As CBD products are rapidly becoming ubiquitous in the OTC mainstream market and the number of legal cannabis dispensaries rises across the nation, hemp-derived cannabidiol, CBD, is finding its way into more ingestible products, especially CBD beverages.
Take Me to The Drinks Product Reviews
CBD drinks are common at specialty stores and making their way into grocery and convenience stores. But, since the passing of the 2018 Farm Bill which legalized hemp and hemp derived CBD, it’s just a matter of time before this beverage category of CBD-infused beverages (and cannabis beverages) are as common as any other health-focused soft drinks, juices, and vitamin waters.
When it comes to purchasing CBD beverages, there are a plethora of options. In this post, we will discuss what makes up a good CBD drink. We will also review some of the high-quality products made by our favorite brands. We at CBD School know how difficult it can be find reputable brands which is why our goal is to simplify the process for you!
Any beverage containing CBD can be considered a CBD drink. The trend of CBD-infused drinks is relatively new. However, these products are quickly gaining popularity. infused soda, cocoa, coffee, tea, and energy drinks are becoming a favorite way to consume cannabidiol.
These CBD beverages come in a range of different formulas depending on the amount of CBD per serving or the type of CBD utilized such as full spectrum hemp, broad spectrum hemp extract, CBD-isolate, and nano-encapsulated CBD. Some CBD-infused drinks come in a selection of flavors, while the ones that only contain CBD isolate are virtually tasteless. CBD drinks can be one of the best methods to efficiently ingest the healing properties of cannabinoids.
CBD water is water compounded with an infusion of CBD particles. It is relatively new to the market. CBD water is a good choice for individuals who don’t enjoy the taste of hemp CBD as the method of CBD infusion makes the water tasteless. Aficionados claim that CBD infused water is an expedient way to obtain the healing properties of CBD.
Check out CBD Living Nano Hemp-infused Water listed in this article.
CBD sodas come in two categories: CBD isolate-infused and full spectrum hemp sodas. Those containing isolates are generally made with water-soluble nano-encapsulated CBD. Sodas with full spectrum CBD oil, on the other hand, take on the earthy hemp flavor.
CBD coffee is quite simply coffee that has been infused with CBD isolate (or sometimes full spectrum hemp) during the roasting process. This drink tastes like the real thing and not hemp CBD. Coffee infused with CBD or cold brewed coffee is known to offset the normal side-effects associated with regular coffee, such as insomnia, upset stomach, anxiety, and energy slumps. This beverage category is known to produce a relaxed, highly aware state without the jitters.
Check out Green Roads Hemp-flower coffee mentioned in this article for more information.
Discover: Why You Should Start Making CBD Tea
CBD teas blends hemp extract from the hemp plant or isolate with tea beverages or tea leaves. As with CBD water, these types of tea beverages are generally infused with flavorless nano-encapsulated water-soluble CBD. However, some fans of tea enjoy the natural hemp flavor that comes with full spectrum infusions.
Interestingly, one of the companies on our list, CBD American Shaman, makes sparkling CBD tea.
Energy shots have become quite popular over the past couple decades. Often, CBD shots contain other active ingredients such as caffeine, B vitamins, and herbs.
Nirvana and Tribe, are the two companies in our list of best CBD drinks below that offer CBD shots. This category is convenient and generally come in single serving sizes and a variety of flavors.
CBD energy drinks, like shots, are becoming quite popular. And, like shots, CBD energy drinks contain additional active ingredients such as caffeine, taurine, guarana, ginseng, ginkgo biloba, B vitamins, and l-carnitine.
Joy Organics offers a powdered energy drink mix that can be added to many beverages.
The concept of CBD drinks sounds pretty straightforward, however, the process involved is a little more complex than simply blending CBD tincture into a beverage. Some forward-thinking coffee shops and bars are adding CBD into their beverages at the counter. However, the commercial, mass-produced CBD drinks that are available online and at dispensaries are blended using a more sophisticated process.
It’s a widely known fact that “oil and water don’t mix,” and since many CBD extracts come as oil, it makes sense that beverages and waters produced for mass consumption must be made with easily-dissolvable, water-soluble CBD. With this cutting-edge technology, CBD particles are broken down into microscopic nanodroplets and then encapsulated in an emulsifier which is then easily infused into the liquids.
