The United States’ wellness industry is brimming with innovation. Not only is it growing at a rate of 5 to 10 percent annually, but it also is estimated to have reached a whopping $480 billion in sales as of 2024. As consumers seek more natural, holistic, and functional ways to maintain optimal health and wellbeing, the demand for products of the highest quality continues to grow. Cannabis, once limited to traditional smoking and edibles, is emerging as a powerful player within this sphere because of benefits like stress relief, sleep quality enhancement, and mood improvement. And within this particular arena, few have woven science and self-care as seamlessly as Brelixi founder Breanna Neff.
A Cornell University alumna with a B.S. in Food Science & Technology, Business, Nutrition and Health, Breanna is a visionary Certified Food Scientist. Her journey includes pivotal roles at industry giants like Danone, Dannon, Evian, and Hydrant, where she honed her skills as a product developer, R&D engineer, and FDA compliance specialist. Her brainchild stands as a show of innovation. Brelixi offers fast-acting, cannabis-infused drink mixes designed to promote balanced living. Drawing from Neff’s Ivy League nutrition education and extensive experience, Brelixi curates its drink mixes with proprietary nano cannabis technology to ensure the rapidity of effect onset, which is typically within 5 to 15 minutes. Each mix is enriched with functional ingredients such as electrolytes for hydration, adaptogens like L-theanine for relaxation, and nootropics like 5-HTP to enhance mood.
Drawing from Communal Origins
We spoke with founder Breanna Neff about the origins of her brand, her vision, and the rapid growth and evolution since its inception. While cannabis sits at the center of Brelixi, its origin is communal in nature and far wider in scope.
“Growing up, I was always fascinated by the science behind food as my father is a professional chef and was always exposing me to new flavors and ingredients,” says Neff. “This curiosity led me to pursue a degree in Food Science at Cornell University. My passion for food, combined with a growing interest in wellness and holistic alternative medicine, naturally drew me to the world of cannabis. I saw an opportunity to leverage my scientific knowledge to create innovative, high-quality cannabis products that could improve people’s lives.”
As a newcomer in a booming industry, Neff understood the importance of endowing her nascent undertaking with a sense of edge. With this in mind, she made revolutionizing the cannabis industry her head goal. “We aim to fill the market gap by offering convenient, discreet, reliable and healthy cannabis products that are as easy to use as traditional supplements,” she explains. The potential effects of this are multidimensional. It renders the use of the products convenient, and simultaneously acknowledges and tackles longstanding stigma by framing the products as normal aspects of one’s daily wellness routine.
Privileging Cleanliness and Safety
While food and cannabis seem like disparate spheres, Neff finds herself leaning on the principles surrounding food nutrition to ensure that Brelixi’s offerings are of the highest quality.
“My background in food science has allowed me to approach the cannabis industry with a focus on quality, consistency, and consumer experience. We’re committed to breaking down the stigma surrounding cannabis and making it accessible to a wider audience.”
For Neff, optimizing the products means establishing a delicate interplay between innovation and safety. Among the markers of innovation is Brelixi’s use of technologies such as nanoemulsion to create fast-acting, bioavailable, discreet products. Among the markers of their commitment to safety is the use of food safety-certified facilities, and the brand’s adherence to strict quality control standards. During our interview, Neff emphasized the brand’s commitment to transparency. They use ingredients of the utmost quality, and frequently display test results on their website for the review of potential consumers.
Environmental cleanliness is an integral part of safety, and the brand honors this by harnessing the power of hemp. “We utilize this versatile plant for its exceptional CO2 absorption capabilities, upcycle its valuable THC for our products, and champion its use in crop rotation to revitalize the soil. Our commitment extends to sourcing from farmers of color, promoting both environmental and social equity.”
“My background in food science has allowed me to approach the cannabis industry with a focus on quality, consistency, and consumer experience. We’re committed to breaking down the stigma surrounding cannabis and making it accessible to a wider audience.”
Breanna Neff
Addressing Challenges
As with managing a brand in any industry, ensuring the provision of these products is not without challenges. According to Neff, one of the biggest challenges within the cannabis industry is regulatory uncertainty.
Addressing this challenge looks like leaning on one of the core tenets of the brand itself—committing to continuous innovation and improvement.
“As regulations evolve, we must stay updated on the latest guidelines and ensure compliance. We navigate this by working closely with industry experts and legal advisors. Additionally, consumer education is crucial. We strive to provide clear and accurate information about our products and their benefits, dispelling myths and misconceptions.” Relying on her scientific expertise, along with her profound drive for culinary innovation and holistic wellness, Breanna is setting new standards in the dynamic landscape of cannabis-infused consumables.
