, while 17% went into food products, typically in the form of seeds or oilcake.
In 1996, California became the first state in the US to legalize medical marijuana; Colorado and Nevada followed suit in 2000. In 2012, the Rocky Mountain state, along with Washington, became the first to legalize recreational sales. Nevada and California did so in 2016.
Today, nine states and the District of Columbia allow adult recreational use, while 28 states and DC permit medical use.
Consumer Insight
Nearly half of US consumers aged 21 to 34 said they would be interested in purchasing legal cannabis, according to a recent Nielsen report. About 40% of 35 to 45-year-olds and 55 to 74-year-olds agreed. The predominant reasons for their consideration were treatment of chronic pain and mental health improvement. About three-quarters cited a desire to aid sleep or relax.
