A large-scale Delta greenhouse operation that’s made the switch to cannabis is getting into the beverage business.
AgraFlora Organics, which has a partnership with the huge Houweling Nurseries complex on 64th Street, this week announced the company’s subsidiary, Potluck Potions and Edibles Inc., has been awarded a cannabis research licence from Health Canada under the Cannabis Regulations Act.
It gives AgraFlora the ability to develop cannabis infused beverage formulations, as well as complete human sensory testing for taste, appearance, aroma and texture at its bottling facility located in Toronto, Ontario.
The licence also allows AgraFlora to possess and store dry cannabis, cannabis oils/concentrates and cannabis edibles on site at the bottling facility.
AgraFlora notes the facility has a research laboratory that consists of state-of-the-art equipment for weighing, handling and processing microdosages of CBD and THC compounds, including magnetic mixers, homogenizers and high-pressure liquid chromatograph.
The company plans to immediately commence cannabinoid-related research and development activities.
AgraFlora also notes its facility boasts extensive manufacturing experience for leading beverage brands, such as Heineken and SABMiller, as well as the Coca-Cola Company.
“With annualized throughput of up to 30 million bottles, the Toronto Bottling Facility is equipped with custom-made bottling equipment, configured to conduct rapid production runs, with minimal downtime for production line changeovers,” the company states in a news release.
Brandon Boddy, chairman and CEO of AgraFlora, said the beverage category is increasingly becoming the popular choice among consumers who are seeking low-calorie, nutrient-dense options as a healthy alternative to traditional beverages.
BC Cannabis Stores says edibles, topicals and extracts are 'coming soon'
Another Canadian cannabis grower that has a large-scale greenhouse in East Ladner, Canopy Growth, in late October announced it will launch 13 cannabis-infused beverages.
The low dosage beverages are geared towards being consumed as a social beverage, according to the company, which calls its Delta operation BC Tweed.
Edibles, extracts and topicals are now legal in Canada but may not hit private or B.C. Cannabis Store shelves by Christmas.
“Because licensed cannabis producers were required to provide 60-days’ notice to Health Canada of their intent to sell new products, LDB Wholesale Cannabis is not able to begin placing orders until later this month,” according to the B.C. Liquor Distribution Branch, which distributes cannabis to private and government-run stores.
Meanwhile, in other Delta-related cannabis news, a plan by Canadian cannabis producer to ship medical marijuana to Europe reportedly fell through.
Zenabis, formerly called International Herbs Medical Marijuana Ltd., which a 25,000-square-foot facility on Annacis Island, failed an inspection to receive European Union certification.
Regulators in Malta published a statement of non-compliance with good manufacturing practices against Zenabis recently, an inspection conducted in December of last year at the company's facility in Delta.
