Canada's Canopy Growth Corp. today (March 2) launched a CBD beverage, Quatreau sparkling water, in the U.S. market. At the moment, it's sold only on the company's U.S. ecommerce website (www.shopcanopy.com) and on directcbd.com.
And while the fizzy water is clear, the legality of it may be a bit murky.
Quatreau sparkling water contains 20mg of U.S. grown, hemp-based cannabidiol (CBD) and 25 calories but no sugar. It carries a suggested retail price of $3.99 per 12-oz. can. Flavors are Cucumber + Mint, Passionfruit + Guava, Ginger + Lime and Blueberry + Acai.
“We have proven our beverage strategy in Canada, where we are currently the market share leader in CBD-infused ready-to-drink beverages," said Canopy Growth President and Chief Product Officer Rade Kovacevic. “Beverages are fueling growth in the CBD category and we believe this product will resonate with U.S. consumers looking for a naturally flavored, zero-sugar option.”
Quatreau already exists in Canada in both CBD and THC versions.
While CBD has grown as a supplement, its use as a food additive has not been clarified by the FDA. It is being used in foods and beverages where state food safety authorities have allowed it, but it cannot cross state lines. However, the Biden Administration and members of Congress have signaled a readiness to approve both CBD and psychoactive THC, including marijuana use.
"Canopy complies with all federal and state regulations and only ships to consumers in states where the sale of CBD beverages is permissible," a spokesperson for the company told Food Processing.
U.S. alcohol distributor Constellation Brands holds a controlling interest in Canopy Growth.
