Pharos Premium Infused Beverages set out with a straightforward yet technically demanding goal: to create a delicious hemp-derived beverage that delivers a consistent, low-dose cannabis experience. By using real fruit juice from concentrate and avoiding chemical additives, Pharos achieves a clean, full-bodied taste and aromatic profile. But what enhances the sensory appeal also complicates the science—especially when it comes to ensuring cannabinoid stability and uniform potency in every can.
Understanding Potency and Why It Matters
In cannabis beverages, potency refers to the precise amount of cannabinoids—such as Delta-9 THC—measured in milligrams per serving. For Pharos, that means consistently delivering a 5mg dose in each 12-ounce can. Achieving that consistency requires a tightly controlled formulation process, starting with the infusion of a concentrated cannabinoid emulsion into the fruit juice and water base. Third-party lab testing verifies potency for safety, accuracy, and repeatable effects.
“Reliable potency is a consumer trust issue,” said Mary Bernuth, Co-Founder and President of Pharos Brands. “If a drink is stronger or weaker than expected, it affects not just the experience, but also consumer confidence and safety.”
The Challenge: Making Lipophilic Molecules Behave
Cannabinoids like THC are lipophilic, meaning they naturally prefer fat over water. Left unchecked, they can separate, bind to can liners, or settle into sediment. That’s a major hurdle for anyone trying to evenly distribute cannabinoids in a water-based drink.
The solution lies in emulsification—the process of suspending oil-based cannabinoids in water through microscopic encapsulation. This is where Pharos’s partnership with a leading emulsion provider comes into play.
Nanoemulsions and the Art of Suspension
Pharos uses a nanoemulsion technique that encases THC molecules in microscopic “shells” designed to keep them stable and evenly dispersed. These micelles vary in size and structure depending on the emulsion provider’s approach, with the goal of maximizing bioavailability and preventing separation over time.
Shell durability is critical. If the encapsulation degrades too quickly, the cannabinoids are free to bind to unintended surfaces—like the inside of a can or bits of fruit sediment. Pharos’s emulsion provider employs advanced distribution methods, including high-pressure homogenization and sonication, to create a uniform, shelf-stable emulsion.
Cans, Co-Packers, and Chemistry
Even the can itself plays a role. Some can liners are more prone to interacting with cannabinoids than others, which can lead to potency loss. Pharos selects can suppliers that rigorously test their liner materials for compatibility with cannabis-infused liquids.
On the manufacturing side, Pharos works with GMP-certified partners who have helped develop strict protocols for mixing and distributing sediment. This ensures that the full dose of cannabinoids remains in suspension from the first sip to the last.
Collaboration Is the Key Ingredient
At every step, collaboration drives the product’s integrity. Pharos partners with flavor specialists, emulsion scientists, can suppliers, co-packers, and independent labs to troubleshoot challenges and refine its process. Each batch is tested, documented, and released with a Certificate of Analysis to maintain transparency.
“In the end, great cannabis beverages don’t happen by accident,” said Bernuth. “They’re the result of scientific rigor, thoughtful formulation, and a shared commitment to consistency.”
