Delta-8 THC has been taking the industry by storm the last few years. Even though it was discovered in 1974, manufacturers just recently started toying with the cannabinoid and infusing it into a multitude of different products, such as vapes, gummies, and oils. Now, a new and innovative Delta-8 sparkling seltzer is making its grand debut.
Chill Out with Cool Out
From the founders of St. John Brewers, Kind Grade, LLC recently introduced Cool Out, a Delta-8 infused sparkling seltzer. Beverage industry veterans, Chirag Vyas and Kevin Chipman are delivering a clean and crisp premium hemp beverage that is light and refreshing, with hints of natural citrus flavors. The brand is now expanding distribution in U.S. states where Delta-8 is sold, as well as on their website.
“We are both social people. We like to have conversations with others over quality drinks, and we are also cannabis users, so we wanted to be able to have both of those things in a sociable way,” Chipman, co-founder of Kind Grade, LLC, said. “Our Delta-8 seltzer is dosed low at 10 mg, so users can have one or two in the course of an afternoon or evening so they can enjoy themselves.”
Quality Ingredients for the Ultimate Experience
Cool Out’s Delta-8 seltzer is derived from non-GMO hemp grown on certified organic farms in the U.S. The bioavailability of Cool Out’s water-soluble nanotechnology allows the Delta-8 to absorb quickly into the body, providing a faster onset and state of relaxation than when consuming other edible cannabinoid products. Containing zero sugar, zero carbs, zero calories, and is gluten-free, this alcohol-free beverage alternative eases the mind and body while keeping the head clear for the next day.
“We took our time to create a product that provides an amazing customer experience and taste profiles that delight the senses, high product consistency, and deep dedication to consumer safety. We are really excited to be providing the Cool Out line to the Delta-8 marketplace,” Vyas, co-founder of Kind Grade, LLC, said.
Distribution Difficulties
Delta-8 THC remains legal on the federal level, although that could change if the Hemp Advancement Act is passed. Meanwhile, individual states have their own laws that fall into one of four categories:
- Completely legal
- Regulated (only available from licensed retail cannabis stores)
- Unclear/legal gray area
- Illegal
Currently, Delta-8 is legal in 30 states, which is precisely where Cool Out will be sold in dispensaries and shipped to customers who shop from the website. Even though the cannabinoid is federally legal, Vyas and Chipman have to keep in mind the 14 states where it is illegal. (Alaska, Colorado, Delaware, Idaho, Iowa, Montana, Nevada, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, Utah, Vermont, Washington)
“Of course we want to make sure we are not selling in states where it is restricted, so we are constantly keeping up with legal requirements and the 21 and over age restriction to enter the site and receive deliveries,” Vyas said. “As a beer company, we follow and hold the 21 and over age limit, as well as all of the other restrictions that go into selling alcohol, so this is not new to us. However, Delta-8 has some extra limitations, so we have to keep track of those, as well.”
Best Practices to Keep Seltzers Fresh
In order to be able to ship to different states, Vyas and Chipman have to be mindful of the materials they use for packaging their drinks. The quality of the aluminum and the lining of the cans is super important in preserving the product, and they are always in touch with the retailers selling the merchandise to ensure they are rotating their stock and everything is fresh. Even right down to the PH levels achieved within the beverages helps to maintain the shelf life.
Securing enough aluminum for the cans has been a challenge for Kind Grade, LLC. The supply chain challenges and increased tariffs over the years have made it difficult to stock up well in advance, and since aluminum companies favor larger corporations, it has been increasingly burdensome on smaller brands such as Cool Out.
Staying Relevant in a Competitive Industry
Not only does Kind Grade, LLC sell to retailers and distributors, but they also sell online through their website. “It took a long time to curate our website and get our social media up and running to be able to make our platforms an approachable area where consumers can learn about CBD and Delta-8. We are finding that in talking with shoppers, there is an education component that needs to happen. We feel that particularly around Delta-8 and what it is, but also within the industry in general, users need to know how it makes them feel,” Chipman said.
Providing education to your customers is one of the best ways to stay relevant in the industry and increase brand awareness. As Cool Out continues to grow as a brand, they will continue to deliver valuable information to consumers, as well as new flavors and products.