Are CBD drinks just a fad, or do they actually have therapeutic or recreational benefits?
As with any newly-popular product, this is a question that needs asking — and answering.
In this article, we’ll explore what CBD drinks are, how they make you feel, and what benefits they can offer to you.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- Research suggests that CBD-infused drinks may promote sleep and have benefits for people with anxiety and pain. While more studies are needed, anecdotal evidence shows that generally, CBD drinks may help you stay mentally and physically balanced.
- The specific effects of CBD drinks vary depending on the amount and type of CBD used.
- CBD drinks are somewhere between CBD oil and CBD edibles in terms of bioavailability and benefit. This is because, in the process of drinking a CBD beverage, absorb some percentage of it into your mouth before swallowing it.
No hangover, just relaxation. Discover our collection of lab-tested, high-strength, American-made CBD and THC drinks. Teas, sodas, seltzers, and more.
What are CBD Drinks?
CBD drinks are simply drinks with CBD added to them. They come in many forms, including teas, sodas, seltzers, sparkling waters, and more.
CBD-infused drinks are a great way to relax. They combine the familiar flavors of your favorite drinks with the benefits of the hemp plant.
They’re a healthier alternative to alcoholic drinks and are (we hope) just as socially acceptable. You also don’t have to worry about getting a hangover the next morning.
What Are the Effects of CBD Drinks?
Generally, CBD drinks help you stay mentally and physically balanced. The effects of CBD drinks include feelings of calm and relaxation in both the mind and body, as well as feelings of mental clarity.
However, the effects of a specific beverage will vary depending on two factors:
- Whether the drink contains other cannabinoids in addition to CBD
- How many milligrams (mg) of CBD are in a given drink
Let’s explore the effects of different types of CBD drinks.
CBD Drink Effects Based on Cannabinoid Blend
- Full-spectrum CBD drinks contain CBD and other cannabinoids, including CBG, CBN, CBC, and THC. Some blends may also include terpenes. Full-spectrum drinks don’t contain enough THC to get you high, instead, the combined effect of all the cannabinoids amplifies the benefits of CBD — this phenomenon is called the entourage effect.
- Broad-spectrum CBD drinks are the same as full-spectrum CBD but without the THC. Broad-spectrum drinks offer a more limited version of the entourage effect but without the therapeutic benefits of THC — perfect if you had to undergo drug testing and don’t want THC in your system.
- CBD isolate drinks only contain CBD. While isolate drinks aren’t as beneficial (both therapeutically and recreationally) as full-spectrum or broad-spectrum drinks, they offer a way to enjoy the benefits of CBD without wondering about what effects other cannabinoids have.
Adverse Side Effects of CBD Drinks
Most CBD drink effects are positive, but there are a few negative side effects of CBD:
- Dry mouth
- Drowsiness
- Diarrhea
- Reduced appetite
- Fatigue
To avoid these side effects, stick to lower-strength CBD drinks when you’re starting out. Or, split the drink with a friend if it has a lot of CBD (e.g. 100mg).
CBD Drink Effects Based On Strength
The most common strengths of CBD drinks are 10mg, 15mg, 25mg, and 50mg per unit (can, bottle, etc.).
In addition to considering the general effects of CBD drinks, it can be helpful to think about the effects that different common strengths of CBD drinks will have:
15 mg CBD Drink Effects
Drinks containing 10-15 mg of CBD will render mild mental and physical calming effects and are great for general wellness, mood management, and relaxing while hanging out with friends. you’re hanging out with friends and want to relax.
25 mg CBD Drink Effects
Drinks that contain about 25 mg of CBD will render moderate mental and physical relaxation. These drinks are the best fit if you’re using CBD to deal with stress or anxiety.
50 mg CBD Drink Effects
Drinks with 50 mg offer strong relaxation for the mind and body. They’re the best fit if you’re using CBD for pain, inflammation, or other situations that require much higher dosages of CBD.
If you’re looking for more information about how much CBD you should take, we made a CBD dosage chart and guide based on weight and condition.
How Do CBD Drinks Work?
CBD drinks aren’t just delicious: they’re just as beneficial as other CBD products. The CBD in drinks is just as beneficial as the CBD in edibles.
CBD renders benefits by supporting your endocannabinoid system, a transmitter system in your body responsible for regulating the sleep-wake cycle, inflammatory response, mood, memory, and more.
When you consume CBD in any form, you help your endocannabinoid system keep your bodily functions in a state of balance — a healthy inflammatory and pain response, a normal sleep-wake cycle, a calm mind, and so on.
That’s how CBD helps. But it’s important to understand how different types of products deliver CBD to the body.
Bioavailability: Why CBD Drinks Are So Effective
The critical concept here is bioavailability.
Bioavailability is a measure of the percentage of the substance you consume that is able to act on your body.
The most bioavailable CBD product is water-soluble CBD, which is made of tiny particles of CBD that easily dissolve in water and circulate throughout the body.
Smokable products are on a similar level of bioavailability as water-soluble ones.
The second-most bioavailable product is CBD oil, because it’s absorbed under the tongue and goes straight to the bloodstream, thereby skipping the digestive system, which reduces bioavailability.