Another popular form known for high CBD content and bioavailability is CBD isolate which comes in a crystalline form. CBD isolate offers one of the highest bio-availabilities that is linked to how much CBD is absorbed into the bloodstream. CBD drinks can be made using CBD isolate. However, when compared to this crystalline form of CBD, water-soluble CBD is superior for making CBD drinks and CBD water as the product will have a better shelf life. Oils in drinks made with non-soluble CBD will eventually separate from the water.
The only difference between typical CBD drinks and CBD water is the list of ingredients. Along with typical beverage ingredients, CBD drinks, in addition to flavorings, carbonation, colors, and others can sometimes contain herbs or supplements such as kava, passionflower, valerian, chamomile, vitamins, and minerals. These added ingredients help promote relaxation, energy, or other health benefits.
CBD water, on the other hand, is simply water infused with CBD using the aforementioned nanoencapsulation technology.
Step Your Game Up and Learn All About CBD Benefits and Uses Here
The benefits of water-soluble CBD drinks surpass those of oil-based CBD products. That’s because the bioavailability of water-soluble CBD is much higher. Oil-based CBD is often trapped in the body’s fatty tissues, whereas the water-soluble CBD in CBD drinks and CBD water are more readily absorbed into the bloodstream, greatly increasing the onset time and duration of the effects.
More and more healthcare professionals are now coming to believe that CBD has comparable health benefits to many types of modern medicine. This is because research is showing the abundant advantages of CBD. The whole topic is not recent as hemp and its extracts have been used for their health benefits, for thousands of years now.
The human body has the ability to produce its own natural cannabinoids. These molecules regulate and modulate a wide array of bodily functions by interacting with receptors on the surface of cells throughout the body relaying instructions for cells to change their behavior at a cellular level. This system is known as the human endocannabinoid system or ECS1. Technically, the cannabinoids produced by the human body are known as endocannabinoids while those produced in plants, such as hemp, are known as phytocannabinoids. Cannabinoids such as CBD have the ability to mimic some of the effects of our own body’s cannabinoids; thus, imparting many of the same health benefits2.
Because hemp and CBD are now legal in the U.S., more attention is expected to be given to these wonderful ingredients. Large studies are expected to be done on CBD, unveiling more evidence about the benefits of CBD in general. For example, some studies have linked CBD to anticancer properties3.
Enjoying your read? Sign up to be a part of the CBD School community, and we’ll send you a free eBook called The Beginner’s Guide to CBD. It will get you caught up in all things CBD. Additionally, you’ll get updates on the best CBD products and discounts in the industry.
There are a variety of CBD drink products available now on the market; but, you need to know that not all are as transparent in terms of quality and safety as they claim to be.
When choosing a CBD drink, or any other CBD product, it’s imperative to keep the following requirements in mind:
Always choose products from transparent CBD brands that have a guaranteed reputation in the industry. The right manufacturers are dedicated to providing high-quality products. We, at CBD school, make sure we include only these in our lists.
The most reliable products are undoubtedly those that are made using all-natural, non-GMO hemp (produced without genetic engineering) grown in the US4. Using natural ingredients limits the amount of processing required, facilitates the extraction of the final product, and yields a safe product with minimal or no side-effects.
To ensure authenticity and reliability, always choose products that have undergone third-party lab tests and made the results available on their websites. These tests make sure that the cannabinoid levels in the product match those claimed on the product label, and guarantee that there are no heavy metals, molds, or pesticides present in the final product.
Always look at all active (an ingredient that contains CBD) and inactive ingredients on the label to ensure you’re choosing the highest quality CBD product. When possible, choose an all-natural product made without any artificial ingredients.
Look for products with different potencies to meet your specific needs. Certain brands offer a wider selection of different strength products, while others offer only one or two potencies. When making our recommendations, we try to mention brands and products that offer multiple potencies.
We try to include products at various prices to meet the needs of everyone’s budget. When evaluating the price of a product, keep in mind that it varies depending on the strength, serving size, volume, and any added ingredients.
Our exclusive lists try to give you all the information you need to make an informed decision that suits your specific desires and needs.
Try choosing products that are made using clean and safe extraction methods5. There are three common extraction methods when it comes to CBD extraction:
The olive oil method of extraction was the first method of extraction. It is clean and cost-effective and involves heating the raw plant material to a temperature that activates the plant. However, the main issue with this method is that the activated olive oil/CBD mix must be strictly kept in a dark and cool place in order to keep it fresh.
Solvent extraction uses butane, propane, ethanol, isopropyl, or alcohol to extract the CBD from hemp. It is the cheapest and quickest method but is also the most dangerous.
