Starbucks Could Be The First F&B Company Introduce Cannabis-Infused Drinks

Cannabis infused drinks and coffee might just be the next big thing in Starbucks’ menu. How possible is this? Will this ever happen?

Let's explores and investigates the truth behind the Starbucks’ purported plan to introduce cannabis-infused drinks to the masses.

WHAT IS CANNABIDIOL?

First of all, what is cannabidiol? Cannabidiol or CBD is one of the many active compounds found in marijuana plants. It is a natural compound that is purported to be the source of marijuana’s famed therapeutic effects. Unlike THC, which is known as the marijuana’s psychoactive compounds causing the psychedelic effects and infamous “high” when people smoke weed, CBD has long been known to be the active compound that produce the sedative effects of weed. Multiple studies spanning decades have discovered and confirmed various health and medicinal benefits from CBD for various illnesses including autism, depression, anxiety and other similar conditions.

IS STARBUCKS REALLY SERVING CBD-INFUSED LATTE?

The news that Starbucks will soon offer CBD-infused coffee actually came from an interview done on Andrew Charles, one of the expert analysts at Cowan; an independent international design agency that has expertise in retail and consumer brands, particularly in Asia.

Charles was wrongly quoted to have confirmed that Starbucks will soon have cannabis-infused drinks. This was a mistake by the media. However, this is very near to what Charles has actually told reporters.

In his interview, he mentioned that in the coming years, the world will soon relax on policies and guidelines against the use of CBD oil infusion in foods and beverages. This openness to marijuana-based products will ultimately result to fast food chains, such as Starbucks, finally mainstreaming and offering CBD-infused food and beverages. This will include coffee, pastries and other items. Charles explained that Starbucks, as one of the biggest players in the fastfood sector, is in the position to lead the eventual banality of offering fast food products with cannabis and cannabis-based ingredients.

This will be a strategic move the company since according to a 100-page report published by Cowan, the retail market for marijuana-based products is poised to become a $16 billion industry in the year 2025 years. 

When asked, Starbucks itself denied the report. However, they are not closing their doors to the possibility of offering CBD-infused coffee and drinks and pastries. Starbucks Chief Executive Kevin Johnson explained the company has no plans to offer CBD-infused coffee in the near future. At the moment, all Starbucks coffee and food products do not contain an iota of marijuana or CBD oil. Johnson stressed that at the moment, the company is looking for many ways and strategies to continue improving the quality of their service and products. While offering marijuana-based products is a topic that the company has not really thought about, Johnson said Starbucks is eyeing on emerging trends in coffee and coffee product. So, if in the future, the inclusion of marijuana in food products become a profitable and safe option, the company may seriously consider offering cannabis-infused drinks

WHAT IS THE FUTURE OF CANNABIS INFUSED DRINK?

More and more countries worldwide are becoming more accepting to the medical and recreational uses of marijuana. With countries all over the world relaxing their antiquated laws and policies against marijuana, the possibilities of big food chain companies offering cannabis-based drinks and food products is predicted to soon expand exponentially. From food products such as cookies and brownies infused with marijuana to soap and beauty mixed with CBD oil, the variety and number of cannabis-based products will further diversify and become more profitable.

WHAT WILL BE THE IMPLICATIONS IF IN CASE STARBUCKS BEGINS OFFERING CANNABIS INFUSED DRINKS?

Starbucks is a worldwide brand with millions of followers from across the globe. It is near impossible to find a country without Starbucks in their city center. Its influence is wide and expansive. If in case the company decides to offer drinks that were infused with cannabis or CBD oil, this will be a great step in mainstreaming cannabis as well as decreasing the negative stereotypes about marijuana. If this happens, this will be an incredible opportunity for advocates of legalization of both medical and recreational uses of cannabis.

Right now, only 11 states in the US have legalized marijuana. The road towards full acceptance and complete eradication of prohibition of this plant is still quite far.  In order for the advocacy to legalize marijuana become successful, everyone should be onboarded. The first thing that must happen is to educate the general population about the safety and benefits of marijuana. After this, companies such as Starbucks and other similar brands should join and strengthen the advocacy by helping remove the negative stereotypes about marijuana.

This can be done This is possible. With all of us in this community working hard, hand in hand, we will soon find success. For those who are seeking more information related to marijuana, check out this site.