Kiva Confections: A 15-Year Legacy of Cannabis Edible Excellence
Kiva Confections: A 15-Year Legacy of Cannabis Edible Excellence
In the world of cannabis products, few brands have had as profound an impact as Kiva Confections. For 15 years, Kiva has been a pioneering force, elevating the standards of the entire cannabis industry with their commitment to quality, safety, and innovation. Born from a desire to create a trustworthy and enjoyable edible, Kiva transformed the market from one of inconsistent, homemade treats to a professional landscape of precisely dosed, delicious, and reliable confections.
Their journey from a home kitchen to a nationally recognized brand is a story of passion and perseverance. According to a 2023 report from the Brightfield Group, the edibles market is projected to grow to $10.9 billion by 2028, and Kiva’s foundational work has been instrumental in that growth. As we celebrate their 15th anniversary, we are proud to offer a wide array of their groundbreaking products at Highway Cannabis and KindPeoples.
The Genesis of Kiva: A Kitchen-Born Revolution
In 2010, the cannabis edible market was the wild west of untested, unlabeled, and often unappetizing products. Scott and Kristi Palmer, a young couple with a passion for cannabis and a love of chocolate, saw a need for change. From their own kitchen, they began experimenting with creating a cannabis-infused chocolate bar that was not only delicious but also consistently dosed.
This was a revolutionary concept at the time. They spent months perfecting their recipe and their infusion process, driven by the belief that consumers deserved a safe, predictable, and enjoyable edible experience. In a 2019 interview with Forbes, Kristi Palmer stated, “We really just wanted to make a product that we would want to consume, that we would feel safe consuming.” This dedication to quality laid the foundation for the Kiva brand and set a new standard for the entire industry. Learn more about the history of cannabis edibles on our blog.
The Kiva Difference: A Commitment to Quality and Precision
What truly sets Kiva apart is their meticulous attention to detail and their unwavering commitment to quality at every step of the process. This includes sourcing high-quality ingredients, such as sustainably farmed cacao, and using all-natural flavors. But the cornerstone of the Kiva difference is their obsession with precision dosing.
They were one of the first edible manufacturers to lab-test their products, ensuring that the cannabinoid content listed on the packaging is accurate and consistent. This allows consumers to have a safe and predictable experience, every time. This commitment to transparency and reliability is why Kiva has earned the trust of millions of consumers and is a staple in reputable dispensaries like Highway Cannabis and KindPeoples. You can browse their full selection on our brand page.
The Iconic Kiva Chocolate Bar: The Product That Started It All
The product that launched the Kiva empire is their iconic Kiva Chocolate Bar. These bars are a testament to the brand’s dedication to craftsmanship and quality. Made with rich, decadent chocolate and infused with clean, cold-water hash, they offer a superior taste and a consistent, enjoyable experience. The bars are scored into perfectly dosed servings, making it easy for consumers to manage their intake.
To celebrate their 15th anniversary, Kiva has released a limited-edition version of their classic dark chocolate bar, infused with solventless liquid diamonds for an extra special kick. This anniversary bar is a tribute to their roots and a celebration of how far they’ve come. Explore our full range of chocolate edibles and other delicious treats.
Beyond Chocolate: The Ever-Expanding Kiva Universe
While the chocolate bar is their flagship product, Kiva has never been a brand to rest on its laurels. They have continuously innovated, expanding their product portfolio to include a wide range of delicious and effective edibles. This includes the wildly popular Camino gummies, each flavor designed to evoke a specific mood or state of mind; the Lost Farm fruit chews and gummies, which feature strain-specific, 100% live resin; the Terra bites, which are delectable chocolate-covered morsels; and the Petra mints, which offer a discreet and low-dose option for microdosing.
This diverse product lineup ensures that there is a Kiva product for every consumer and every occasion. Browse our full edibles menu to find your perfect match, from gummies to mints.
Camino Gummies: Finding Your State of Mind
Kiva’s Camino gummies have become a phenomenon in their own right. Inspired by the legendary El Camino Real, the 600-mile road that connects the Spanish missions of California, each Camino flavor is designed to transport you to a specific location and put you in a “California State of Mind.”
The flavors and cannabinoid ratios are carefully crafted to produce consistent, targeted effects. For example, the “Social” Yuzu Lemon gummies are formulated with a blend of THC and THCV to promote energy and conversation, while the “Sleep” Midnight Blueberry gummies contain THC and CBN to encourage restful slumber. This innovative, effects-based approach has made Camino a go-to for consumers seeking a predictable and tailored edible experience. Find your perfect state of mind on our gummy menu or check our specials.
Lost Farm: A Celebration of Strain-Specific Live Resin
For the true cannabis connoisseur, Kiva’s Lost Farm line is a dream come true. These fruit chews and gummies are made with 100% strain-specific live resin, capturing the full, nuanced profile of the cannabis plant. Live resin is a high-quality concentrate made from fresh-frozen cannabis, which preserves the delicate terpenes and cannabinoids that are lost during the drying process.
This means that each Lost Farm edible delivers the authentic flavor and distinct effects of a specific cannabis strain. This focus on strain specificity provides a more complex and holistic experience, often referred to as the “entourage effect.” A 2020 study in Nature highlighted the importance of terpenes in modulating the effects of THC, supporting the theory behind full-spectrum products like Lost Farm. Explore our selection of premium concentrates and other live resin products to learn more.
