WASHINGTON — The American Trade Association for Cannabis and Hemp (ATACH) announced the formation of ATACH’s Cannabis Beverage Council.
The Council will bring together the most established cannabis and beverage leaders focused on expanding the cannabis beverage market. The canna-drink market doubled over the past two years according to cannabis-industry analytics firm Headset’s 2019 cannabis beverage report. BDSA Analytics cites the canna-beverage market as making up 5 percent of overall cannabis sales in the United States and 23 percent in Canada, suggesting further U.S. growth.
“The Council is where cannabis industry leaders and beverage companies convene and forge a new beverage market by harmonizing canna-beverage policies across the country,” said ATACH President Michael Bronstein.
Following are quotes from Council members:
David Klein, Canopy Growth CEO and ATACH’s “Beverage Executive of the Year”
“Traditional players in wine, beer, and spirits are seeing the trajectory of cannabis and its potential as a beverage category today through the introduction of cannabis-infused drinks. Regulatory guidance and standardization of pro-business policy across states will be essential for the industry as we grow this category. The Council will provide leadership to help advance the industry as our companies seek to meet growing consumer demand.”
Adolphus Busch V, founder of ABV Cannabis Co.
“I know what the end of prohibition looks like for cannabis, my family helped shape it in the alcohol industry. I am convinced that ATACH’s work on professionalizing outreach and creating advocacy for the cannabis beverage category is how it will get done.”
Scott Coors, business entrepreneur and Board of Directors, SeroVita Holding Corp.
“At the repeal of alcohol prohibition in the 1930s, the industry came together to create an industry effort and agree on responsible consumption, policies, and best practices. ATACH’s new Council for cannabis beverages is modeled after this concept, which is why I am a part of this historic moment.”
Christy Zhou, Vice President, Legal and Regulatory Affairs at Organigram
“The maturing cannabis consumer and even traditional alcohol consumers may explore cannabis-infused drinks and drink mixes as an alternative consumption option. These beverage products can differ from traditional solid edibles in their format and effects, and as such, should be approached thoughtfully from a regulatory perspective. As early adopters, it is our duty to help shape regulations such that they encourage the development of responsible and innovative beverage products.”
In a video compilation, founding members speak to the goals and vision of the Council which can be viewed here.
Other founding members: Erik Knutson, CEO and Co-founder of Keef Brands, Bill Silver, President of New Markets at Cannacraft, Chuck Smith, CEO of BellRock Brands, Koji Pupo, Vice President of Business Development, Columbia Distributing, Gary Kaminsky, Director of Legal Compliance, Acreage Holdings, Jake Bullock, Co-founder CANN, and Josh Lizotte, CEO of Rebel Coast, with more to be announced.