Dissolvable Powder
POTENCY
Each individual pack is 20mg of CBD and come in packs of 30 or 60
HEMP SOURCE
USA GROWN HEMP
ORGANIC
YES
PRICING
$
LAB REPORT
Each pack contains 20mg of CBD isolate and requires no measuring
The powder dissolves quickly and provides an instant CBD beverage
The powder can be dissolved in hot or cold liquid
This product contains zero THC
This CBD-powder is available in two sizes – a 30 pack and a 60 pack
Pros
Dissolves quickly in hot or cold beverages
Each serving contains 20mg of CBD isolate
Available in 30-pack and 60-pack
No THC
Free shipping
Cons
Uses isolate which is good if you can’t have THC in your system, but if you like the entourage effect you would want a product with full-spectrum CBD.
This easy-to-use powder is made from pure CBD-isolate, needs no measuring.
These are flavorless and dissolve quickly in your favorite beverage, whether hot or cold, for an instant CBD infused drink.
Contains zero THC
Each individual package contains 20mg of pure CBD isolate.
This product is available in both 30-pack and 60-pack sizes.
Chocodelic Trip Hot Cocoa
POTENCY
60mg per serving; Comes in 3 and 9 serving packs
HEMP SOURCE
USA GROWN HEMP
ORGANIC
YES
PRICING
$$
LAB REPORT
This product contains 60 mg per serving of hemp derived CBD from quality American hemp
The cocoa is caffeine-free
This product contains adaptogenic mushrooms, known to provide great health benefits.
This CBD beverage is low in sugar
Pros
Blended with potent, healing adaptogen mushrooms
Contains 60 mg per serving
Caffeine-free
Cons
The website makes no mention of the ingredients being organic
Some may not like the taste, but most will!
Chocodelic Trip CBD Hot Cocoa blends 60 mg of CBD derived from the finest American-grown cannabis plants per serving.
Quality Dutch chocolate, vanilla bean, cane sugar, and a combination of powerful adaptogenic synergistic mushrooms.
Other ingredients include Chaga, Reishi, Lion’s Mane, and Cordyceps, also grown in America.
This infused drink comes in two sizes – a 3 serving and a 9 serving package and contains less than 0.3% THC and no caffeine
Hemp Flower Coffee
POTENCY
Between 7mg to 22mg per serving; Can be purchased in a 3-pack bundle, 12 oz 2.5 oz
HEMP SOURCE
USA GROWN HEMP
ORGANIC
YES
PRICING
$$$
LAB REPORT
This coffee is an award-winner
The coffee contains CBD, CBG, and other powerful cannabinoids
This product comes in three delicious flavors
It can be purchased in a 3-pack bundle, or 2.5 and 12 oz packs
If you order more than $50 worth of products, shipping is free
Pros
Contains multiple cannabinoids including CBG
Award-winning product
Three flavors
Can be purchased in 3-pack bundle, 2.5 or 12 oz
Free shipping over $50
Cons
Expensive
This award-winning coffee is infused (utilizing a closely guarded method) with American-grown hemp containing CBD, CBG, and other powerful cannabinoids.
The coffee beans are grown on a lush Colombian hilltop and are harvested under a full moon to ensure the sweetest, smoothest coffee flavor.
This infused coffee comes in three delicious flavors, including the original Founders Blend, French Vanilla, and Hazelnut.
It can be purchased in a sample pack of all three flavors in 2.5 oz packs, or in individual 2.5 or 12 oz packs.
Orders over $50 are shipped for free.
Water
POTENCY
10mg of Nano-CBD per bottle
HEMP SOURCE
USA GROWN HEMP
ORGANIC
YES
PRICING
$$
LAB REPORT
The water is 9+pH alkaline to reduce acidity and inflammation
There is zero THC in this beverage
The bottles are BPA-free and environmentally-friendly
Pros
Zero THC (if you’re into that)
The water is 9+pH alkaline
Bottles are BPA-free
Come in single bottle os groups of 24-bottles
Cons
Only 10mg per bottle
For those who don’t like purchasing plastic water bottles this is not an option for you
CBD Living Proprietary Nano Hemp-infused Water is made with 100% broad-spectrum hemp grown on state-licensed farms in Oregon and Colorado.
Each bottle contains 16.9 oz of alkaline water infused with 10mg of CBD
This drink is THC-free.
Additional ingredients besides purified 9+ pH water (alkaline to reduce acidity and inflammation) are potassium bicarbonate, magnesium sulfate, and potassium hydroxide.
Can be purchased individually or in cases of 24 bottles.
