CBD Drinks

CBD Drinks: Quenching Your Thirst the Healthier Way

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• What is CBD?
• The Role of Cannabinoids in the Body
• What Kind Of Drinks Are Infused With CBD?
• Can't I Just Put CBD Oil Into My Drink?
• Understanding CBD Dosage and Serving Size
• How Long Does it Take for CBD Drinks to Take Effect?
• Reputable Third-Party Testing & COAs
• FAQs

Summary

Introduction

We know how many people love thirst-quenching drinks and CBD. This is why we have curated a collection of different CBD drinks that suit a range of preferences. At present, there are many different kinds of drinks on the market. Some are created to give you more energy, others to make you feel refreshed and some simply to quench your thirst. CBD-infused drinks can be a healthy and delicious way of adding an all-natural supplement to your routine. From CBD-infused sparkling water to CBD-infused health shots, here at Alphagreen we offer a range of healthy drinks that can provide more than just hydration.

What is CBD?

Cannabidiol, also known as CBD, is one of more than one hundred cannabinoids identified and extracted from the hemp plant. It is the second most prominent cannabinoid following delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is the compound responsible for the intoxicating effects of marijuana. CBD is non intoxicating, making it the go-to cannabinoid for many people. It also comes in various forms such as oils, capsules, vapes, balms, CBD-infused edibles, drinks and more.

What Are CBD Spectrums?

CBD comes in three spectrums:

• Full Spectrum: This spectrum contains all the terpenes, cannabinoids and flavonoids found in hemp plants, including the cannabinoid THC.
• Broad Spectrum: This spectrum is similar to full spectrum, except that the THC is completely extracted, leaving the product (in theory) THC-free. Both broad and full spectrum CBD products potentially allow you to access the entourage effect. This is the theory that all of the compounds from the hemp plant work together in synergy when they are left in their most natural state.
• Isolate: CBD-isolate is also referred to as pure CBD. It is called isolate because all the other compounds are extracted, leaving only the cannabinoid CBD in a crystal or powdered form. 

The Role of Cannabinoids in the Body

CBD is a member of the cannabinoid class of compounds. Our bodies possess what is known as the endocannabinoid system. This system produces its own natural cannabinoids and is responsible for homeostasis and other critical functions in the human body.

The existence of the endocannabinoid system was not discovered until the early 1990s. Over the years, there has been extensive research into the effects of cannabinoids on the human body and researchers were motivated by the need to understand: does the human body produce its natural equivalent to phytocannabinoids synthesised by the cannabis plant?

Research has shown that the human body does, in fact, produce two natural compounds of a similar nature. These two compounds— endocannabinoids anandamide and 2-AG, are today recognised as prominent analogues to plant produced THC and CBD. The plant synthesised equivalents have the same qualities as their natural counterparts. These substances have an influence on mood, appetite and many other vital functions in the human body.

What Kind Of Drinks Are Infused With CBD?

We're all familiar with the many types of drinks on the market. From coffee to health drinks, there’s something for every occasion. Here are some of the main CBD-infused drinks that you can choose from:

• Sparkling water: While plain water is what the world is used to drinking, sparkling water is now gaining increased popularity. This drink is zero-calorie the majority of the time and is refreshing, making a nice change from tap water. Aside from being able to hydrate your body, flush out waste and improve memory, mood and brain performance, water has now been made even more exciting due to the added cannabinoid; CBD.

• Coffee: This hot beverage is undeniably a firm favourite all around the world. Now, coffee has more health benefits than ever. Not only can coffee uplift your mood, but it can also prevent cognitive decline. With added CBD, you can now enjoy your coffee with added benefits, such as support and relief.
• Wellness shots: These types of drinks are made of herbs and spices that are intended to provide health benefits, which are often highly concentrated in small volumes. The types of wellness shots serve varying purposes depending on their added ingredients. CBD wellness shots come in different types, such as energy shots or shots to support digestion.
• Botanical Infusions: These are the types of drinks that are infused with nootropics and adaptogens. Nootropics such as Ginkgo Biloba, Gotu Kola, Bacopa, Rosemary and Lemon Balm are some examples of substances that may help to improve cognition. On the other hand, adaptogens such as turmeric, ashwagandha, ginseng, cordyceps, goji berry, Rhodiola Rosea and holy basil are just some of the examples of herbs and roots that are used to support the body in combating physical or chemical stressors.
• IPA: An abbreviation for India Pale Ale, this type of beer may come in citrusy flavours, and some may taste bitter with an international bitterness Unit (IBU) between 40 to 60. IPAs are malted barley beers which are a good source of silicon, which can help maintain your bone health. Additionally, IPAs also contain hops or Humulus lupus, which have high phytoestrogen content.

