Flora Growth Corp. filed 23 cannabinoid-infused food and beverage products with the Instituto Nacional de Vigilancia de Medicamentos y Alimentos (INVIMA) in Colombia — a major step in its plans to provide healthy snacks to consumers across the globe.
According to a company news release posted on Business Wire, Flora expects to be the first cultivator in the world to obtain these unique approvals from INVIMA for its cannabinoid-infused products, which will include juices, sparkling seltzers, gummies, and healthy snack foods.
This announcement comes at a perfect time, coinciding with Colombian President Ivan Duque signing Resolution 227. It provides the framework for the use, distribution, and export of cannabis, dried flower, and other non-psychoactive derivatives.
“We are incredibly excited by the government's decision to permit cannabinoid food and beverage products and look forward to bringing these cannabis wellness products to consumers in Colombia and around the globe,” Luis Merchan, president and CEO of Flora Growth, said in the release. “Aligning with globally recognized safety and compliance standards is at the forefront of Flora’s strategy, particularly when it comes to the food and beverage sector of the cannabis industry.”
INVIMA is a Colombian regulatory authority under the Ministry of Health. According to the release, it manages inspection and supervision of the marketing and manufacturing of health products. INVIMA also identifies and evaluates health standards and procedures and implements best practices by providing medical approval for the import and export of products.
Flora is building a portfolio of plant-based wellness and lifestyle brands. It operates one of the largest outdoor cannabis cultivation facilities that supplies cannabis derivatives for cosmetics, hemp textiles, and food and beverage.