Illinois Tracker
Sales in Illinois were flat in September, down just .2% sequentially but up 80% YoY. Out-of-state sales decreased 1.5% sequentially and grew 124% YoY, while in-state sales increased .5% and grew 64% YoY. Items sold remained flat, but the average price of each item decreased slightly. The annual run rate for IL is $1.49 Billion for adult use.
Black Market THC Levels Low
The New Brunswick, Research and Productivity Council report compares THC levels, molds, and pesticides in illicit and legal marijuana. The results show that most illicit flowers and edibles had THC levels far below advertised amounts and higher than acceptable limits for several microbiological contaminants and pesticides. All legal products passed tests for contaminants, but advertised THC levels were slightly higher than in reality. The six illicit dried flower samples all claimed to have THC at or above 30%. The highest actual THC was 22%, three were 13%, one 17%, one 18% showed uncertainty with illicit cannabis. Of the four legal examples, they were all listed as 17% THC. One was 17%, two were 16%, one was 15%. These were all within the allowable range of deviation.
CGC Beverage
Karma Water is partnering with Canopy Growth to launch a new CBD water to build on CGC's existing portfolio of wellness waters. Both Karma and Canopy Growth are Constellation Brands' largest beer import companies in the US. Karma Water will use CBD distillate sourced from Canopy's US hemp biomass. "Beverages continue to fuel significant growth in the CBD category as consumers seek out familiar product formats," said Tara Rozalowsky, vice president of beverages and edibles at Canopy Growth, adding that "CBD-infused beverages deliver the calming mood management consumers are seeking without the downsides of less healthy alternatives." The beverage is not a traditional drink, however. Instead, it features a patented push cap technology in which right before one consumes the drink, you push a cap to infuse the flavor and CBD into the water. This protects the active cannabinoid until consumptions to offer optimal potency.
