US Beverage Company to Use Kenyan Coffee to Make Bhang-Laced Drinks

A Kenyan coffee producer has won a contract for the supply of ground berries to an American beverage company that makes bhang-laced drinks.

New York-listed Puration Company (PURA) will make Cannabidiol-infused lattes for the US and European markets using berries procured from the Kenyan Fair Trade coffee-registered producer, Business Daily reported.

Cannabidiol is a non-psychoactive compound extracted from marijuana plant leaves, resins and flowers for use in CBD beverages such as non-alcoholic wine, water, kombucha, and cold brew coffee.

Puration disclosed the deal with the Kenyan-based coffee producer to investors on Monday but declined to name the coffee society. It said the agreement would enable farmers to get higher prices for their produce.

“Today, PURA is proud to announce entering into an agreement with a Fair Trade producer of coffee in Kenya. Farmers who grow Fair Trade coffee receive a fair price and their communities and the environment benefit as well,” Puration said in the disclosure.

The announcement was made through OTC Markets Group, an American financial market that provides price and liquidity information for nearly 10,000 over-the-counter securities.

PURA indicated that the introduction of CBD-infused lattes followed a feasibility study carried out by Goldman Small Cap Research. The study showed the existence of a high demand driven by people keen on drinking CBD-infused beverages including tea, beer, and coffee to ease stress and anxiety.

PURA has since launched Transquili tea CBD as its new beverage under the beer, coffee and tea initiative that is set for commercial release in December.