Creativity is a key component of the cannabis industry

The cannabis industry is growing by leaps and bounds. Marijuana-friendly states have been a hotbed of activity and now CBD is about to take the nation by storm. The growth of the cannabis industry led to a surge in creative product creation. While marijuana initially took the lead, CBD products are coming on strong. In fact, 2019 is looking to be the year the CBD sector explodes. Already there are many innovative cannabis products on the market with many more to come.

Creativity in the cannabis industry is not just for fun. Creative product creation, packaging and marketing all lead to increased sales for smart companies. While the examples below are focused on creative products for consumers, innovation can also be found in products for business people from grow ops to retail software. It is quite likely that other industry verticals will soon be taking inspiration from the cannabis industry if they have not already done so.

Two very clear examples of creativity leading to profits were announced in February by Diamond CBD, a wholly-owned subsidiary of PotNetwork Holdings, Inc.(OTCMKTS:POTN). Diamond CBD has a broad range of hemp-derived CBD products and the company "booked over $200,000 in CBD product sales" at the Tobacco Plus Expo followed by "$450,000 in sales orders" at the CHAMPS Tradeshow. Both are key industry events that take place annually in Las Vegas.

Diamond CBD benefits from being able to provide unique products while covering virtually all of the basic CBD needs of retail operations. Beyond the upbeat packaging of their high-quality products, Diamond CBD recently introduced fresh innovations. With a unique one-two combination, Diamond CBD first rolled out the Brain Chill CBD Slushy machine. This colorful product combines both CBD slushies and a display unit that catches the eye while offering up to four different flavors. The company soon followed with CBD Pops popcorn, a low-calorie snack available in nine different flavors. That's the kind of innovation that leads to big profits!

The needs of creative professionals inspired the development of Recess, a CBD-infused sparkling water. While the product is not limited to the creative class, Recess was initially marketed via "'profiles' of creative people on the brand’s Instagram account." The company founder's hope was to "create this association with the use case of having a Recess and being creative and productive."

Recess comes in cans that feature minimal branding and soothing colors. The company moved on from its niche marketing campaign to launch a pop-up shop in New York City. The idea was to create a comfortable space in which to relax and enjoy a sample of Recess. The company plans future pop-up shops in LA, San Francisco, Miami and points beyond.

While many of the newer creative products are now emerging from the CBD sector, good old-fashioned marijuana companies have been innovating for quite some time. For example, KushKards launched in the 2013 Christmas season to become the "Hallmark of Marijuana." The original KushKards included pre-rolled blunts sewn onto paper greeting cards to spell out Christmas greetings. They have since evolved to be simply greeting cards with a tube attached in which one can insert the blunt of one's choice.
The original concept was quite creative and the reinvention was creative as well. Distributing greeting cards with an actual blunt attached raises a lot of compliance issues even in states where marijuana is legal. But distributing greeting cards with a tube in which a blunt may or may not be added by a consumer is another matter entirely. While many retail outlets might have issues with such a product, it could definitely be distributed in most locales through head shops and other receptive retail establishments. To paraphrase Damon Wayans, creativity once again leads to "Mo' Money, Mo' Money, Mo' Money!"

Sometimes creativity crosses the divide between THC and CBD products just as the combination is found in specific strains of cannabis. Zen Zingers offers a "cannabis gummy candy making kit" for DIY action. The kit has everything but the cannabinoids of one's choice allowing the creator to pick an appropriate level of THC and/or CBD depending on personal preference. Consumers are delighted and, like the second version of KushKards, Zen Zingers can theoretically be retailed most anywhere.

Despite the recognition that creative companies can be more profitable companies, creativity is not just about the money. Just as cannabis products are improving the quality of life for consumers around the world, innovative products add a positive twist to the experience. Whether adding to recreational fun or helping the day go better for someone with special health needs, creativity and cannabis are an awesome combination!