This latest innovation comes from Karma Water, the brand that has previously marketed drinks enriched with probiotics, vitamins or superfoods. It recently announced the launch of a range of water drinks enriched with cannabidiol, the chemical found in the cannabis plant.

Developed in partnership with Canadian cannabis giant Canopy Growth, the drink will come in five flavours, including pairings such as lavender/orange, blueberry/yuzu or blood orange/peach.

As a sign that this new product is likely to be a hit, one of the largest beer and wine companies in the United States, Constellation Brands, has invested in Karma Water.

CBD seems to be more than a passing trend, with many studies agreeing on the perennial nature of the sector’s success. Indeed, the market for CBD-based drinks is expected to reach IS$14.6 billion (RM61 billion) by 2026, according to a report published by Facts & Factors.

The authorisation – if not the tolerated sale – of CBD products in a growing number of countries worldwide is providing a stimulus for this new market.

But this might not be the only reason for its success. According to the same report, consumers are looking for new ways to consume CBD other than smoking or vaping, as they are only too aware of the current increase in respiratory problems.

The research required to develop CBD water also provided an impetus. In fact, it’s not as simple as adding a few drops of CBD to water to make the drink.

The substance extracted from the cannabis plant is initially in the form of oil. The technological feat involves reducing the molecules to a tiny size to succeed in forming an emulsion with water.

It’s the same principle used to make a salad vinaigrette – the vinegar has to be whisked with a fork so that the liquid penetrates the oil.

This technique is already well-known in the pharmaceutical industry, where it is used to make oil-based medicines.