If you've ever regretted eating that second gummy because the first one took forever to kick in, you're not alone. From unpredictable highs to hours of couch lock, the edible experience can be a minefield of bad trips. But Azuca is on a mission to change all that.

With a revolutionary whole-plant infusion process, Azuca's food-tech innovation standardizes the high. No solvents, no distillates—just a fast-acting, full-spectrum experience that finally delivers on the promise of predictable, enjoyable edibles.

In an exclusive interview with Benzinga Cannabis, CEO Kim Sanchez Rael shared how this innovation isn't just a win for consumers, it's a game changer for cannabis investors and edibles brands looking to stand out in a crowded market.

"We've eliminated the typical pitfalls of the edibles segment," said Rael. "Our process offers a cleaner, more efficient path to product differentiation and profitability, all while delivering a superior experience to the end consumer."

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A New Chapter In Edibles: Whole-Plant Infusion Without Extractions

One of the most significant breakthroughs from Azuca is its ability to create edibles using the entire cannabis flower without relying on extractions like distillate or resin. Traditional edible production involves extracting THC from the cannabis plant, often using solvents.

Meanwhile, Azuca utilizes the entire flower, delivering what Rael called a true "entourage effect" in an edible format. "We've made it possible to infuse edibles directly with cannabis flower, bypassing the need for any extraction. This means consumers get the full spectrum of the plant's compounds—cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids—in a consistent format. It's the closest experience to smoking the plant but without the need to inhale."

Ending The Bad Trip: Predictable Highs

Traditional edibles can take anywhere from 1 to 2 hours to kick in, leading many users to consume more than they should in frustration. The slow metabolization of THC in the liver can also produce a different, often more intense form of THC, which can result in a heavier, sedative effect—what the industry colloquially calls "couch lock."

Azuca's proprietary technology addresses this problem head-on. By encapsulating cannabis oil molecules in a starch-based shell, Azuca ensures that the cannabinoids are transformed into water-soluble compounds.

The encapsulation process allows the active ingredients to be absorbed rapidly in the mouth and upper digestive tract, bypassing the liver's delayed metabolization.

"Our technology delivers onset times as quick as 5 to 15 minutes," explained Rael. "This fast absorption not only prevents overconsumption but also offers a more predictable and sessionable experience, similar to smoking but in an edible form."

The encapsulation process also preserves the chemical integrity of the cannabinoids, meaning that consumers experience THC in its Delta-9 form rather than the more intense 11-hydroxy-THC.

"We've effectively standardized the high," said Rael. "Gone are the days of nausea, anxiety, and unpredictable effects. Our products deliver a consistent, uplifting experience every time." While Azuca's technology aims to deliver a standardized, predictable experience, individual responses can still vary based on dosage, personal tolerance and other factors.

Starch Encapsulation: The Vanguard Of Food-Tech In Cannabis

Azuca's innovations are rooted in cutting-edge food technology, specifically the use of modified starches for encapsulating oil-based cannabinoids. Traditional methods of infusing edibles with THC involve the use of sticky, viscous distillate, which can lead to significant waste and degradation of potency during the cooking process. Distillates are prone to transfer loss, cannabis oil sticking to mixing equipment, and oxidation from exposure to heat.

Azuca's encapsulation technique solves these issues. The proprietary starch coating not only makes the cannabinoids water-friendly but also prevents them from sticking to equipment, reducing waste.

Kim Sanchez Rael – headshot-cred_ Kim Jew

According to Rael, the process reduces active ingredient loss by up to 20% during manufacturing, translating to significant cost savings for producers.

"Our starch encapsulation process is a game changer for the industry," Rael noted. "It protects the cannabinoids from degradation, ensuring potency, and allows for seamless integration into any edible product without the need for additional extraction or emulsification equipment."

Scale And Market Reach

Azuca's business model is built on licensing its technology to cannabis brands and manufacturers. This approach has allowed the company to quickly scale and penetrate multiple markets across the U.S. and Canada. The process is straightforward: Azuca supplies its proprietary Activator, a non-infused precursor, which manufacturers can easily mix with their cannabis input—whether it's distillate, live resin, or whole flower.

"Our model is designed to be scalable for any size operation," she said. "We have over 100 licensing agreements and have infused close to 2 billion milligrams of cannabinoids since our launch."

The Activator is available in different formulations tailored for various product types, including gummies, beverages, and chocolates. "We've made it easy for our partners to integrate our technology into their existing processes, without the need for heavy equipment or extensive training," Rael explained.

Financial Impact: Reduced Waste, Increased Profit Margins

Azuca's technology offers significant financial advantages for manufacturers. The reduction in waste during production not only improves efficiency but also boosts profitability. Products made with Azuca's technology often command a premium price in the marketplace.

"Consumers are willing to pay more for a product that offers a predictable, high-quality experience," said Rael. "We've seen premium pricing of 20% or more for fast-acting edibles, and up to a 50% premium for products that combine fast onset with functional effects like sleep or relaxation."

Beyond The Bud

While Azuca is focused on the cannabis industry, Rael sees potential applications for their encapsulation technology in other sectors, such as nutraceuticals. "This is fundamentally a substance delivery system. We're taking molecules that are difficult to metabolize and making them easy for the body to absorb. The same principles could apply to vitamins, supplements, and other active ingredients outside of cannabis."

By eliminating the need for extractions and delivering a fast, predictable, and enjoyable experience, Azuca is paving the way for a new generation of cannabis edibles.

"We're driven by innovation," Rael concluded. "Our mission is to raise the bar for what edibles can be and to provide a better experience for both consumers and manufacturers alike. This is just the beginning."

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