CEN at MJBizCon: Whole-Flower Tech Brings Cannabis Edibles 'Closer to the Plant'

Azuca's process preserves the full inflorescence of the flower including terpenes, cannabinoids and even colors.

Kim Sanchez Rael is president and CEO of Azuca, a company that specializes in advanced infusions for cannabis consumables. The company's proprietary TiME (Thermodynamic individual Molecular Encapsulation) Infusion process works by encapsulating cannabinoid oil molecules in a starch-based coating, which acts like a water-friendly wrapper and makes the molecule hydrophilic instead of hydrophobic. That, in turn, makes it easier for the human body to absorb the cannabinoid, providing effect onset within five to 15 minutes.

Rael said that earlier onset appeals to cannabis consumers looking for predictability and product safety.

Azuca's work in the cannabis space recently expanded into whole-flower edibles, which Rael called "mind blowing." The company's process, which it licenses to cannabis brands and manufacturers, relies on cannabis flower as the active ingredient instead of extracts like distillates, live resin or live rosin. Azuca's Whole Plant Activator, which is a non-infused precursor, combines with the bud to become a fast-acting ingredient for gummies and other forms of edibles.

Rael said the process preserves the full inflorescence of the flower including terpenes, cannabinoids and even colors. "You really are able to experience an edible that is literally true to the flower and the flower's profile," she said.

Azuca's first partner for the new whole-flower tech is a Colorado cannabis brand called Flower Union. As the company looks to expand the technology, Rael said there's an emerging trend in the industry toward cannabis consumables that are "closer to the plant."

The Cannabis Equipment News (CEN) team recently traveled to MJBizCon 2024 in Las Vegas from December 4 through December 6. At the show, we interviewed leaders from nearly every aspect of the industry. We didn't have time to interview everybody, so if we missed you, please reach out to [email protected]. MJBizCon 2025 is scheduled to be held from December 2, 2025, through December 5, 2025, at the Las Vegas Convention Center.

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