Magnolia Bakery is introducing a revamped version of their renowned banana pudding that promises to bring about a unique sense of euphoria.
This esteemed dessert maker, headquartered in New York City, is now venturing into the realm of THC-infused edibles, with the intention of incorporating their beloved banana pudding and red velvet cake. These exclusive bars, serving as Magnolia's debut cannabis product, aim to pay homage to their signature, fan-favorite flavors while offering a fresh perspective, according to the bakery.
Both bars are infused with tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the compound responsible for inducing a euphoric effect.
The "Swirled Famous Banana Pudding" bar features a rich combination of velvety vanilla pudding, crispy vanilla cookies, and freeze-dried bananas. Each piece of the 10-piece bar contains 10mg of THC.
The "Red Velvet Piece Ahhh Cake" bar, available at Rise Dispensaries in Illinois, Nevada, and Massachusetts, offers a delectable combination of moist, crimson-colored cake, creamy cream cheese flavor, and rich chocolate. Each 10-piece bar contains 10mg of THC and 10mg of CBD per piece, providing a unique experience without the associated high from marijuana use. Prices range from $18 to $30 depending on the flavor and the state. Magnolia collaborated with Green Thumb Industries, the producer of Incredibles edibles, to create these branded bars.
Weeds woes
While marijuana continues to be prohibited on a federal level, approximately twenty-four US states have granted legal status to its usage by adults for medical and recreational purposes. Consequently, there has been a surge in consumer curiosity surrounding cannabis products, such as edibles, as the negative perceptions associated with purchasing the drug gradually diminish.
The edible market has expanded significantly beyond its "pot brownie" origins, now encompassing various categories and numerous brands. These include gummies, mints, and candy bars. According to cannabis research firm Headset, edibles account for 12% of total weed sales, although they are still outpaced by flower, vapor pens, and pre-rolls.
Gummies dominate the edibles sector, representing three out of every four units sold. However, the sales of chocolates and cookies have experienced a decline of approximately 25% in September compared to the same period last year.
According to Scott Vickers, the cofounder of Headset, gummies are more convenient to take on the go compared to a bunch of chocolates. He also mentioned that fruity or sour flavors are likely to cover up the taste of edibles better. Headset's data reveals that edibles accounted for approximately $2 billion in sales last year, showing a growth of almost 6% compared to the previous year.
Sweet for Magnolia
According to Neil Saunders, retail analyst and managing director at GlobalData Retail, the introduction of the new edibles could not only increase awareness of the brand, but also generate additional revenue for Magnolia. This comes as no surprise considering that Magnolia is most famous for its appearance in the hit TV show "Sex and the City".
"Magnolia has no significant drawbacks, given the widespread acceptance of cannabis among consumers," he informed CNN. "Furthermore, these products will be exclusively sold through dispensaries, ensuring that individuals uninterested in marijuana will not encounter them."
Nonetheless, the absence of federal legalization creates challenges for nationwide distribution and may restrict the ability of other brands to explore edibles. According to Saunders, the fact that edibles can only be sold at dispensaries could "impede sales progress."