The Inspired Home Show Sees Cannabis-Related Items for First Time

After a two-year hiatus, I was excited to attend the International Housewares Association’s The Inspired Home Show (formerly known as the Housewares Show) that took place from March 5 to 7 at Chicago’s McCormick Place. Exhibitors showcased cannabis-related items for the first time at this year’s show. This change reflects cannabis (marijuana) normalization taking place as consumers increasingly turn to cannabis to manage their health and wellness and as cannabis use for non-medical purposes becomes legalized in more states.

The November 2020 elections saw voters in Arizona, Montana, New Jersey, and South Dakota approve measures to regulate cannabis for adult (recreational) use. In 2021, four more states - New Jersey, New York, Virginia, and Connecticut - enacted legislation approving adult-use cannabis. In total, 18?states, two territories and the District of Columbia allow adult-use of cannabis as of November 29, 2021 according to the National Conference of State Legislatures while medical use of cannabis products is permitted in 37?states, four?territories and D.C. as of February 3, 2022. Let’s take a look at some cannabis-related items I saw at the show.

Ardent Life Inc.’s FX is billed as The Easy Bake Oven for Adults. The FX is a 3-in-1 Portable Kitchen that allows consumers to activate, infuse, and create in order to make cannabis edibles, infused oils, and topicals as well as bake. FX ($299) and the smaller Nova ($199) device blend function (patented precision heating cores and dual sensors) and style (purple and black exteriors that look good on a kitchen counter) to decarboxylate cannabis plant material in order to activate the THC and CBD compounds in the cannabis plant.

Founder and CEO Shanel Lindsay, is a Black attorney, medical cannabis patient, patented inventor, and entrepreneur who founded Ardent in 2015. Lindsay is also an advocate who wants to make the cannabis industry more equitable.?

Puffco is an award-winning cannabis tech company that designs and manufactures innovative electronic cannabis consumption devices. By fusing design, technology, and engineering (via multiple patents), Puffco aims to offer “the cleanest, most potent and flavorful consumption experience with no learning curve” for new and old cannabis users looking for the highest quality. The company’s sell sheet highlighted the medical uses of cannabis, stating that “Last year, doctors prescribed cannabis to about 25,000 patients suffering from cancer, epilepsy, post-traumatic stress and degenerative diseases such as multiple sclerosis”. The Peak atomizer ($249.99) offers a customizable control while the Peak Pro ($399.99) adds an optional app (with Bluetooth connectivity) and other high-tech features like real-time temperature control, wireless Qi charging, USB-C charging, customizable LED lights, and an auto-sleep function.?

Founder and CEO Roger Volodarsky, called the Steve Jobs of cannabis, started Puffco in his mother’s basement in Brooklyn in 2013, with a desire to create the best platform for concentrate consumption. The company is now located in Los Angeles.

OMI Industries, a maker of natural air fresheners under the Fresh Wave brand and long-time exhibitor at the Inspired Home Show, showcased its Cannabolish line of Natural Cannabis Odor Removers. ?The company aims to help cannabis users “consume discreetly and confidently”. OMI’s Director of Research and Development Dr. Laura Haupert says that “Cannabolish was scientifically formulated to remove the odorous chemicals in cannabis smoke using natural oils as the active ingredients – we’re fighting terpenes with terpenes”. The Cannabolish line includes Sprays (non-aerosol, biodegradable, safe on fabrics), Candles (clean-burning, soy-based), and Gel (open jars to absorb odors). The company recently launched a line of Cannabolish Lavender products.

Bindle Bottle, a maker of stainless steel water bottles, targets cannabis consumers along with outdoor enthusiasts and yoga devotees. I did a double take when I walked by their sign that said, “Weather & Scent Proof Storage Compartment” and came right back to check out the products. The top of the bottle is double walled to keep it insulated, and the bottom has an integrated stash compartment that keeps out odor. The bottom can be used to store keys, credit cards, or cannabis flower.

Houston Max Buehrle co-founded Bindle Bottle in 2016 with Dane Chap and Charlie Crisan to solve a problem: the board shorts and yoga pants worn by him and his friends were unable to keep their keys and wallet safe.

Virginia Lee is a market researcher. She has advised companies on innovation and market entry opportunities in consumer packaged goods (food, beverages, beauty, CBD) at Euromonitor International, Brightfield Group, and Innova Market Insights. Connect with Virginia on Twitter and Instagram at @VirginiaALee.