Digestible products, such as edibles and capsules, are the least bioavailable of all, though they are still beneficial.
CBD drinks are somewhere between CBD oil and CBD edibles in terms of bioavailability. This is because, in the process of drinking a CBD beverage, absorb some percentage of it into your mouth before swallowing it.
So not only are CBD drinks convenient: they’re just as effective, if not more effective, than CBD edibles and capsules!
What are the Benefits of CBD Drinks?
CBD drinks are most commonly used for relaxation, but CBD also has many therapeutic benefits. Here are the main ones:
- Pain & Inflammation – Scientific and anecdotal evidence suggests that CBD has pain-killing effects and anti-inflammatory effects. CBD is commonly used for tendonitis, neuropathy, joint pain, gout, and more. Though it isn’t an FDA-approved treatment, scientists state that it has a lot of therapeutic potential.
- Sleep – CBD’s ability to promote mental and physical relaxation without causing a high makes it very effective for sleep support. Research suggests that CBD may help improve sleep time and decrease the time it takes to fall asleep.
- Stress & Anxiety – Research and firsthand experience indicate that CBD’s calming effects make it ideal for supporting mental health and addressing stress and anxiety.
As you can tell, drinking a CBD beverage isn’t just fun — it’s a great way to support mental and physical health, and it has practical applications in your wellness routine.
Whether you’re trying to sleep better, stress less, or support mobility and comfort, CBD drinks can help you achieve the quality of life you deserve!
CBD Drink Buying Tips
The unregulated nature of the CBD industry means that it can sometimes be hard to find high-quality products.
That means you have to be a careful shopper. Keep these things in mind when deciding which CBD drink to buy:
Check the Ingredients List for CBD
Look for brands that are transparent about how much CBD is in their products. Before buying a drink, check to ensure it actually does contain CBD, and if so, how much.
Check the Amount of CBD Per Serving
Some drinks are meant to be split or consumed in multiple sittings. Ensure you understand how many servings are in a drink, and how much CBD (or THC or other cannabinoids) are in each serving.
Know the THC Content
As we mentioned before, full-spectrum CBD drinks contain THC in addition to CBD. Other drinks combine larger amounts of THC with CBD, often such that there are equal amounts of each cannabinoid.
If you’re looking for a psychoactive effect, this is great. But if you’re not trying to get high, ensure your steer clear of THC-dominant drinks.
Additionally, if drug testing is a concern for you, make sure to choose a drink that’s made with either broad-spectrum CBD or CBD isolate.
Check 3rd-Party Lab Reports
Check 3rd-party lab reports for products to ensure they contain as much CBD as they claim to on their packaging. If you’re buying a beverage without THC, ensure that the report shows no THC.
Conclusion: CBD Drinks Are Both Fun and Beneficial
CBD drinks are a great way to relax, and they’re a delicious method of taking CBD for its therapeutic benefits.
If you’re ready to start exploring drink options, our CBD seltzer water is a great place to start. Our, check out our entire selection of CBD drinks. We carry brands like Stoned Tea, Sati Soda, Mixer Elixir, and more — and everything is 3rd-party lab-tested to ensure quality (and of course, in-house-taste-tasted).
Or, if you want to learn more about how to make your own CBD drinks with water-soluble CBD, click here.
CBD Drink Effects: Frequently Asked Questions
We frequently get asked these questions about CBD drinks:
How does a CBD drink make you feel?
Drinking CBD-infused drinks can help promote mental and physical balance, helping you relax while also addressing discomfort. Most people say CBD helps them with anxiety, stress, pain, and mood management.
How strong are CBD drinks?
CBD drinks are just as potent, if not more potent, as other CBD products. Most CBD drinks contain 10-30mg of CBD, which is a light to medium dose for most people. More powerful drinks contain lots more CBD (100mg, 200mg, etc.), or combine CBD with THC.
Does CBD feel like alcohol?
CBD does not have alcohol-like effects. Though CBD promotes mental and physical calming and relaxation, it won’t cause you to feel drunk or buzzed. Nor will CBD cause mental impairment, slurred speech, and other negative effects associated with excessive alcohol consumption.
Can CBD drinks cause anxiety?
A CBD-infused beverage won’t typically cause anxiety, however, drinks that also contain THC may cause anxiety-like effects for some people.
Are CBD drinks calming?
Yes, CBD drinks will promote feelings of calm and relaxation. This makes them perfect for stress and anxiety, as well as mood.
How long does it take to feel a CBD drink?
When you drink a CBD beverage, you have to digest it before it can begin to act. Because of this, you’ll typically feel the effects of the CBD kick in within 30-45 minutes of consuming your beverage.
How many CBD drinks should you drink?
The number of CBD drinks you should have depends on your CBD tolerance and the amount of CBD in each drink. Most drinks have between 10-30mg of CBD, so for new CBD users, just one drink is plenty for optimal benefits. More experienced users could consume more CBD drinks, though.
Do CBD drinks get you buzzed?
No, CBD drinks won’t cause you to get buzzed as alcohol does. Instead, CBD drinks promote calm and relaxation in both the body and mind.
