Cannabidiol, or CBD, has been hot for a while now, making its way into everything from CBD teas to a variety of CBD coffee brands. 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-infused drinks below, from CBD cocktails to CBD water, so you can work your relaxation into your daily routine no matter where you are.
Flyers Cocktail Company
Boldest Flavors
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.”
Cann
Most Popular
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.
Riseau
Most Healthy
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.
Mad Tasty
Best Celeb Version
Founded by OneRepublic’s Ryan Tedder, Mad Tasty is a low-calorie and hydrating CBD beverage. Each can of Mad Tasty contains 2 0mg 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.
Amass
Best Botanical Version
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.
Recess
Best Aesthetic
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).
Miraflora
Most Sporty
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 milligrams per kilogram of body weight. This means that a 150-pound person would need to consume over 225,000 milligrams 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.
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.
Editors' Recommendations
- These are the 9 best alkaline water options to drink this summer
- The best drinking card games to beat the summer heat and boredom
- The 5 most relaxing and energizing CBD tea brands
- The best beverage coolers for chilling your beer, wine, and soda in 2023
- The 10 best Japanese knives: Upgrade your cooking tools
