CHICAGO — Convenience retailers are taking the cannabidiol (CBD) frenzy to new heights.
Instead of offering the products only in their stores, some operators have replaced quick-service restaurants (QSRs) inside of or adjacent to their c-stores and gas stations with CBD and marijuana dispensaries.
In May, VERC Enterprises, Duxbury, Mass., opened a CBD Wellness Center inside one of its c-stores in Plymouth, Mass. VERC plans to open more than 30 of these centers down the line, Leo Vercollone, CEO of the Plymouth-based chain, said at the time of the launch. VERC partnered with CBD supplier Ceres Natural Remedies to offer the products, which include tinctures, salves, fruit gummies, topical creams, prerolled smokes and canned beverages. Ceres will also offer educational opportunities on the health benefits of CBD to VERC employees and the public every Saturday.
- Click here to listen to CSP’s At Your Convenience podcast with VERC Enterprises for a discussion of the makings of its new CBD Wellness Center.
In July, Laval, Quebec-based Alimentation Couche-Tard Inc. opened two Fire & Flower cannabis shops adjacent to Circle K c-stores in Grande Prairie and Calgary, Alberta. The Grande Prairie shop opened on July 10, and the Calgary store opened on July 13. The shops use Fire & Flower’s Spark Perks loyalty program, which allows customers to order online and skip the line, receive access to deals and discounts and members-only events. They will also use Hifyre, a retail sales platform that leverages data to deliver personalized consumer and partner engagements.
Here’s what else turned heads in the CBD space in June and July:
Independent testing shows 84% of products contain more cannabidiol than advertised
CarryOn focuses on mental well-being
Contain more CBD and 50% more gummies per package without raising prices
There’s a lot of talk surrounding the many reported health benefits of CBD—but where is everyone buying their CBD products?
LeafLife Wellness carries high-quality skin care, cosmetics and wellness products infused with CBD
Gummies are moleculary infused with CBD, rather than sprayed or dipped, to increase the bioavailability
Members help make our journalism possible. Become a CSP member today and unlock exclusive benefits, including unlimited access to all of our content. Sign up here.