Los Angeles, CA--Co-founder and CEO of Garden Society, Erin Gore, had a personal journey into the cannabis industry. She was looking for natural alternatives to cope with various health issues, such as pain, sleep, and anxiety, after undergoing two hip replacement surgeries in 2011 and 2012. She was dissatisfied with the prescription medications and the cannabis edibles available at California dispensaries, which she found too potent for her needs.
[Logo screenshot via Garden Society]
With a background in chemical engineering, she decided to experiment with her cannabis extractions and tinctures in her homemade lab. According to a report, she soon discovered that her friends were eager to try her creations, especially the women who shared similar wellness goals.
The report added that in spring 2016, she hosted a party with over 50 women who enjoyed her cannabis-infused delicacies at her house. That's when she realized the potential of serving a market that was both underserved and curious about cannabis.
Later that year, she left her corporate career and launched Garden Society, a company that aims to highlight the benefits of cannabis and foster a community of like-minded consumers.
Innovating product development with wine-inspired flavors
Garden Society debuted at the 2016 Emerald Cup with a gourmet pâte de fruit product, sliced using guitar strings. The product had a high-end appeal but was difficult to commercialize due to its short shelf life and complex production process.
The company reinvented its gummy products by incorporating a "sense of place" inspired by Sonoma County, where Garden Society is based. They created wine-inspired flavors with the help of co-founder Karli Warner and Gore's husband, who works in the wine industry.
Garden Society also prioritizes maximizing the bioavailability and effectiveness of their edibles. They use an emulsion process that ensures a fast and consistent onset of effects within about 15 minutes. They also work with a Lehigh University professor to understand how the body absorbs THC in different formats.
The report notes that the company's Wine Country gummy collection includes four products, each offering unique flavors and cannabinoid profiles:
- Rosé All Day: A low-dose CBD gummy with rosé wine flavor
- Bliss Blossoms: A low-dose THC gummy with peach flavor
- Bright Blooms: A balanced THC/CBD gummy with lemon flavor
- Sparkling Pear: A high-dose THC gummy with pear flavor
In addition to gummies, Garden Society offers a line of cannabis-infused chocolates for long-lasting effects.
Expanding market reach beyond California
Garden Society has built a loyal following in California and is ready to bring its Wine Country flavors to the East Coast. The company faced some challenges finding partners due to its smaller brand size, but it overcame them and entered Ohio's medical market.
The company also applied for a license in New Jersey, which offered preferential treatment for women and people of color. Per the report, Garden Society received a license 16 months later and is currently working on securing real estate, fundraising, and building its facility.
Garden Society has partnered strategically with Kiva Confections and its distribution arm, Kiva Sales and Service. Under this agreement, Kiva Sales and Service will distribute Garden Society's products to California retailers. Conversely, in New Jersey, Garden Society will produce Kiva's portfolio of edibles.
The company might explore further expansion opportunities but is focused on executing its existing projects for now. "Right now, we are executing," Gore said, emphasizing the company's commitment to its ongoing endeavors.
Standing out in the cannabis gummy market
The global CBD gummies market is expected to reach USD 13.9 billion by 2028, growing at a CAGR of 30.7% from 2021 to 2028. Their exceptional medicinal properties drive the increasing demand for CBD gummies without harmful side effects. The increasing legalization of cannabis for medical and recreational purposes is also a major factor supporting the growth of the cannabis gummies market.
Garden Society stands out in this competitive market by offering products catering to the needs and preferences of women consumers looking for natural wellness solutions. The company's wine-inspired flavors reflect its Sonoma County roots. It also leverages its chemical engineering expertise and academic collaborations to optimize the bioavailability and effectiveness of its edibles. The company has a strong social mission to empower women and people of color in the cannabis industry.