Tag: Terpenes

Tejas Tonic: 3 Flavors of Unlimited Enjoyment

Written by Rachel Nelson on October 1, 2024. Posted in News.

After receiving a positive response from customers on its inaugural lime-flavored beverage, Tejas Tonic released two more varieties: Agarita Berry and Frio Mango.

The agarita berry grows on a shrub commonly found in the Texas Hill Country. Fragrant, yellow blooms appear on the plant during spring, followed by a bright red berry often used for making jelly and wine.

The agarita berry offers a mostly tart flavor, and according to the blog Foraging Texas, it offers medicinal applications. Agaritas are said to relieve nausea, aid with digestion and help boost immunity.

Frio mango is the latest refreshing flavor offered by Tejas Tonic and is a homage to South Texas — the only part of the state with a climate suitable for growing mangos.

Emerging as Tejas Tonic’s entry into the “exotic” flavor category, Frio Mango is also a tip of the hat to Texas’ own Frio River. There’s nothing more exotic in Texas than the Frio River, right?

While many options are popping up in the hemp beverage space, here are four reasons to enjoy Tejas Tonic.

4 Reasons to Enjoy Tejas Tonic

1. It’s all-natural.

Aaron Owens, founder of Tejas Hemp and Tejas Tonic, believes in keeping his products natural and never uses synthetic methods. In its marketing for Tejas Tonic, the company emphasizes, “It hasn’t left our sight since the plants came out of the ground.”

Tejas does, in fact, grow its hemp for Tejas Tonic locally in Dripping Springs and Luchenbach, remaining one of (if not the only) Texas beverage to grow their own — and here in Texas at that.

2. It’s terp-boosted.

Terpenes, known as terps, are compounds in certain plants that give them distinct aromas and flavors. In cannabis plants, each strain has a unique terpene profile, and each terpene is said to offer certain benefits (such as reducing anxiety or improving focus).

3. It won’t give you a hangover.

One of the biggest benefits of hemp beverages is that partakers won’t suffer undesirable after-effects. As hemp-infused drinks become more widely available, many people are opting for them over a night of boozing.

4. It’s convenient to get.

Tejas Tonic is available in over 700 locations in Texas alone. Visit tejastonic.com/finder to find a location near you.

Anthocyanins: Nature’s Antioxidant is Also Found in Hemp

Written by Rachel Nelson on March 28, 2024. Posted in Cannabis News.

Texas A&M Student MJ Clay Takes a Closer Look at This Pigment-Producing Compound

By Rachel Nelson

College is a place where students prepare for future careers while transitioning into full-blown adulthood. For MJ Clay, it’s a time to conduct groundbreaking hemp research and help pioneer one of the first-of-its-kind university cannabis clubs — the Cannabis Hemp Innovation League (CHIL).

Clay is a horticulture science and plant environmental science major at Texas A&M University, While she has completed a variety of work at the school’s Industrial Hemp Breeding Program, Clay said she has taken a special liking to trichomes — the part of the plant responsible for producing cannabinoids and terpenes.

According to Clay, trichomes can also contain anthocyanins, or naturally occurring pigments that create red and purple hues. Anthocyanins give foods like blueberries and raspberries their color, she said.

“When we’re learning about his plant, it’s as useful as the vegetables and fruits that we eat in our daily meals. I love how interconnected nature is. It’s quite beautiful, really. But [anthocyanins also have] incredible health benefits for humans,” Clay said, citing their antioxidant and antiviral properties.

“There’s actually some arguments about whether or not higher anthocyanins could take away from either terpenes, which are the smells, or cannabinoids like CBD or THC,” Clay said. “So we just need more research, but that’s why the Industrial Hemp Breeding Program is here.”

Currently, Clay is working with private companies on an inbreeding project focused on creating uniform cannabis similar to how rows of corn grow.

“So then we could do field seeding, and your crops would all look the same,” she said. “We’re also trying to select for the plants that have higher anthocyanins, not only because it has a great benefit to the users but it also gives the plants some tolerance to heat and drought.”

