Consumers remain remarkably naïve about cannabis. At the same time, new products with (often) exaggerated claims about the health benefits of cannabis appear almost daily. This is creating an environment in which misinformation and speculation frequently fill the void in knowledge. This segment will take a broad look at consumer attitudes and perceptions and set the stage for discussion of edibles infused with tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and/or cannabidiol (CBD).
This presentation will examine who is buying candies, chocolates, or other edibles infused with CBD and/or THC, based on a nationally representative survey of 4,000 US adults in 2019. It will compare infused buyers to category buyers overall, and focus on demographic, lifestyle, and attitudinal similarities and differences. It will provide thought leadership on trends and their implications for confection and snack brands.
This presentation will provide critical, science-based information on the pharmacology and physiology of cannabis-infused products and ingredients. It will focus on the importance of cannabinoid physiology and pharmacology, as they set the stage for dosing, onset and duration of effect, safety and labeling of products. We'll specifically focus on CBD and dose-effect strategies, short- and long-term safety considerations including potential drug interactions (e.g. liver enzymes), age-related considerations and cognitive function.
Confectioners working with cannabinoid extracts want great tasting products, so what flavor challenges do you need to overcome? We'll look at the chemistry and terminology of cannabinoids and their flavor terpenes. One may also wonder how to mask/pair flavors with the off-flavors. This presentation will help the formulator understand flavor changes with certain confectionary applications and ingredient interactions. Related regulatory issues will also be explored.
This session will provide a detailed overview of the cannabis industry from a third-party analytical laboratory prospective. Technology, methods, quality control and assurance programs, state rules and regulations, as well as economic factors will be discussed. The implications for a confection company, its processes and products and consumer public health and safety will also be explored.