Brands Of Pot Emerge As The Industry Grows

While the sale of recreational marijuana is only permitted in two U.S. states so far (with two more set to join in 2015), some companies are working to get their foot in the door of a growing industry that could eventually span all 50 states.

Rumor has it that Beam Inc. is looking to become the first major company to release its own line of marijuana products through its Skinnygirl cocktail line.

Skinnygirl founder Bethenny Frankel has not made any public remarks to address rumors that she is working to create a marijuana line that will help users stay thin and beat cravings, but national news outlets have been running the story based on comments from “insiders."

Related Link: 15 Marijuana Stocks To Watch In 2015

Can You Brand Pot?

The rumor itself poses and interesting question about the future for recreational marijuana. Although Beam could be the first big name company to jump on board with its own brand of pot, some of its competitors may be hesitant to follow. Marketers may be skeptical about whether or not it is possible to convince consumers that there is a distinction between brands of marijuana, saying there is not enough differentiation between types.

But smaller companies have already begun to create their own niche within the marijuana market.

The Willy Wonka Of Pot

Dixie Elixirs is a Colorado startup that offers products laced with THC to give consumers an alternative to smoking to get high. The company sells everything from mints to massage oils, all laced with marijuana. Dixie products are only available in Colorado and U.S. laws prevent transport across state lines, but the company says it hopes to expand by selling the use of its name and recipes to businesses in other states.

Many see the U.S. prohibition on pot being abandoned over the near future, so companies working to build up their brand name could be creating a valuable foothold in a growing industry.