CBD options are exploding not just here in the UK, but globally – and the CBD drink/beverage industry is slowly creeping its way into the hearts and minds of us all (but especially those newer to the idea of CBD).
And it is easy to see why.
CBD drinks are a delicious (mostly) healthy way to add cannabidiol to your daily routine, and they’re often marketed as a ‘luxury’ or ‘premium’ option. But as with all things CBD, marketing has been known to push the limits of what (and what isn’t) actually true.
We’re here to set things straight with the top 20 FAQs on CBD drinks/beverages that we get asked all the time.
Are CBD drinks legal in the UK?
Yes, CBD products that are made using extracts from industrial hemp plants are legal for sale in the UK – as long as they contain less than 0.2% THC (or 1 mg of THC per container) and abide by the stringent regulations set by the Food Standards Agency (FSA) and the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).
What do CBD drinks do?
CBD drinks offer an easy, discreet, and tasty way to take CBD. They offer a range of wellness benefits, including anxiety reduction, help with sleep, inflammation control, and potential pain relief.
One study, from 2019, found that participants with anxiety and sleep complaints who consumed CBD reported improvements in their symptoms. Other studies show that CBD may have neuroprotective properties and could potentially help with a range of medical issues.
Is CBD considered a drug?
In the UK, CBD products are considered “Novel Food Items“, as long as the product contains less than 0.2% THC.
Is CBD safe?
Yes, the available scientific research data has shown that CBD is a very safe supplement with a low chance of producing any major side effects.
What are the side effects of CBD?
Most people find that they can take large doses of CBD without any noticeable side effects. Still, it’s good to be aware that CBD can cause:
- Drowsiness
- Lower appetite
- Gastrointestinal upset
- Diarrhoea
- Dry mouth
- Dizziness
Are CBD drinks good for you?
While the CBD in these drinks is seen as a great (and healthy) addition to any wellness plan, the other ingredients in these drinks may not be as beneficial. Ingredients like high levels of sugar (or artificial sweetener), along with other added non-natural flavours and preservatives, are not good for your health.
When choosing a CBD drink, we recommend doing your research and checking the ingredients list to make sure that the drink is not only delivering the potential benefits of CBD, but also promoting overall health and well-being. Look for drinks with natural ingredients, low sugar content, and minimal additives.
Who should not take CBD?
If you are pregnant (or still breastfeeding), or if you are prescribed blood-thinning/anti-coagulant medications, we recommend that you have a chat with your doctor before taking CBD products. When you drink or eat products that contain CBD, the CBD is processed by the same enzymes in your liver that process blood thinning medication, which could potentially interact with each other and lead to unwanted side effects.
Do you feel anything from CBD drinks?
Yes, while it takes between 30 and 90 minutes for the effects of CBD that has passed through the digestive system to be felt, many people do experience effects that range from increased relaxation and calmness to better sleep, lower rates of inflammation, and pain relief.
Do CBD drinks actually relax you?
Yes, CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid system, along with the serotonin and dopamine receptors, which are involved in regulating mood and stress response.
Why do I feel so good on CBD?
The fact that CBD can interact with the endocannabinoid system, serotonin, and dopamine receptors, boosting the body’s natural levels of these “feel-good” chemicals, may be one of the reasons why many people report feeling good after taking CBD. It can also lower the amount of inflammation in the body, lower the perception of pain, and promote relaxation and a sense of calm.
Can CBD drinks replace alcohol?
Many people are now choosing to replace their evening beer or wine with a CBD drink, thanks to the ability CBD holds in relaxation and anxiety reduction. While there is no conclusive research to prove the effectiveness of CBD as a replacement for alcohol, it has shown potential in reducing cravings and withdrawal symptoms for much more harmful substances.
Do CBD drinks get you buzzed?
No, CBD is a non-intoxicating compound. It is classed as slightly psychoactive due to its ability to modulate mood, but it will not cause any of the ‘high’ associated with cannabis (or THC) consumption.
Can CBD drinks be harmful?
Any drink that has a list of preservatives and unnatural flavours (along with high amounts of sugar) is not a great ‘everyday option’. Look for CBD drinks that use natural flavourings, low levels of sugar or natural sweeteners, and minimal additives.
Are CBD drinks bad for your liver?
No, CBD drinks are fine for your liver, as long as you drink them in moderation and do not have any pre-existing liver conditions.
Are CBD drinks addictive?
No, CBD is a non-addictive substance due to the fact that it is non-intoxicating. The sugar and caffeine content in some CBD drinks may provide a temporary energy boost, and some experts do class sugar as an addictive substance. – but the CBD itself is not addictive.
Can I put CBD in my coffee?
Yes, CBD oil can be added to coffee and other hot drinks – but keep in mid that the heat may slightly degrade the quality of the CBD. It is best to let your coffee cool a little before adding the CBD oil. Alternatively, take your CBD oil sublingually by holding it under your tongue for at least 60 seconds before swallowing, This allows the CBD to bypass the digestive system and enter your bloodstream directly, which offers rapid absorption and more noticeable effects. Plus, this method doesn’t compromise the potency of the CBD like heat may.
Is 20 mg of CBD in a drink a lot?
No, 10 to 25 mg is a normal starting/beginner dose of CBD. Studies have shown that up to 1500 mg of CBD per day is safe, so 20 mg in a drink should not be considered to be ‘a lot’. That said, we all react to CBD slightly differently, so it is always best to start low (between 10 and 25 mg per day), and slowly raise the dosage up over time if you feel you need to.
How long does CBD take to kick in?
That depends on how you take it.
- In drink form, CBD first has to pass through the digestive system before it can be processed by the liver. You should start to feel the effects within 30 to 90 minutes, lasting for 4 to 6 hours.
- CBD oil will take the same time if swallowed straight (or mixed with food/drink). If you hold it under your tongue for at least 60 seconds before swallowing (thereby allowing it to enter the bloodstream directly), you should feel the effects in as little as 10 minutes, but the effects will also wear off quicker.
- CBD topically applied to the skin could take between 15 and 45 minutes to feel the effects, lasting a few hours.
- CBD vapes offer the fastest onset of effects (under a minute) and lasts for a few hours.
How do CBD drinks compare to CBD oil?
- CBD drinks often contain ingredients that are not found in CBD oil, such as sugar, flavourings and sweeteners. CBD oil should only contain the CBD extract that has been mixed with a carrier oil, usually MCT oil.
- CBD oil is more versatile than CBD drinks, and can be taken either orally or sublingually (under the tongue) for a more potent effect. It can also be added to food and drinks, or even used topically on the skin.
- CBD drinks are convenient and offer a ‘familiar’ way of consuming CBD, especially for people new to CBD.
- In general, we recommend CBD oil over CBD drinks, as the price of CBD oil is not inflated by the additional ingredients found in CBD drinks, and there are no other harmful ingredients added. However, CBD drinks can be a nice treat or an occasional alternative if you enjoy the taste and convenience.
Where can I buy CBD drinks in the UK?
Both online and in person. High street shops are now packed to the brim with CBD options, but for the best prices, it is often best to purchase your favourite CBD products online.
Before you run out and spend your hard-earned cash, make sure you do your research. Reading the real customer reviews here at cbdratings.co.uk will help you make a fully informed decision about which CBD drink to buy, and what brand is most reputable.
And while you’re here, if you already have some personal experinece with CBD drinks (or any CBD products), help out the rest of the community by adding your own reviews and ratings. CBD is just starting to really hit the big stage here in the UK – and for the best possible prices and trustworthy information, real reviews are the key.
