Cannabidiol, or CBD, has been hot for a while now, making its way into everything from teas with CBD to a variety of coffee brands with CBD. If you're wondering "what is CBD?" — it's a naturally occurring compound present in cannabis plants. According to the World Health Organization, it's not addictive, has a solid safety profile, and won't get you high. In clinical trials, it's been effective in the treatment of epilepsy and shows promise in treating a number of other conditions.
In addition to CBD-infused water, tea, soda, and seltzer, another growing trend is CBD-infused nonalcoholic spirits and cocktails. The adult beverage market is flooded with CBD products promising to help you relax, sleep, destress, and mellow out, all without the hangover you'd get from booze (CBD is considered a controlled substance and can't be legally added to booze, at least not yet). We've rounded up a few of our favorite CBD drinks below, from CBD cocktails to CBD water, so you can work your relaxation into your daily routine no matter where you are.
Boldest flavors
Flyers Cocktail Company
Flyers Cocktail Co. is a New York-based beverage startup founded by Aussie cannabis enthusiasts Damon Gorrie, Craig Lewie, and Miles Mckirdy, in collaboration with award-winning mixologist Ivy Mix.
Unlike some cannabis beverages in the marketplace, Flyers is all about enhancing the flavors of CBD with bold flavors like Japanese yuzu citrus or oak. “Cocktails have always been an expression of melding flavors,” Chief Flavor Officer Ivy Mix explained. “Cannabis is not your typical ingredient — most people try to mask the strong herbaceous hemp notes. At Flyers, we use cannabis’ unique bitter and bold notes to unlock a whole new world of cocktails.”
Most popular
Cann
As the No. 1 bestselling THC-infused beverage in California, Cann is the beverage of choice for countless fans. One sip and it's easy to see why this light and refreshing beverage has been endorsed by celebrities like Kate Hudson, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Rebel Wilson. Note: Cann does contain THC (2 mg THC and 4 mg CBD).
Cann is currently available in California, Illinois, Massachusetts, Nevada, and Rhode Island. For those who don't want the CBD or THC in your drinks, Cann has an Unspiked line that contains the same tasty flavors without the THC or CBD.
Most healthy
RisEau
With only 5 calories, natural fruit flavors, and zero artificial sweeteners, RisEau is an excellent choice for those seeking a relaxing beverage that's a great replacement for high-calorie canned alcoholic cocktails. Currently, the Chicago-based company has three flavors: Blood Orange, Hibiscus Berry, and Lime & Ginger. The flavors are bold, all balanced with the natural calming effect of the 20 mg of CBD in each can.
Best celeb version
Mad Tasty
Founded by OneRepublic’s Ryan Tedder, Mad Tasty is a low-calorie and hydrating CBD beverage. Each can of Mad Tasty contains 20 mg of broad-spectrum hemp extract along with zero sugar, making this beverage ideal for relaxation and hydration. Mad Tasty comes in fun flavors like Unicorn Tears, Watermelon Kiwi, and Yuzu Citrus.
Best botanical version
Amass
Amass, a botanical beverage and personal care product company, has created a new premium cannabis-infused spirit in Afterdream. This shelf-stable, premium nonalcoholic spirit contains 3.5 mg THC, 3.5 mg CBD, and 3.5 mg Delta-8 per serving, and is blended using 14 botanicals and 8 terpenes.
The end result? A mellow, chill spirit that simulates the effects of a strong cocktail without the alcohol. Amass recommends starting with one 1.5-ounce serving on the rocks or mixed with seltzer or tonic water. Afterdream is also great combined with a variety of cocktails. For the full effects, wait about 20 to 40 minutes after consuming to feel the buzz.
Best aesthetic
Recess
With its clean, beautifully designed cans, Recess is one of the most popular brands of CBD-infused beverages in the marketplace. What makes Recess stand out is its refreshing drinkability and dynamic flavors, such as Pomegranate Hibiscus and Coconut Lime.
