Dive Brief:
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A study by AXIM Biotechnologies, a global leader in cannabinoid research and maker of CanChew Plus CBD Gum, found that 30 mg doses of cannabidiol (CBD) helped alleviate irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) symptoms in patients, according to a news release.
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“These results show that excellent bioavailability for CBD may be achieved via our proprietary chewing gum delivery system, so that patients suffering from IBS may have symptomatic relief using an easy-to-use solution,” said CEO of AXIM Biotech George E. Anastassov.
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The company will begin a clinical trial of its hemp-derived CanChew Plus gum — which it claims provides a stronger bioavailability than smoking or oral intake — in the near future.
Dive Insight:
AXIM Biotech already has a medicinal cannabis-based gum on the market: CanChew. According to the company news release, the mint-flavored gum is non-habit forming, does not require a prescription and is available nationwide. AXIM Biotech claims CanChew Plus is a “vastly improved delivery system” by comparison.
While still a niche segment, marijuana-infused foods and gums do not suffer the scorn today that may have been heaped on them a decade ago. As more and more states legalize marijuana for medicinal and even recreational use, consumer perceptions of cannabis-based products are likely changing.
This may be because many products like CanChew Plus are geared towards consumer health. Better-for-you product innovations are top of mind for today’s consumer, and a big part of popular holistic wellness trends is the concept of gut health.
Consumer concern over digestion and overall gut health has driven sales of probiotics, kombucha and low FODMAP nutrition drinks, and this particular gum product overlaps with this segment. Paired with the convenience of chewing gum, it’s likely CanChew Plus will tap into a consumer base. Consumers are already willing to drink fermented beverages or add supplements to their everyday diet to regulate their gut, so gum doesn’t seem like much of a stretch.
AXIM Biotech’s study results also provide an interesting opportunity for manufacturers. The company argues that the 30 mg of CBD it tested performs best in a chewing gum format, but that doesn’t mean that other brands can’t expand this ingredient beyond the gum category. Cannabis-based mints, candies or other snacks that improve gut health could attract consumers who dislike chewing gum, as well as shoppers who are simply adventurous. This could also be a good opportunity to push the natural benefits that cannabis provides on product packaging and branding.