The bottles are BPA-free.
CBD Sparkling Tea
POTENCY
10mg of CBD per can
HEMP SOURCE
USA GROWN HEMP
ORGANIC
YES
PRICING
$$
LAB REPORT
Comes in a convenient variety pack with four delicious flavors.
Each can contains 10 mg of high-quality hemp extract
Each serving has only 18 calories
The company has a 30-day money-back guarantee
Pros
Four flavors
Only 18 calories
30-day money-back guarantee
Cons
Only 10mg of CBD per serving
No way to order one flavor
Each can of American Shaman CBD teas contain 8.45 oz. of flavorful sparkling tea.
Each serving contains 10mg of nano-extracted high-quality CBD oil per can.
The sparkling teas come in a variety pack of four delicious flavors – Lemon Black Tea and Mango Orange Peel (both caffeinated) and Raspberry Pear and Chamomile-Citrus (decaffeinated) for convenience!
These delicious CBD beverages are made with natural flavorings, organic cane sugar and are only 18 calories per can.
CBD Sleep Shot
POTENCY
20mg of CBD per shot
HEMP SOURCE
USA GROWN HEMP
ORGANIC
YES
PRICING
$$
LAB REPORT
The sleep shots also contain sleep-inducing melatonin, lavender, valerian, 5-HTP, and Baikal skullcap flower
These infused drinks are made with nano-emulsified hemp extract
These beverages are compounded to be fast-acting
The sleep shots can be purchased individually or in 3 or 12 packs
This drink contains zero THC
Pros
Available in 1, 3 or 12 packs
Made with nano-emulsified CBD oil
The shots contain five other sleep-inducing ingredients
Zero THC
Zero calories
Fast-acting
Cons
You may not appreciate the mixed berry flavor
Tribe’s CBD sleep-shots are compounded using their proprietary, natural formula that includes 20mg of broad-spectrum nano-emulsified CBD oil, lavender extract, melatonin, valerian root, 5-HTP, and Baikal skullcap flower.
The combination of these powerful ingredients will gently relax your mind and body and make it easier to fall into a deep sleep.
On average, this CBD-infused drink takes about ten minutes to have an effect.
This fast-acting CBD beverage contains no traces of THC and no calories and can be purchased individually, or in 3 or 12 packs for convenience.
CBD Shots 4-Pack
POTENCY
33mg of CBD per shot
HEMP SOURCE
USA GROWN HEMP
ORGANIC
YES
PRICING
$$
LAB REPORT
This broad spectrum hemp extract CBD drink contains no THC
These shots are available in four flavors (shots come in packs of four)
Every serving of this beverage contains a generous 33mg of broad spectrum hemp extract
Pros
33mg of CBD per serving
Zero THC
Comes in four flavorsComes in a four-pack
Cons
You can only purchase the four-flavor packs.
No four-packs of individual flavors are available.
Nirvana CBD-shots are flavorful, sweet and made from the finest hemp-derived cannabinoids.
This delicious CBD beverage comes in 2 ml serving size
Contains 33mg of broad-spectrum phytocannabinoid-rich hemp CBD oil (active ingredient) and a medium chain triglycerides flavoring (inactive ingredient).
This CBD infused drink comes in four flavors – strawberry, peppermint, grapefruit and vanilla all come in this 4-pack box.
This product has zero THC content.
Find Out the Best Dosage for You When it Comes to Consuming CBD
Every individual metabolizes CBD differently. Moreover, everyone’s endocannabinoid system is different and scientists are still trying to understand the whole complexity of this cell-signaling system. We produce different amounts of endocannabinoids and our cells express cannabinoid receptors differently. What is well established is that this system is necessary to regulate our sleep, mood, appetite, memory and reproduction/fertility system6.
As a result, each person needs to experiment in order to determine their personal ideal serving size. Many factors come into play when deciding on the right dose such as the time of day CBD drinks are consumed, whether or not they are taken with food, and how active is the consumer at the time of use.
When using CBD drinks for medicinal purposes, it’s best, to always start with the minimal dose and add up the amount, as desired to reach a minimum effective dosage. Surpassing that dosage is not recommended as it might not add any additional benefits or even diminish the desired effects. CBD is known to be a biphasic compound. When you exceed a certain dose, the sought for effects can change. Alcohol is another good example of a biphasic element. Used in moderation, alcohol can be relaxing and uplifting. However, surpassing the ideal dose of alcohol can be damaging to your health and lead to toxic effects.