Besides broad-spectrum hemp, Recess also contains American ginseng and L-theanine, ingredients curated for relaxation. Recess is also on the lighter end for CBD content (10 mg of CBD per can).
Most accessible
Five Sipz CBD-Infused Craft Seltzer
Shipping to all 50 states, Five CBD’s Sipz infused CBD seltzer comes in several delicious flavors, including black cherry, guava passionfruit, and grapefruit. While you can choose individualized six-packs, which include only one flavor of your choice, you can also opt for a variety pack that includes all of those refreshing flavors.
You get 2 mg of THC and 2 mg of CBD per can for a perfectly relaxed buzz that won’t leave you feeling hungover. It’s a non-alcoholic beverage that “you can actually feel” without some of the unintended consequences. Each can is just 40 calories so you can indulge even if you’re on a low-calorie diet. Effects take about fifteen minutes to kick in, need we say drink responsibly? With a one-time purchase, a six-pack is $29, but if you subscribe — with a delivery every week — you’ll save up to 20%. That brings the price of a single shipment down to $24 for a six-pack. Of course, free shipping is available for your first order.
Best psychotropic
Vena Happy Place THC Infused Seltzer
With Vena’s Happy Place THC craft seltzers you get a “blissful buzz” without the hangover, like you would when imbibing alcoholic beverages. Created by Real Housewives star Tamra Judge, the feel-good vibes stick around for a bit, take about fifteen minutes to kick in, but also, there’s a lot to love about these beverages. Starting at just 40 calories per can, you can reasonably drink without ruining your diet or calorie counting. Compared to alcoholic seltzers, wine, beer, and margaritas, Vena’s Happy Place drinks have far fewer calories.
They come in three delicious flavors: black cherry, grapefruit, and guava passionfruit. You can also order variety packs that include all three flavors. Each can offers 2 mg of THC and 2 mg of CBD, enough to feel the effects but not enough to ruin your evening or the days after. One can will have you feeling refreshed and relaxed, two will give you a buzzed and bubbly feeling, and three will provide elevated enjoyment. You can buy them online and have them shipped anywhere in the United States. A one-time purchase is $29 for a six-pack, but if you subscribe — with monthly shipments — you’ll pay just $23. Your first order will be shipped free.
Most sporty
Miraflora
Besides cocktails and seltzers, CBD has also found its way into sports drinks. Miraflora, a Colorado brand, is a great example of this trend. Containing 35 mg of CBD,
Miraflora also has plenty of great perks like electrolytes and antioxidants, all combined with low sugar and carbs. Made with thirst-quenching coconut water, this sports drink is perfect for enjoying after a strenuous workout or outdoor activity.
Frequently Asked Questions
CBD, or cannabidiol, is a compound found in the cannabis plant. It is one of the many cannabinoids that are found in cannabis, and it is the second most abundant cannabinoid. CBD is not psychoactive, meaning it does not produce the "high" associated with THC, the other prominent cannabinoid in cannabis. CBD has been shown to have many potential health benefits, including:
- Reduce anxiety and stress: CBD may help to reduce anxiety and stress by interacting with the body's endocannabinoid system. The endocannabinoid system is a network of receptors that helps regulate various functions, including mood, sleep, and appetite.
- Relieve pain: CBD may help to relieve pain by reducing inflammation and stimulating the release of endorphins, the body's natural painkillers.
- Improve sleep: CBD may help to improve sleep by reducing anxiety and promoting relaxation.
- Reduce inflammation: CBD may help to reduce inflammation by interacting with the body's endocannabinoid system. Inflammation is a process that can contribute to some health problems, including pain, heart disease, and cancer.
- Treat epilepsy: CBD may be effective in treating some forms of epilepsy, including Lennox-Gastaut syndrome and Dravet syndrome.
- Reduce acne: CBD may help to reduce acne by reducing inflammation and sebum production. Sebum is an oily substance that can clog pores and lead to acne.
