Cannabis products have been trendy for a while, thanks to the collective efforts to legalize the substance for medical and recreational use. It is already legal in several states, with CBD (cannabidiol) at the forefront. CBD is one of the 100+ active cannabinoids found in hemp and marijuana strains of cannabis. It is the second most active compound, second only to THC (delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol). However, CBD isn’t psychoactive, so taking it in large amounts won’t result in the characteristic marijuana euphoria “high”. Nonetheless, the FDA is yet to approve CBD and its therapeutic benefits still require conclusive research.
CBD Infused Beverages – A #1 CBD Trend in 2021
CBD became the trendiest topic of late 2019 and its popularity has increased tremendously since then. Various studies also emerged indicating potential therapeutic benefits that range from pain relief to reducing stress and anxiety (these benefits have not been conclusively proven). Today, there are many CBD-infused products, but beverages are currently being actively explored as the next big product in the CBD space. In fact, the market for CBD-infused beverages is set to hit $1.3 billion by 2023 and these products are available across the US.
As the name suggests, CBD-infused beverages contain cannabidiol and are another form of edible CBD. The compound can be added to all kinds of beverages, including water, soda, coffee, tea, lattes, beer, and wine. CBD water and soda are the most popular, but other beverages also present tremendous interest from consumers. The rise of CBD-infused beverages attracts health-conscious markets and presents a unique challenge for the alcohol industry. Forward-thinking companies are already partnering with CBD brands to produce infused alcohol products.
Are CBD-Infused Beverages Safe?
In short, yes. CBD is an active cannabinoid naturally occurring in hemp and other cannabis varieties. In its pure form, CBD is safe. However, most CBD products also contain traces of THC, the primary psychoactive compound in marijuana. THC is linked with dependence and other side effects, so it is vital to determine the amounts present in your CBD-infused beverage. For CBD to be legal, it should contain less than 0.3% THC. Any beverage with more than 0.3% THC is unsafe, especially when taken in large amounts, resulting in THC toxicity. Fortunately, most CBD-infused beverages you encounter adhere to the low-THC requirement.
CBD is derived from the cannabis plant, so the growth conditions and extraction methods will impact its quality. It is advisable to purchase CBD-infused beverages from brands that are involved from ground to packaging. Our CBD is organically grown, and no harsh chemicals are used during extraction making it perfect for consumption. You should also review other ingredients added to the formula when considering a CBD-infused beverage. Full-spectrum and broad-spectrum CBD are generally the best and provide more therapeutic benefits. CBD-infused beverages are safe, but you must find a trusted brand that can guarantee safe-quality products.
Are CBD Infused Beverages Legal?
The legality of CBD in food, beverages, drugs, and other ingested products is pending FDA approval. As such, there’s no FDA-approved CBD beverage or drink as of yet. However, CBD is a legal compound when derived from hemp and contains less than 0.3% THC. It is anticipated that the FDA will start approving and regulating CBD-infused products, which are already in high demand in North America and Europe. CBD was removed from the class of scheduled products like THC, which resulted in a boom in hemp cultivation and the birth of several CBD products. Users also report positive results and therapeutic benefits, which incentivizes companies to develop new trends in CBD infusion.