What are CBD Beverages?
In addition to the surge in popularity of kombucha, consumers are also starting to flock to CBD beverages. Made from cannabidiol – a non-psychoactive molecule found in cannabis – that’s extracted from the leaves, resins, and flowers of marijuana plants, CBD beverages include everything from non-alcoholic wine, water, kombucha to cold brew coffee. These particular products lack the psychoactive side effects of THC which is found in marijuana.
New to the beverage scene, CBD drinks are increasing in both popularity and availability as cannabis products and marijuana has become legalized in states across the country. As more and more health-conscious Americans are ditching sodas, CBD beverages are generally considered to be a wellness and anti-inflammatory product, in keeping with probiotic drinks like kombucha.
The process of making a CBD beverage depends upon the type of product itself. In general, the beverage is created as normal – tea and coffee are brewed or water is filtered and treated as necessary – and then infused with CBD. Because CBD is non-psychoactive, it doesn’t provide the “high” that users get from ingesting marijuana. Instead, it’s intended to provide the wellness benefits of marijuana without the mind-altering effects.
Users of CBD oil say it helps with a wide variety of health conditions. Prevention Magazine reports CBD oil may be used to treat:
Researchers have proven that CBD oil is effective for treating epilepsy. The FDA recently approved a CBD-based medication called Epidiolex, which is an oral cannabidiol solution, to help patients who suffer from certain types of seizures. Studies on animals have shown that CBD can kill cancer cells while protecting healthy cells, and clinical trials on humans are underway. There’s also promising research about the effect of CBD on anxiety disorders like panic disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. Adding CBD to consumable products may make it easier for consumers to incorporate it into their lifestyles and reap these benefits.
In addition to research about the health benefits of CBD, researchers also are still studying the risks associated with the substance – including the effect it may have on hormones, energy levels, and digestion. At this time, it’s important to note that CBD may interact with prescription drugs, so users should talk with a doctor or pharmacist before drinking CBD products.