- Protect against cancer: CBD may help to protect against cancer by killing cancer cells and preventing the growth of new cancer cells.
CBD is generally considered safe, but it is important to note that it can interact with certain medications. If you are taking any medications, talking to your doctor before taking CBD is critical.
CBD is available in various forms, including oil, capsules, gummies, and topical creams. The best way to take CBD depends on your needs and preferences. If you are considering trying CBD, it is essential to do your research and find a reputable source. Many CBD products are on the market, and not all are created equal. It is vital to choose a product that has been tested for quality and purity. CBD is a promising new compound with many potential health benefits. However, more research is needed to understand its effects fully.
Yes, it is possible to take too much CBD. However, it is very difficult to do so. The LD50 (the dose at which half of the test subjects die) for CBD is estimated to be around 1,500 mg per kilogram of body weight. This means that a 150-pound person would need to consume over 225,000 mg of CBD in a single dose to overdose.
In reality, most people who take CBD experience few or no side effects at all. Some people may experience mild side effects, such as drowsiness, dry mouth, or nausea. These side effects are usually temporary and go away on their own.
If you experience any side effects after taking CBD, it is important to stop taking it and talk to your doctor.
Here are some tips for avoiding taking too much CBD:
- Start with a low dose and gradually increase it until you find the amount that works best for you.
- Don't take more than the recommended dose.
- Be aware of the potential side effects of CBD and stop taking it if you experience any.
- Talk to your doctor before taking CBD if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking any medications.
- CBD is a safe and effective compound for most people. However, it is important to start with a low dose and gradually increase it until you find the amount that works best for you. It is also important to be aware of the potential side effects of CBD and stop taking it if you experience any.
Besides some of the things mentioned above when answering the question about whether CBD is good for you, here are additional uses for CBD:
- Chronic pain: Taking CBD may help reduce pain caused by some conditions, such as arthritis, chronic back pain, and cancer pain.
- Depression: Studies are taking place to learn the protentional of CBD to treat depression. Some studies show that it may help reduce symptoms of depression, but more research is needed.
- Neurodegenerative diseases: CBD is being studied for its potential to treat neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease. Currently, some studies tell us that CBD may help protect neurons and improve cognitive function in people with these diseases.
- Improved heart health: CBD may help lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels. This could help reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke.
- Improved skin health: Taking CBD may help reduce acne, eczema, and psoriasis.
- Reduced nausea and vomiting: Those who experience vomiting and nausea from chemotherapy or other medical treatments can take CBD to possibly help reduce these side effects.
- Improved appetite: For those who have conditions like cancer and HIV/AIDS, CBD may help improve appetite.
The length of time CBD stays in your system depends on a number of factors, including:
- The amount of CBD you take: The more CBD you take, the longer it stays in your system.
- The method of administration: CBD absorbs into the bloodstream differently depending on how you take it. For example, if you take CBD oil under the tongue, it absorbs more quickly than if you swallow CBD capsules whole.
- Your body's metabolism: People with faster metabolisms tend to eliminate CBD from their systems more quickly than people with slower metabolisms.
- Your individual body chemistry: Everyone's body is different, so how long CBD stays in your system may vary from person to person.
In general, the half-life of CBD is about six hours. This means it takes six hours for the body to eliminate half of the CBD from your system. So, if you take a 100 mg, it’ll take about 36 hours for your body to eliminate all of the CBD.
Here are some additional things to keep in mind about how long CBD lasts:
- CBD can be detected in your urine for up to five days after you take it. This is because CBD is fat-soluble and can be stored in your body's fat cells.
- If you’re taking other medications, CBD may interact with them. It’s important to talk to your doctor about any medications you're taking before you start using CBD.
- CBD is not addictive. However, it is possible to develop a tolerance to CBD, which means that you may need to take more of it over time to achieve the same effects.
So whether you're a feeling a little bit high-strung, or just thirsty, now you have a bevy of great beverages to choose from to take on both sensations.
