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When you walk down the aisles of your local grocery store, you’re bound to see several products infused with cannabidiol (CBD). Unlike its psychoactive cousin, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), CBD doesn’t make the user high and is much more accessible. Many people turn to CBD drinks and their potential calming ingredients to tackle the stress and anxiety of daily life.
CBD has now found its way into everything from gummies and chocolates to lotions and drinks — but do CBD products work? Many brands tout the health benefits of CBD-infused drinks, but the science is still trickling in. As this sector evolves, drink brands must understand the benefits and limitations of CBD-infused drinks, including whether they work on conditions like anxiety and what ingredients help make the best CBD drinks for anxiety.
What Are CBD Drinks?
CBD drinks are beverages that contain cannabidiol, a chemical derived from cannabis and hemp. They’re often ready to drink (RTD) and can include options like coffee, flavored water, seltzers and juices. Most people use CBD to reduce stress or relax, but pain relief and improved sleep are almost as common.
With such a strong focus on fighting anxiety, many CBD drinks contain additional ingredients to promote calming effects, such as adaptogens and amino acids. Adaptogens, like ashwagandha and ginseng, are ingredients from plants and mushrooms that could help your body better handle anxiety, stress and fatigue. Some amino acids are also purported to have calming effects, like L-Theanine and L-Tryptophan.
Some of the reasons people turn to CBD drinks to help their anxiety include:
- A familiar entry to CBD: You can find CBD in many forms, but a CBD-infused drink offers a non-intimidating entry point for people new to the product. For some users, a CBD tincture feels like a medication or something they must educate themselves on before using. CBD tinctures can also be expensive, but a drink offers an easy, low-cost and familiar way to experience CBD.
- Convenience: CBD drinks in the RTD space allow customers to get the ingredients in a convenient grab-and-go format. They might also offer convenience by combining multiple stress-fighting ingredients in one product.
- Alcohol alternatives: Some people choose to use CBD drinks as an alternative to alcohol. Because people often drink alcohol to relax, CBD drinks have emerged as a potential alternative that may be safer for some users. The taste of CBD can even provide a bold, unique flavor to replace the hoppiness of many alcoholic drinks.
- Ease of access: Many people use THC to ease anxiety, but it can be hard to get. Even if it’s legal in one’s state, they may need to travel to find a reputable dispensary. CBD drinks might offer similar calming benefits in a more convenient way.
CBD vs. THC Drinks
Both THC and CBD are components found in cannabis and hemp, and they may be calming or sedating. While THC is known for being psychoactive and giving the user a high, CBD isn’t psychoactive and allows you to stay sober. These differing effects contribute to CBD’s wider availability.
Hemp farming is legal across the United States. Although it’s federally illegal to market CBD by adding it to food or labeling it a dietary supplement, many states have their own laws about CBD products that allow for widespread sales. You can now find CBD drinks in grocery stores and gas stations. In comparison, THC drinks are typically limited to licensed dispensaries in legal jurisdictions.
One challenge that faces the CBD market is the public’s knowledge of CBD and THC. One poll found that 68% of people who hadn’t tried CBD didn’t know the difference between the two compounds. Still, over a third of people who had tried CBD didn’t know the difference, either. Since THC is more complex from legal and health perspectives, improving consumer awareness could be a significant breakthrough for the industry. If more users understand that CBD won’t make them high, they may be likelier to try it.
The Science Behind CBD-Infused Drink Effects
While the evidence is still emerging, research has suggested positive results from CBD for certain conditions, including anxiety and sleep disorders. We still need more rigorous studies, but some experts feel that the risk associated with CBD drinks is small, mostly because they typically contain low doses. Still, users should always share their CBD use with their doctors to avoid interactions with medications or certain conditions. Other possible side effects include drowsiness and fatigue.
Keep in mind that many variables can impact CBD’s effectiveness, such as its formulation and delivery method. It’s also been difficult to study due to CBD’s lack of regulation. Some products may have significantly different amounts or types of CBD than stated on the label.
CBD is typically found in one of three forms:
- Full-spectrum CBD: Full-spectrum CBD includes all of the compounds in hemp, including trace amounts of THC. These products should never have more than .3% THC, which is likely insufficient to cause a high.
- Broad-spectrum CBD: This variety of CBD includes most of the additional compounds in the plant but omits THC.
- CBD isolate: CBD isolate removes all additional compounds, leaving pure CBD and no trace of THC.
Although full- and broad-spectrum CBD may include more potentially helpful components, CBD isolate offers a cleaner flavor profile and avoids the question of whether the product contains illegal amounts of THC. Unsurprisingly, CBD isolate is the variety commonly used in calming drinks. It’s easier to cover up and simplifies distribution requirements.
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Do CBD Drinks Work on Anxiety?
The science isn’t there yet to say definitely whether CBD drinks help anxiety symptoms. CBD drinks aren’t a substitute for professional care for moderate or severe anxiety disorders, but their potential to promote relaxation could help relieve mild symptoms and everyday stressors. Additional ingredients like adaptogens and amino acids can contribute to the effects of these calming drinks for anxiety.
Even without a definitive answer, CBD drinks are booming and make a big difference for many users. As research advances and we learn more about CBD, the drink market will likely evolve with new technologies and ways to maximize CBD’s effects.
Get Started on Your CBD Beverage Idea
Despite the ongoing research, CBD drinks still have a big place in the beverage landscape. If you have an idea for a CBD drink, the team at MyDrink is here to help.
Working with CBD can be complex, as you must navigate a changing regulatory landscape and emerging research. Our experienced team understands this unique sector and can provide the resources, knowledge and insights that new brands need to thrive in this space.
Turn your drink idea into a reality with MyDrink. Get in touch with us today to learn more and see how we can help!
