Cannabis & Hemp Beverages: Brewing Compliance, Emulsions, and the Beverage Boom

JD: Low-dose beverages typically contain five milligrams or less of active cannabinoids per serving or can. What makes them stand out is not just the potency, but how they’re formulated using advanced emulsion technology. Unlike traditional edibles, these beverages are absorbed faster by the body—often within 10 to 30 minutes—thanks to the water-compatible nature of the emulsions. This results in a more predictable and timely onset of effects, giving consumers a social, hangover-free alternative to alcohol.

We’re seeing this category grow rapidly because it provides a middle ground for people who want the benefits of cannabis without committing to high doses or smoking. It’s approachable, controllable, and great for people who are new to cannabis.

JD: Emulsions are the key to making cannabinoids water-compatible. Traditional cannabis oil would separate in a beverage, but emulsifiers encapsulate the oil so it disperses evenly. This ensures that every sip contains a consistent amount of cannabinoids—critical for consumer trust and accurate label claims.

From a manufacturing perspective, emulsions allow brewers to maintain uniformity from the first can off the line to the last. And that’s a huge part of what we test for—homogeneity and predictability.

JD: Testing is more than a checkbox—it’s a safeguard. Because cannabis and hemp beverages are manufactured at scale, even minor inconsistencies in emulsion dispersal or cannabinoid content can have massive downstream effects. The challenge is that we’re often sampling tiny amounts of beverage to extrapolate data about thousands of gallons.

Without process validation—testing the first, middle, and last cans—brewers risk product recalls, failed label claims, and regulatory issues. Too many try to save money by sending in a single can, but when advocacy groups or regulators pull cans off shelves for testing, the results can be catastrophic if those numbers don’t match.

JD: SC Labs offers a unique low-dose preparation method that gives brewers same-day potency results, along with conditional testing that helps them make real-time adjustments. This flexibility is a game changer for small and large manufacturers alike.

But it’s not just testing—it’s the partnership. We’ve been able to help brewers identify process flaws before launch, saving them from costly recalls or compliance issues. It’s this consultative approach that sets SC Labs apart.

AD: One of the most overlooked aspects of beverage success is strategic planning before a single batch is brewed. Jeff plays a pivotal role in helping brewers get it right from day one—discussing everything from their emulsion provider to batch sizes and production flow. Building these relationships early lets us anticipate issues before they arise.

JD: Exactly. When I start working with a brewer, we go over the full picture—who they’re sourcing emulsions from, the type of equipment they’re using, the consistency of their batches, and how they’re validating processes. By getting ahead of these challenges, we ensure more consistent test results and smoother operations. And this has helped us offer things like same-day potency results through our low-dose testing protocol.

JD: The future is bright. We’ve gone from a handful of brewers to over 70 active partners in under a year. And now, we’re seeing interest from major national brewers looking to enter this space as alcohol alternatives gain traction.

The low-dose beverage is especially appealing to new consumers—it offers a mild, approachable introduction to cannabis, backed by precision dosing and rapid onset. As education grows and testing standards improve, this category will only expand.