Can't I Just Put CBD Oil Into My Drink?

The good news is that (alongside consuming CBD oil sublingually) it’s also possible to put it into your drink. It’s important to note here that you will need to purchase a water-soluble CBD, so that the compounds can dissolve easily in your chosen drink. Also, it’s a good idea to add fats to your drink if it’s suitable. This can be as simple as adding milk to your cup of tea or coffee. Adding fats can aid in the delivery of the cannabinoid as CBD is a fat-soluble substance - therefore it pairs well with other fats.

Why Are These Drinks Growing in Popularity?

Fun fact: Based on a market analysis conducted by the Cannabis Trade Association, the number of consumers of cannabis beverages in the UK has increased from 125,000 to 250,000 in the year 2017. It’s also predicted that the trend is expected to continue rising for many more years to come. So, why is this? Here are a few reasons:

The Taste: You can purchase (or make) a CBD infused drink that fits your taste preferences perfectly. Plus, it’s ideal for those of you who prefer to avoid the natural taste of hemp.

The Added Ingredients: You can choose drinks with other beneficial ingredients that help to support your healthy lifestyle, such as vitamin C.

Consume On-The-Go: One of the great things about edible forms of CBD is that you can take them with you while you’re out for the day. Plus, you can consume them in public without attracting any unwanted questions or attention from curious bystanders.

Cafes: As CBD’s popularity rises there’s been an increase in restaurants and cafes that offer CBD infused edibles and drinks included. CBD-infused coffees are particularly popular!

Simple Dosage: CBD drinks are simple to dose and to consume. This takes away any worry surrounding using CBD for the first time.

Understanding CBD Dosage and Serving Size

Fortunately, CBD is well-tolerated in the human body and non-addictive. However, this doesn't give leeway for you to take CBD carefree without taking note of the dosage.

If you are taking CBD for the first time, it's recommended that you start with a low dose and then work your way up. After taking each CBD dose, it's recommended to wait at least 30 minutes before consuming the next one. This will give your body enough time to process the serving fully and also allow you to observe and see how a specific dose affects your body.

For regular use, 10mg is pretty much the baseline for most people, and 25mg is more on the potent side. Extreme doses beyond 1,500 mg can make you feel drowsy or even have adverse effects. The Food Standards Agency (FSA) recommends not to exceed 70 mg of CBD per day. It's essential to keep your CBD doses at reasonable levels and always follow the instructions as provided by the manufacturer.  Why not check out our dosage guide for more information?

How Long Does it Take for CBD Drinks to Take Effect?

Generally, CBD-infused drinks will take longer to reach the bloodstream compared to other methods such as inhalation or sublingual. The main reason is that when taken with drink, CBD has to go through the digestive system and pass through the liver where it might be metabolised. This means that its bioavailability is reduced.

As a result, an edible might take around 30 minutes to 2 hours before you can start feeling the effects. Genetic factors, height and weight, activity level and other foods you have eaten during the day can also contribute to the rate of absorption of CBD. This is why the effects of CBD greatly vary from one person to another. Use a trial-and-error approach to discover what dose works for you and how CBD affects you.

Reputable Third-Party Testing & COAs

It’s important that you consider a company and brand carefully before making a purchase. Reliable manufacturers adhere to specific industry standards. They will send all their products to a lab to be tested before they can sell the product. Make sure that your product comes with an accompanying lab test which should be found on the brands website. Some organisations will even go the extra mile to indicate details like testing facility, test batch number, total CBD per milligram and tested date for greater transparency.

Third-party testing helps to build trust between consumers and manufacturers. For all the products tested, they'll provide a detailed analysis of the cannabinoid profile, and test for terpenes and contaminants. This information will be compiled into a certificate of analysis or COA. You should only buy CBD from brands that make their COAs available to the public to make sure that the products are safe, reliable and tested. At Alphagreen, all CBD products come with a COA that can be viewed on our website.

Remember, always check the label. Some CBD manufacturers might indicate that their products are made in facilities that may expose products to allergens like wheat or soy.

Your One-Stop-Shop for CBD

Alphagreen is dedicated to supporting overall health and well-being. We are a one-stop-shop for everything CBD. From CBD oils, capsules, balm, vapes, edibles and drinks to a wide range of supplements like vitamins and adaptogens that can help support health. We have curated a collection of high-quality and safe CBD drinks to provide thirst-quenching beverages that are packed with many potential benefits.

Final Thoughts

And that completes our article on everything you need to know about CBD drinks! Stay tuned for our FAQs list for answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about CBD-infused drinks. This method of CBD consumption is ideal for CBD novices and experts alike - it’s fun, simple to dose and you can consume your CBD on-the-go. What more could you ask for? Check out our range of CBD drinks today to get your started.