# Collaborative Hemp-Derived Tinctures AYO is a New THC Medical Cannabis Brand from an HBCU By Laura McQuarrie | Published 2020-07-03 | Lifestyle Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/thc-medical-cannabis References: [prnewswire](https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/southern-university-becomes-first-historically-black-university-to-launch-thc-line-of-medical-cannabis-products-301086865.html) & [ilerahealthcare](https://ilerahealthcare.com/) The [Southern University System's](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/por-qu-no-rtds) [Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/genetic-optimization) is working with Ilera Holistic Healthcare to launch its own THC medical cannabis products. The brand, AYO, is centered on helping patients better manage their medical issues and experience a better quality of life. Products by AYO are scientifically formulated, lab-tested, pesticide-free and exclusive to the state of Louisiana. AYO offers a variety of tinctures, some of which are extra-strong and others balance equal parts CBD and THC. AYO's Shine and Shine+, for example, boast natural orange flavoring and a balanced ratio of 1:1 THC to CBB. In partnership with Ilera Holistic Healthcare, Southern University is distinguishing itself as the first historically [Black university](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/black-buddha-cannabis) (HBCU) to launch a line of THC medical cannabis products. Image Credit: Ilera Holistic Healthcare ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.9/10 - Popularity: 40% | Activity: 37% | Freshness: 9% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle) > [Health](https://www.trendhunter.com/health) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **THC Medical Cannabis Products:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: The growing demand for THC medical cannabis products presents an opportunity for businesses to develop innovative, scientifically formulated, and lab-tested products that cater to specific medical needs and enhance patient experiences. - **HBCU Involvement in Cannabis Industry:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Historically Black universities (HBCUs) can seize the opportunity to collaborate with cannabis companies and enter the emerging cannabis industry, creating unique products and brands that cater to diverse consumer segments. - **State Exclusive Cannabis Products:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Creating state-exclusive cannabis products, like AYO's tinctures exclusive to Louisiana, can generate excitement among consumers and foster regional brand loyalty, providing a competitive advantage in the cannabis market. ### Where This Applies - **Medicinal Cannabis:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: The medicinal cannabis industry can explore partnerships with universities and leverage scientific research to develop new formulations and expand product offerings, addressing specific medical needs and enhancing patient outcomes. - **Higher Education:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Higher education institutions, especially historically Black universities (HBCUs), can diversify revenue streams by venturing into the cannabis industry and collaborating with cannabis companies to develop unique products and conduct research. - **Regional Cannabis Markets:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Focusing on regional cannabis markets and offering state-exclusive products can enable businesses to tailor their offerings to local preferences, build strong brand affinity, and gain a competitive edge in the cannabis market. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Wellness-Driven Cannabis Partnerships](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/black-buddha-cannabis.md) - [Summer-Themed Cannabis Products](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ascend-wellness-holdings.md) - [Inclusivity-Promoting Cannabis Brands](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/silly-nice.md) - [Rapid Release THC Gummies](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-hemp-doctor.md) - [High-Quality Medical Cannabis Products](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/etain-health.md) - [Hemp-Derived THC Products](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wana-brands-1.md) - [Social Connection Cannabis Drinks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/herbal-oasis-social-tonics.md) - [Cannabis Seltzer Expansions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wynk-thc-cbd.md) - [Balanced University-Developed Cannabis Formulas](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/11-cbdcbda.md)