Cannabis products maker oHHo is giving back via a new partnership with international healthcare non-profit (RED), the first time the charity has partnered with a cannabis brand, launching today a new line of co-branded CBD and hemp-derived THC drinks and edibles which will contribute to the org’s mission of fighting AIDS, malaria and other illnesses.
The “(oHHo) RED” line includes a Red Cherry and Lime Seltzer made with 5mg each of hemp THC, CBD and CBG per 12 oz. can; CBNight Raspberry Bar of chocolate containing 160mg of CBD and 40mg of CBN per bar, a Strawberry Bar made with 20mg of delta-9 THC, 80mg of CBD and 20mg of CBG, and Strawberries + Cream Hemp Derived THC Dots gummies. Twenty percent of all proceeds from the line will be donated to (RED).
oHHo was founded in 2020 by husband and wife team James and Nicola Stephenson – British expats now living in and running the business from Bedford, N.Y. – and cannabis consultant Tim McDonald. The brand sells branded hemp tinctures, supplements and edibles products through its five owned retail shops in New York, Connecticut, Massachusetts and Florida as well as a growing presence in third-party retail accounts and online.
The company made its first steps into the THC beverage market in April with the launch of two delta-9 seltzers – Blood Orange & Pomegranate and Pink Grapefruit & Elderflower – made with 3.5mg of THC per 12 oz. can and a blend of other cannabinoids. Speaking to BevNET by phone this week, the Stephensons said after introducing its beverages this Spring they have now come to make up over 40% of oHHo’s sales, momentum that has spurred expansion beyond its owned retail locations with a rollout into over 250 Spec’s Wine, Spirits and Foods stores across the country as well as other independent locations.
“We just couldn’t keep them in stock,” said CEO James Stephenson.
Nicola Stephenson suggested that THC beverages are rising in popularity not only due to the more open, mainstream market opportunity for hemp-derived drinks, but also because it’s an easier entry point for new and lapsed cannabis users who may not be comfortable with smoking or other ingestion methods.
“I think drinks, in particular, are super charging all of the people who are never going to go back to smoking weed,” she said. “Drinks are so easy to understand…. and now with retailers like Total Wine and like Spec’s taking a point of view on beverage, that is opening up the market in a completely different way and in a way that the consumers are used to.”
Prior to coming to the U.S., the Stephensons ran communication and marketing business Mission Media, but they left the venture after selling the business due to disputes with the new ownership group.
Coming from the U.K., James Stephenson said that they were familiar with the growing sober curious movement reducing alcohol consumption – which came several years ahead of Americans’ embrace of the trend – but that the U.S. is far ahead when it comes to legal cannabis sales. oHHo, the couple said, is hoping to catch on with more of those sober curious consumers who may switch off between alcohol and cannabis, and its products are designed to be accessible for cannabis users of all experience levels.
In working with (RED), oHHo hopes to grow its brand awareness significantly, and the Stephensons said the charity will be helping to market the co-branded products. However, bringing (RED) – a medical humanitarian organization founded by Bono and politician Bobby Shriver – on board with a cannabis brand was a “long process.” However, they said the charity was convinced by oHHo’s focus on the “therapeutic benefits of cannabis” that seeks to alleviate issues like anxiety and aid in sleeping.
In a press release, (RED) president and COO Jennifer Lotito said “these products serve a twofold role, with every purchase also helping bring life-saving healthcare programs to communities most in need.”
For oHHo, the founders are optimistic about their ability to stand out in a crowded category for THC beverages and become a dominant, nationwide player in a fast-growing space.
“The category is evolving at such great speed, and I think if we get sensible legislation on these products and the proper rigor, I feel like the category could be larger than hard seltzer,” said Nicola Stephenson. “That’s truly what we think.”