Restart CBD launches psychoactive delta-9 THC gummies and shot
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02 Jun 2022 --- Restart CBD, based in Texas, US, has launched mood-altering gummies and a shot marketed as an alcohol alternative for social outings this summer. The company aims to destigmatize hemp-based products in the lone star state and forge a path to their mainstream acceptance.
The Rosé Wine Sour Bears and Mango Power Shot are powered by the ingredient delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (delta-9 THC) to deliver “an uplifting and motivating feel with a calming body sensation.”
Delta-9 THC is the same intoxicating compound known more widely as THC, found in cannabis. While marijuana is not legal in Texas, the product is compliant with local regulations, containing no more than 0.3% of the psychoactive compound.
Rosé Wine Sour Bears are available in party packs or smaller dose varieties and promoted for bachelorette parties, days by the pool and family occasions, such as Mother’s Day.
The Mango Shot, meanwhile, is positioned as an easy to take on-the-go solution to provide an extra mental boost.
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Restart CBD is positioning its products for social gatherings and family occasions, such as Mother's Day.Ditching the drinks
Restart CBD says it has seen a rise in the popularity of legal hemp products as compared to alcohol consumption and asserts they have fewer negative side effects than booze. 
Innova Market Insights has found the low to no alcohol drinking trend to be especially prevalent among Gen Z consumers. Last year, the market researcher found that as many as a third of consumers aged 18 to 25 said that they never consumed alcohol.
“People are catching on that alcohol has a lot of side effects that compromise our minds and bodies, especially as we age,” comments Vasavi Kumar, a licensed therapist and mindset coach.
“It’s clear that people are looking for alternative ways to unwind and still indulge in their vices,” she adds.
As Restart CBD observed the shift from social drinking to “social hemp” in the US, it began offering event services. Replacing the traditional bartender at catered events, it offers an on-site cannabis sommelier to guide guests through the products and find the right fit for them.
Mental health on the rise
Mood has been flagged as one of the most important categories in health and wellness since the onset of the pandemic.
As immunity NPD wanes in a saturated market, mood and mental health are anticipated to see continued growth.
The low and no alcohol trend is being driven by Generation Z consumers.The mood category is also closely linked to sleep, as poor sleep is connected to stress and anxiety. Within the hemp space, CBD and THC have also been positioned to aid in a better night’s rest.
“Cannabis has many applications from wellness to recreation that no matter what mood you are in or want to be in, there are products to accommodate that,” continues Kumar.
Legal loopholes?
Restart CBD’s offerings are compliant with the 2018 Agriculture Improvement Act – also known as the Farm Bill – which regulates hemp products in the US on a national level.
Under the regulation, cannabis-based products that consist of less than 0.3% THC on a dry weight basis are classified as hemp and are therefore legal, contends Restart CBD.
Taking gummies as an example, the company notes that a product containing 10 mg of delta-9 THC must have a total weight of 3.3 g to be compliant. This size is “a little bigger than regular gummies,” but will produce “a pleasant high.”
Rosé Wine Sour Bears contain 5 mg of delta-9 THC per gummy and zero alcohol, while the Mango Shot comes in a 2 oz. bottle at 10 mg of delta-9 THC per 1 oz.
Europe more stringent
The EU, meanwhile, has taken a more conservative approach to its allowance of delta-9 THC.
This March, maximum levels of the cannabinoid were set at 3.0 mg/kg for dry products (flour, proteins, seeds and snacks) and 7.5 mg/kg for hemp seed oil.
For dry products, this means that 0.003% may contain delta-9 THC in Europe, one hundred times less than what is permitted in the US.
By Missy Green
