CBD has now found its way into drinks with buzzing cafes and bars vouching for its health benefits. This compound of the cannabis plant is increasingly being used for several medical issues which include anxiety, inflammation, pain, and insomnia.
When owners Ian Ford and Eric Cahan decided to introduce CBD laced drinks into their cafes Caffeine Underground and Mamacha respectively, never did they expect such a rousing response. Caffeine Underground says its users visit their café for the CBD infused drinks regularly and business has improved significantly. Similarly, half of Mamacha’s sales are from CBD drinks and products, with virgin matcha and coffee making up the other half.
CBD is short of cannabidiol and is a compound found in the cannabis plant. Naturally obtained CBD is safe contains only traces or NIL THC making it non-psychoactive. It has innumerable health benefits. CBD is not psychoactive, unlike THC, meaning it does not give you a high.
CBD Made Legal
CBD has been made federally legal by the farm bill which was signed in December 2018 by President Trump. The Food and Drug Administration(FDA) has banned from adding CBD to food and drinks which is not followed currently nevertheless it is looking to create pathways for such products to legally enter the market.
CBD has significant medical properties including relief from anxiety, reducing inflammation, pain and insomnia. CBD is often seen as an alternative medicine offering many health benefits and cures where other medicines cannot. People are increasingly using it in the form of oil, capsule, and gummies. However, all this is not proven through scientific studies. And because of the lack of regulation of CBD products, the quality can vary widely.
Clinical Evidence
According to researchers, CBD is known to remove abnormal brain signalling which is why CBD can help with epilepsy, anxiety, and sleep. CBD interferes with the endocannabinoid system of the body thereby providing various benefits. Very little clinical research is available on the safety and benefits of CBD. It’s technically illegal under federal law to study CBD too, hence researchers must overcome a number of hurdles to study CBD.
GW Pharma studied its CBD-derived drug, Epidiolex, with the help of several clinical trials. According to nutritionist Brooke Albert, “CBD has wonderful anti-inflammatory, anti-anxiety, anti-insomnia and pain management benefits, and is incredibly safe and effective,” However, the lack of clinical evidence hasn’t stopped consumers from trying it and experiencing its benefits.
CBD 101
A CBD 101 class hosted by Alchemist’s Kitchen in Manhattan was attended by many. The instructor Zach Clancy was flooded with questions about the origin of CBD, its benefits, its growth and the likes. Many attendees narrated their experiences wherein they benefitted from CBD. The CBD hitting the shelves and adorning food and drinks contains less than 0.3 percent THC, the psychoactive chemical in weed.
Due to the lack of comprehensive information, people are dabbing with doses, brands and even bad products.
CBD is Trendy
Places like Bubby’s in New York offer CBD induced cocktails. You can down a banana Rum old-fashioned for around $20. CBD can be added to any drink at $6 extra, they’ve also partnered with Azucato introduce a CBD induced sweetener. Other places like sweets by CHLOE are also opting for menu items with CBD like pastries and smoothies. Since it is trendy, bars and cafes are into incorporating this wonder compound into their drinks.