Norwood, Mass.-based MariMed Inc., a multi-state cannabis operator focused on health and wellness, announced a collaboration with the Boston ice cream brand Emack & Bolio’s. The two companies will create a line-up of cannabis-infused vegan and dairy ice cream in outrageous flavors. The ice cream will contain MariMed’s superior formulations that include the same full spectrum of natural cannabinoids and terpenes from whole plants as are used in MariMed’s brands, the company says.

According to MariMed, this innovative new category of cannabis products is expected to debut in Massachusetts this year, followed by launches in other legal cannabis markets.

“Ice cream and cannabis would seem like a natural pairing, but deciding to launch this product line now — particularly with the inclusion of vegan SKUs — was driven by the consumer insights that our R&D team is always studying to identify trends that can drive our innovation,” says Ryan Crandell, chief products officer and senior vice president of sales for MariMed.

Crandall points to market intelligence company Mordor Intelligence, whose recent study determined that the anticipated 3% growth in the ice cream market over the next four years will be driven by “better for you” product options made of natural flavors, natural sweeteners and handcrafted ice cream.

“This partnership is gonna rock,” says Bob Rook, CEO and creator of Emack & Bolio’s. “The combination of our unique flavors with MariMed’s cannabis expertise is a natural.”