Cannabis drinks are a new product and intake option for patients who use medical cannabis. Many people believe that cannabis-infused drinks will replace alcoholic beverages in the future as a healthier alternative. We were excited to have the opportunity to talk to Kristin Rogers, the Co-Founder and Brand Manager for LEVIA.
1. Can you tell us about your dispensary’s founding story and what sets it apart from others in the industry?
The great thing about the Cannabis industry is that every founding story is unique! For instance, I am a substance abuse and mental health therapist. For the first 15 years of my career, I was on the frontlines of the substance abuse epidemic, advocating for substance abuse therapy and reducing stigma in high-risk populations.
My belief in the power of cannabis as medicine and the understanding that we have barely scratched the surface of its potential benefits, combined with my husband Eric Rogers’ marketing experience and passion for the plant as a medical patient, persuaded us to pursue our dream of co-founding a Cannabis beverage brand. We made our very first tinctures above our garage with medical cannabis grown in Massachusetts!
LEVIA went to market in March of 2021 in Massachusetts, and we quickly became the top-selling Cannabis beverage in the country. AYR Wellness acquired us in 2021, and I have continued to work with AYR to grow our brand and bring quality Cannabis to patients and consumers across the United States.
2. What inspired you to get involved in the medical Cannabis industry? What drives your passion for serving patients?
LEVIA’s goal has always been to produce Cannabis products rooted in wellness, offering a potential alternative to alcohol and medication. We are also incredibly passionate about the need to address the stigma and racial disparities brought on by the War on Drugs. We are proud advocates for social justice and criminal justice reform. Cannabis research is vital for unlocking the plant’s full potential, ensuring its safe and effective use, and informing policies and regulations that protect and benefit society.
Partnering with AYR Wellness has given us access to a platform and an enthusiastic family of industry colleagues who share our desire to do right in our communities as a combined ‘Force for Good.’
3. How do you ensure the quality and consistency of your products? What steps do you take to prioritize patient safety?
With zero sugar, zero calories, and rapid onset, LEVIA Seltzer and Drink Drop Tinctures are created with locally grown cannabis and all-natural ingredients. All our products are vegan, gluten-free, and kosher.
What sets us apart is our pride in utilizing Full Spectrum CO2 oil, ensuring that patients and consumers receive the comprehensive benefits of the entire Cannabis plant, not just THC. Our products are designed to be fast-acting and specific to the effect that you are looking to have, with an onset typically occurring between 10-15 minutes, enabling you to gauge your tolerance and ensure consistent dosing. Similar to knowing how a glass of wine affects you, we aim to provide you with the confidence to predict the effects of using a LEVIA product. Our goal is to provide patients and consumers with an experience similar to smoking.
4. What are some common misconceptions about medical cannabis that you aim to dispel through your work?
There are several common misconceptions about medical cannabis, often stemming from a lack of education, outdated information, or stigma. Our education is focused on helping patients understand that medical cannabis is not just a way to get high; it’s supported by science, it’s not all the same, and it’s not always smoked. By addressing misconceptions about medical cannabis through education and research, we can better understand and utilize the potential benefits while minimizing its risks.
5. What advice would you offer to patients who are new to medical cannabis and seeking guidance on finding the right products and dosages for their needs?
For patients new to medical cannabis, finding the right products and dosages can be overwhelming. Here is some advice to help guide them through the process:
Consult a Healthcare Professional or Medical Cannabis Specialist
Consult with a healthcare provider who is knowledgeable about cannabis and can help assess your condition, discuss potential benefits and risks, and provide recommendations.
Start Low and Go Slow
Begin with a low dose to see how your body reacts, as it’s easier to increase the dosage gradually than to deal with adverse effects from starting too high. Slowly increase the dosage until you achieve the desired therapeutic effect. Patience is key to finding the right balance.
Choose the Right Product and Consider the Ratio of THC to CBD
Learn about the different cannabinoids like THC and CBD. THC has psychoactive effects and may be more effective for pain, while CBD is non-psychoactive and is often used for inflammation, anxiety, and other conditions. For those concerned about psychoactive properties, products with higher CBD and lower THC are a good starting point. Medical cannabis comes in various forms, including oils, tinctures, edibles, capsules, vaporizers, and topicals.
Understand the Onset and Duration of Effects
Methods like vaping or smoking provide fast relief but have a shorter duration of effect. Edibles and tinctures take longer to take effect (30 minutes to 2 hours) but can provide longer-lasting relief. Topical products are applied directly to the skin and are ideal for localized pain and inflammation without systemic effects.
Keep a Journal and Be Patient and Persistent
Maintain a journal to record the products you use, dosages, timing, and the effects of your experience, including any side effects or adverse reactions, to help identify what works best for you and make necessary adjustments.
Educate Yourself
Take advantage of reputable resources to educate yourself about medical cannabis, including engaging in medical Cannabis communities in person and/or online. Don’t hesitate to ask knowledgeable staff at dispensaries for advice and recommendations, as they can provide insights into different products and their effects.
6. How can patients connect with your dispensary to learn more and access your products and services?
The AYR Wellness and LEVIA websites contain information about dispensary locations, products, and services, and educational resources in the form of blog posts, articles, FAQs, and guides on a wide range of topics related to medical cannabis. I also suggest patients and consumers connect with AYR Wellness and LEVIA Brands on social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter for the latest updates and educational content. Drop by your nearest AYR Wellness dispensary to explore products, speak with staff, and get personalized recommendations on dosages through consultations. In-store visits can also help you understand the atmosphere and customer service quality.
I would like to personally thank Kristin for sharing some valuable insights with our patients about LEVIA cannabis-infused beverages.
Aaron Bloom serves as the CEO, overseeing the mission and growth of DocMJ and Medwell Health and Wellness Centers. Aaron’s passion for improving patients’ lives comes from his background in health care. For more than 20 years, Aaron owned, operated, and represented traditional healthcare organizations. This experience created a passion for finding improved ways to relieve suffering. His goal as CEO is to work daily to relieve all patients who seek better health and wellness through the medicinal benefits of medical cannabis and evidence-based alternative medicines.