Clay said that although she works in controlled environments, part of her research includes stressing plants out by heating the room to 99 degrees at times.

“The plant really shows you a lot of different genetic traits that we didn’t know were possible,” Clay said. “If a plant is able to bounce back more readily than another, we know that plant is going to do better in field conditions in Texas, so whenever we find a plant that’s just resilient, we want to continue those genetics.”

Clay presented some of her research at the second annual Texas Hemp Summit at Texas A&M University in December. The summit is organized by the Texas Hemp Coalition, an advocacy and educational nonprofit. Clay and her counterparts from CHIL were also part of the inaugural Texas Hemp Summit in 2022.

“it was really rewarding because we were just kind of introducing the club,” she said. “Coming back the second time around at the summit and seeing so many familiar faces and so many people just supporting the work we’re doing at A&M — It’s really rewarding. Having one of the first cannabis clubs at a university has been quite a feat for us. We’re very proud of what we do, and we’re just hoping to continue growing our organization.”

From Rosin Roots to Global Growth: The Sweet Sensi Story

Written by Clay Moore on January 2, 2024. Posted in CBD, CBD News & Business.

Sweet Sensi’s journey began with a passionate vision. Founded by Greg Autry, a pioneer in the rosin industry since its early days in Southern California, Sweet Sensi stands out as one of the first rosin companies globally. Greg’s dedication to creating products true to the plant’s essence, dating back to his early work with bubble hash in the 2000s, marks the brand’s commitment to authenticity and quality.

What sets Sweet Sensi apart in the crowded hemp and cannabis market is its focus on gourmet candy and beverages. Winning numerous cannabis cups for products like chocolates, gumdrops, and tinctures, Sweet Sensi attributes its success to a combination of home-grown hemp, minimal processing extraction methods, and the use of organic ingredients in their self-developed gourmet recipes. Their approach to flavor pairing enhances the cannabis taste rather than masking it, creating a unique sensory experience.

Sweet Sensi’s expertise in regulated cannabis products since California’s prop 215 in 1996 has equipped them with the knowledge to comply with local and state laws meticulously. Their patented process of creating high THC rosin from hemp without chemical manipulation has allowed them to expand legally into more states and countries than other brands.

The process of creating Sweet Sensi’s renowned rosin begins with rigorous testing of hemp plants for cannabinoids and terpenes. Utilizing low-temperature extraction and a heat press designed by Greg Autry, the brand ensures that every chemical compound in the plant is preserved, reflecting their commitment to delivering products that address their consumers’ needs effectively.

Sweet Sensi upholds the highest standards in product quality and safety, adhering to GMP standards and food safety management. With a team well-versed in these protocols, the company conducts comprehensive testing, including full panels, bacterial, and microbial tests, ensuring transparency and reliability.

Sustainability is a cornerstone of Sweet Sensi’s operation. From a water system that reuses nutrient run-off to using solid plant

waste for compost tea, the company is on a mission to become waste-free. Their packaging solutions are environmentally friendly,

emphasizing recycled materials, reusability, and compostability.

Sweet Sensi actively engages with the local community and the broader cannabis industry through events like their

Hemp Harvest Fest and numerous weekend activities. Their educational efforts extend to both retailers and the public,

fostering a well-informed community.

Sweet Sensi is at the forefront of innovation, with recent advancements like a preliminary patent for a water-soluble hash/rosin formula. Despite the regulatory challenges in the Texas market, they maintain a rigorous testing regimen to ensure compliance and product efficacy.

Sweet Sensi is gearing up for an exciting future, with plans including a new retail store on 607 Congress Ave, Austin, offering fresh infused pastries, small batch chocolates, and a cannabis cocktail lounge. Additionally, the brand is set to expand into Europe, underscoring its commitment to growth and innovation in the hemp and cannabis industry.

Sweet Sensi’s journey from its inception to becoming a leader in the hemp and cannabis market is a testament to its dedication to quality, innovation, and community engagement. As they continue to expand and evolve, Sweet Sensi remains a beacon of excellence and authenticity in the ever-growing world of cannabis and hemp.