The Art of Infusion: Cold Water Hash and Solventless Extraction
Kiva’s commitment to purity is evident in their choice of infusion methods. For their classic chocolate bars, they use a traditional cold water hash extraction. This is a solventless method that uses ice, water, and agitation to gently separate the cannabinoid-rich trichomes from the plant material. The result is a clean, pure, and full-spectrum cannabis extract that preserves the natural integrity of the plant.
For their Lost Farm line, they use a light hydrocarbon extraction to create the live resin, which is then meticulously purged of any residual solvents. Their anniversary bar features liquid diamonds, a highly potent and pure form of THCA that has been melted down into a liquid form, offering an incredibly clean and powerful experience. This dedication to clean extraction methods is a key part of what makes Kiva a trusted leader in the cannabis dispensary. You can find other solventless products on our rosin page and our vape page.
The Importance of Lab Testing and Consumer Safety
Kiva has been a champion of consumer safety since its inception. They were one of the first brands to voluntarily test their products and print the results on their packaging, long before it was required by law. Every Kiva product undergoes rigorous testing by an independent, third-party lab to verify its potency and purity. This ensures that the amount of THC, CBD, and other cannabinoids is accurate, and that the product is free from pesticides, heavy metals, and other harmful contaminants.
This level of transparency provides consumers with the peace of mind that they are consuming a safe and reliable product. At Highway Cannabis and KindPeoples, we share this commitment and only carry products from brands that meet the highest standards of safety and transparency. You can learn more about our commitment to safety by contacting us.
The Future of Edibles: A Look at Kiva’s Innovations
Kiva continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible in the edibles space. They are constantly researching new cannabinoids, infusion techniques, and flavor profiles. The introduction of minor cannabinoids like CBN, THCV, and CBG into their products is a prime example of their forward-thinking approach. These compounds offer unique effects that can be tailored to specific needs, such as sleep, energy, or focus.
As the legal landscape evolves, Kiva is poised to lead the next wave of innovation in the cannabis industry. We are excited to see what they come up with next and will continue to feature their latest creations on our new arrivals page and in our dispensaries.
Frequently Asked Questions About Kiva Confections
What is the standard dose for a Kiva edible?
The standard serving size for most cannabis edibles in California is 10mg of THC. Kiva’s products are clearly scored and labeled to make it easy to consume a single serving. For beginners, it is recommended to start with a lower dose, such as 2.5mg or 5mg, and wait at least 90 minutes to gauge the effects. You can find a variety of low-dose options on our edibles menu.
Are Kiva products vegan?
Many of Kiva’s products are vegan, including their Camino and Lost Farm gummies. However, their classic chocolate bars contain dairy. Kiva is committed to expanding their vegan offerings and provides detailed ingredient information on their packaging and website. Our budtenders at KindPeoples can help you find the perfect vegan edible.
What is the difference between an edible high and a smoking high?
The effects of edibles are typically more intense and longer-lasting than the effects of smoking or vaping. This is because when you ingest THC, it is metabolized by the liver and converted into 11-hydroxy-THC, a more potent compound. This is why it is so important to “start low and go slow” with edibles. Explore our vape selection for a different experience.
How should I store my Kiva edibles?
Kiva edibles should be stored in a cool, dark, and dry place to preserve their freshness and potency. Chocolate products are prone to melting, so it’s especially important to keep them away from heat. Always keep cannabis products in their child-resistant packaging and out of the reach of children and pets. Find storage solutions on our accessories page.
What are some other high-quality edible brands?
If you appreciate the quality and innovation of Kiva, you might also enjoy other top-tier edible brands like Wyld, known for their real-fruit-infused gummies, and Kanha, another brand celebrated for its consistent and delicious products. You can find these and other premium brands on our brand pages.
What does ‘solventless’ mean?
‘Solventless’ refers to an extraction method that does not use any chemical solvents like butane or CO2. Instead, it uses mechanical methods, like pressure and temperature, or physical methods, like ice water agitation, to separate the cannabinoids and terpenes from the plant material. This is considered a very clean and natural way to create cannabis concentrates. You can explore more solventless options on our rosin page.
What are minor cannabinoids like CBN and THCV?
CBN (Cannabinol) and THCV (Tetrahydrocannabivarin) are two of the many “minor” cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant. CBN is often associated with sedative effects and is popular for sleep, while THCV is known for its appetite-suppressing and energizing properties. Kiva masterfully incorporates these cannabinoids into products like their Camino gummies to create targeted effects. You can learn more about cannabinoids on our blog.
Conclusion: A Legacy of Trust and a Future of Innovation
For 15 years, Kiva Confections has been more than just an edibles company; they have been a standard-bearer for the entire cannabis industry. Their unwavering commitment to quality, safety, and innovation has transformed the way we think about and consume cannabis. From their iconic chocolate bars to their effects-based gummies, Kiva continues to lead the way, crafting products that are as delicious as they are reliable. We are honored to partner with a brand that shares our values and are thrilled to celebrate their 15th anniversary. Visit Highway Cannabis and KindPeoples to explore the full Kiva collection and raise a chocolate bar to 15 years of excellence.
