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Welcome Note

Welcome back Gardeners!

This week I spoke with the Reddit community both on R/DrinkCannabis and others to find out what the community thinks are trends they wish would go away. I also sat down with Sasha Pieterse and Taylor Sewell to learn all about Hippie Water and their journey!

Finally - on Monday (02/24) Season 2 of The Free Spirits Podcast with Lars & David dropped. We sat down with Kerry Hinkle from the US Hemp Roundtable to talk all things policy! So you won’t want to miss that. Be sure to subscribe on Youtube, Apple, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts!

I hope you enjoy this week’s newsletter

And as always, my email is open!

-Lars

Any comments or questions? Leave comment on this post or shoot me an email. Would love to hear from you!

News Round Up

• Krewe of Freret, Crescent Canna Launch THC Drink for Mardi Gras Freret Fizz - The Krewe of Freret has partnered with Crescent Canna to introduce Freret Fizz, a cannabis-infused beverage designed for Mardi Gras celebrations.

• CBD-infused food and beverage product sales to rise - The global CBD-infused beverage market, currently valued at $1.16 billion, is projected to grow at a CAGR of 19.2% over the next five years.

• Delaware bars are selling canned cannabis cocktails for the first time. But for how long? - Delaware establishments have begun offering THC-infused beverages, with products containing 5 to 20 mg of hemp-derived delta-9 THC.

• Interview: Hemp THC Brand Cantrip Focuses on Connecting at Retail - Cantrip, a hemp-derived THC beverage brand, is enhancing its retail presence by focusing on consumer education and strategic partnerships.

• The Rise of Legal Online Cannabis Companies - Legal online cannabis companies are experiencing significant growth, offering consumers convenient access to a variety of cannabis products, including THC and CBD-infused beverages.

• A hazy legal landscape means people can get high on hemp products even where pot is prohibited - Due to ambiguities in legal definitions, hemp-derived products containing psychoactive THC are accessible even in regions where marijuana remains illegal.

📰 Got news? Submit it here! 📰

Any other questions or inquiries you can respond to this email or DM me on Twitter 

What Trends in Cannabis Should Disappear in 2025? The Community Weighs In

Not all trends are welcomed with open arms. I turned to the cannabis community to ask: What’s a trend in cannabis you wish would disappear in 2025? The responses revealed deep frustrations and hopes for the future of the industry. Here are the biggest trends people want to see gone.

1. The Obsession with High THC

One of the loudest complaints is the overemphasis on THC percentage. Consumers are tired of being told that higher THC = better product. Many argue that other cannabinoids, terpenes, and the overall experience matter more.

People want more balanced products that emphasize the entourage effect—the synergy between cannabinoids and terpenes.

2. The Oversaturation of Disposables and Vape Cartridges

Disposable vape pens came under heavy fire for their environmental impact, unregulated ingredients, and potential health risks.

Consumers are increasingly wary of vape carts, calling for better regulations, responsible manufacturing, and sustainable alternatives.

3. Gimmicky Branding and Child-Like Marketing

Cringe-worthy branding that leans into stoner stereotypes was a major point of frustration. Some consumers are over Rick & Morty-themed everything and strain names that sound like a joke.

This sentiment ties into a larger conversation about normalizing cannabis and making it more professional.

4. Restrictive Laws and Federal Prohibition

Many responses pointed to the patchwork of cannabis laws in the U.S. that make interstate commerce, banking, and business operations a nightmare.

Legal inconsistencies across states have led to price gouging, product shortages, and unnecessary business hurdles. Consumers want fairer policies and a legal framework that works nationwide.

5. Poor Quality Cannabis Drinks

The cannabis beverage market has exploded, but many consumers complain about inconsistent quality, poor taste, and a lack of regulation.

Several commenters expressed a preference for low-dose options that allow for a more social, gradual experience—similar to drinking alcohol.

6. Plastic Waste and Over-Packaging

Sustainability is another growing concern, with many calling out excessive plastic waste from pre-roll tubes, vape carts, and single-use containers.

As more industries shift toward eco-friendly packaging, cannabis consumers are demanding the same.

7. Lack of Cannabinoid Diversity

Beyond THC, people are calling for more product options that incorporate CBD, CBG, CBN, and other cannabinoids that provide different therapeutic effects.

A growing number of consumers want the industry to move beyond a THC-focused model and embrace the full potential of the cannabis plant.

8. The Elitist Attitude in Cannabis Culture

The days of gatekeeping in cannabis need to end. Many long-time consumers are frustrated with the elitism directed at beginners or those who prefer lower doses.

Cannabis should be an inclusive space where people can enjoy it at their own pace.

Looking Ahead

The cannabis industry is still in its early stages, and these trends reflect growing pains. Consumers are becoming more educated and demanding better products, sustainable practices, and a shift away from outdated stigmas.

As 2025 continues, it’s clear that people don’t just want change, they expect it. Will the industry listen?

What do you think? What trends in cannabis do you want to disappear in 2025?

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