With the growing trend of CBD-infused drinks, the industry has the potential to grow up to $200 million by 2022. CBD can help with sleep and stress disorders, joint pain, seizures, and many other health conditions.
The Farm Bill of 2108 opened the doors to the use of cannabidiol in various forms in a variety of products. Even though reports and clinical trials are still underway to prove the efficacy of CBD, skeptics wonder if CBD-infused foods and drinks are a panacea or just a hype.
We will clear some myths and misconceptions about the use of CBD in foods and drinks.
CBD-infused drinks can be considered as a natural alternative to alcohol, opioids, and sugary drinks. CBD-containing drinks are non-addictive and not intoxicating. However, they have the ability to produce a “feel good” effect.
The CBD industry is gaining popularity amongst the vegan and gluten-free consumers and health-conscious Gen Z generation. CBD can be added to herbal teas, coffee, flavored waters, soda, cocktails, kombucha, or seltzer.
How are CBD-infused drinks made?
CBD-infused beverages are effective because of their greater bioavailability in a water base. These drinks help you relax, de-stress and sleep without the hangover you may get from alcoholic beverages. The general perception is that a few drops of CBD oils are stirred into drinks, but CBD drinks are put together differently on a large scale.
Water-soluble CBD is water with CBD dissolved in it effectively. Oil-based CBD is a hydrophobic substance; to make it hydrophilic or water-soluble, it has to go through a unique process. This process involves dissolving CBD isolate into a carrier oil with natural color and no flavor and then applying nanotechnology to create nanoscopic droplets from CBD oil. Adding nano-emulsions in drinks increases not only solubility but also shelf life.
The CBD molecules in these droplets become broken down into extremely tiny particles. These particles allow CBD to dissolve entirely and bind together with water molecules. It then becomes a hydrophilic substance which increases the bioavailability of ingested CBD. Emulsifying agents are added to increase cannabinoid’s water-solubility, stability, and bioavailability in water-based CBD products.
What types of CBD drinks are available?
Several CBD-infused drinks may help boost energy, increase concentration and provide relief from pain.
- CBD water created for relaxation contains water soluble CBD mixed with ingredients such as chamomile, passionflower, and valerian root. Endo Water is a brand that contains preservative-free, flavored water infused with CBD and no added sugar. Flavors like watermelon, cucumber, and lemon/lime help you hydrate and refresh yourself.
Recess is another CBD sparkling water brand available in three flavors containing 10mg CBD in each can.
CBD-infused sparkling refreshers provide the delight of a cocktail without its undesirable effects. Flavors include rosemary grapefruit, lavender orange, to cayenne citron.
- CBD Hemp Soda: This line of adult sodas with flavors like ‘High Tide Honeydew Melon,” “Cartoon cereal crunch,” and “Orange Cream” will make
you feel like a kid again. A popular CBD canned beverage Vybes has 25mg CDB per can.
- Cold Brews: These are great for people that experience nervousness, anxiety, and jittery in the morning and need caffeine to start their day. CBD-infused tea and coffee help achieve morning balance, boost energy that helps increase brain function as it eliminates the adverse effects of over-caffeinating. Buddha Teas and Kickback ColdBrew are brands famous for water-soluble CBD-infused brews.
- CBD cocktails: Alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks are infused with CBD oils and tinctures. CBD-infused wine, spirits, and cocktails are perfect for parties or sharing with family and friends.
Sprig, a gluten-free, low-cal seltzer brand, ideal for people on the go; you can drink this one even while driving.
- Kombucha: Kombucha-CBD is a naturally carbonated drink made from tea and combines soluble CBD for added health benefits. This combination seems to be good for its probiotic, antioxidant, and calming properties. It helps improve digestion and boosts immunity.
Here are 3 CBD-infused drink recipes you can try at home:
- CBD-infused Smoothie: A healthy way to start the day or post-workout replenishment, CBD smoothies are precisely what you want. Combine one cup blueberries, half cup Greek yogurt, 1tbsp sweetener, CBD oil, and ¼ cup Cranberry juice in a blender until smooth. Serve chilled and enjoy!
- CBD mocktail: Combine 3oz. Cranberry juice, with ¾ oz. of fresh lime and orange juice, and add ¼ oz. CBD tincture (orangeor berry flavor) with ice. Shake briskly and strain into a glass. Garnish with an orange twist, and enjoy!
- CBD Latte: The CBD coffee craze seems to be catching up, and what a way to start the day than with this simple CBD-infused Latte recipe. Brew 1-2 scoops of your favorite ground coffee, pour in the milk and your preferred choice of sweetener. Add CBD oil and whisk ingredients until warm. Refrigerate or add ice if you like cold.
How safe are CBD-infused drinks?
CBD is a relatively safe, non-intoxicating product which is being widely used in food supplements, drinks, and in many other forms for health benefits. CBD extracted from organic industrial hemp is free from THC, the psychoactive cannabidiol that produces a ‘high.’
The most common side effects include fatigue, diarrhea, and disturbed appetite. CBD is considered safe for children too. However, pregnant and lactating women should consult a doctor before using CBD in any form. For people on other medications, CBD can cause drug interactions.
With laws and regulations around the use and distribution of cannabinoids evolves, the food and beverage companies are taking full benefit of this opportunity. CBD additives in water, drinks, and beverages are being used for recreational and therapeutic benefits.
The medicinal effect of CBD is enhanced in its water-soluble state and includes chronic pain management, migraines, schizophrenia, epilepsy, and many other conditions. CBD-infused caffeinated drinks can produce a soothing effect minus the addiction. Digestive problems, sleep disturbances, and some forms of cancers can also be treated with CBD combined with prescription drugs.
The CBD industry has come a long way since its legalization, CBD-infused drinks, and the expanding food industry. There are many innovative ways of taking CBD being experimented with and have become very popular amongst the young generation. It is a healthy and non-addictive option, low carb and vegan, attracting consumers from all ethnicities and preferences.