Unlike alcohol, hemp derived CBD is completely non-toxic, non-addictive, and non-intoxicating. However, if too much hemp CBD is consumed at once, the side effects may include drowsiness and lethargy. The ideal dosage should be just right: high enough to show some beneficial effect, but not too high leading to unwanted effects such as lethargy.
When consuming hemp derived CBD drinks for non-medical use, personal preference comes to place. It is up to every user to decide what dose is helping them get the desired effects. Most CBD drinks contain between 10mg and 100mg CBD. Drinking an entire hemp CBD beverage that normally contains 50mg to 100mg CBD could cause drowsiness or lethargy.
When consumed as a beverage, hemp derived CBD is generally metabolized within 4 hours, depending on every person’s metabolism and body. However, the effects are strongest 45 minutes to 1.5 hours after consumption; then, the effect starts to taper off after a couple of hours.
The amount will vary depending on the product and manufacturer of the hemp derived CBD products. For example, a 16oz bottle of water contains about 10-25mg of CBD, and sometimes more. Market research indicates a range of products that contain 4-30mg per serving. So, when planning your budget, a large bottle of 500ml would then be a little more expensive, most likely around $10 (on average) due to the higher CBD content.
Looking at 12 oz. sodas, it shows that it contains 20 mg of CBD. On the other hand, infused coffee and tea appear to have similar doses, averaging around 20mg of CBD for an 11oz container.
One interesting product available on the market is lavender sparkling water containing 15mg of CBD.
Some people prefer to blend their own hemp extract infused drinks and have control over the CBD content. In that case, the best option is to purchase water-soluble CBD and concoct the beverage at home. Also, some companies like Caliper make powdered CBD formulas that can be added to any drink as an instant CBD-infused beverage.
Is CBD Legal in Your State? Find Out Here
If hemp CBD meets certain requirements and contains less than 0.3% THC on a dry weight basis, it is considered legal under federal law, according to the 2018 Farm Bill. All of the CBD drinks available for purchase on the market must adhere to the regulations of the state in which they are produced7.
Learn About What the Side Effects of Using CBD Oil Products
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), naturally occurring CBD is considered safe and well-tolerated in both humans and animals8. Potential side effects of over-consumption of CBD beverages include possible drowsiness, lethargy, dry mouth, and changes in appetite. It’s always recommended to read the ingredient list of CBD drinks, especially if you’re prone to digestive sensitivities. Many are made with active ingredients that some individuals might not tolerate well.
There is no doubt that CBD drinks are on an exponentially increasing popularity. Many are discovering the multiple health benefits of this naturally-occurring natural product. In time, CBD drinks, in all its forms, will be available nationwide whether in grocery stores, gas stations, and your local convenience store. But, for the time being, you can have access to the many CBD products online and in many dispensaries around the country!
Cheers! To your health!
References
1Human Endocannabinoid System. (n.d.). Retrieved January 05, 2021, from https://cannabis.semel.ucla.edu/endocannabinoid/
2Gertsch, J., Pertwee, R. G., & Di Marzo, V. (2010). Phytocannabinoids beyond the Cannabis plant – do they exist?. British journal of pharmacology, 160(3), 523–529. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1476-5381.2010.00745.x
3Guzmán, M. Cannabinoids: potential anticancer agents. Nat Rev Cancer 3, 745–755 (2003). https://doi.org/10.1038/nrc1188
4Hilderbrand R. L. (2018). Hemp & Cannabidiol: What is a Medicine?. Missouri medicine, 115(4), 306–309.
5Nuapia, Y., Tutu, H., Chimuka, L., & Cukrowska, E. (2020). Selective Extraction of Cannabinoid Compounds from Cannabis Seed Using Pressurized Hot Water Extraction. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland), 25(6), 1335. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules25061335
6Ahn, K., McKinney, M. K., & Cravatt, B. F. (2008, April 23). Enzymatic Pathways That Regulate Endocannabinoid Signaling in the Nervous System. Retrieved January 05, 2021, from https://doi.org/10.1021/cr0782067
7Commissioner, O. (n.d.). FDA Regulation of Cannabis and Cannabis-Derived Products: Q&A. Retrieved January 05, 2021, from https://www.fda.gov/news-events/public-health-focus/fda-regulation-cannabis-and-cannabis-derived-products-including-cannabidiol-cbd
8White, P., Walsh, D., & Babalonis, D. (2018, June 7). CANNABIDIOL (CBD) – Critical Review Report (Rep.). Retrieved January 4, 2021.
