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A unique partnership between UBC Okanagan, the B.C. Institute of Technology and a Kelowna company is furthering research and development of cannabis-infused beverages.

Prof. Susan Murch, who teaches chemistry at UBCO, and Paula Brown, director of BCIT’s Natural Health and Food Products Research Group and Canada Research Chair in phytoanalytics, have partnered with local cannabis company Pacific Rim Brands to develop beverage formulas containing cannabis extracts.

“We are at the early stages of this research and are very excited about the potential for both interesting science and new products for consumers,” says Murch.

BCIT’s Paula Brown also investigates plant chemistry and works to establish standards of quality and ensure regulatory compliance.

“Like any new sector, the science and formulation will be the most important element to ensure consistency, scalability and trust,” says Brown. “There is a lot of work to be done to develop stable, high-quality, consistent cannabis formulations that consumers can use with confidence.”

“This is an exciting time for research institutions and cannabis companies in the private sector,” added Pacific Rim founder Kevin Letun.

“We’re excited to be at the forefront of responsible research that prioritizes the safe use of cannabis in our communities," said Phil Barker, vice-principal of research and innovation at UBCO.

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