The growing popularity of CBD has many businesses capitalizing on them. It has now found its way into the buzzing cafes of NYC as more and more merchants tout by its health benefits.
This compound found in the cannabis plant is increasingly being used for several medical issues which include anxiety, stress, inflammation, pain, and insomnia. However is it all as rosy as it seems?
Why is CBD becoming increasingly popular among Cafes?
According to the (WHO) World Health Organization, naturally obtained CBD is safe contains only traces or NIL THC making it non-psychoactive and also containing innumerable health benefits. CBD and THC are two main active ingredients found in marijuana, however, CBD is not psychoactive but unlike THC, meaning it does not give you a high.
According to nutritionist Brooke Albert, “CBD has wonderful anti-inflammatory, anti-anxiety, anti-insomnia and pain management benefits, and is incredibly safe and effective,”. Though research is still emerging on the uses of CBD for medical issues, with the increased interest in CBD, many New York City shops cafes have instantly grabbed the opportunity to sell products containing the oil.
To use CBD as an ingredient in food and beverage, the hemp extract is usually mixed with oil like coconut, jojoba seed, almond or orange which has minimal flavour.
The Wellness Craze in NYC
In the busy Brooklyn Cafe, Caffeine Underground, you can find regulars purchasing CBD foods like CBD coffee, whose price typically ranges from $6 upwards, at least 3-4 times every week. They help with issues such as arthritis, stress, and even ADHD.
According to the owner Ian ford, “People are buying this product because it helps them get through their day.” He claims that CBD mixed with caffeine gives people energy to go about their day without stress and anxiety. Caffeine Underground is the first coffee shop in NYC to come out with CBD infused drinks, and ever since, their business has improved significantly. Now new businesses are also making CBD their main attraction.
Here’s a look at some restaurants that have CBD on their menu.
Adriaen Block: The bar is home to CBD cocktails as well as nonalcoholic CBD cocktails(starting $15). You can also find CBD sauce, CBD whipped cream and many more such CBD infused desserts.
Oliver Coffee: This place located in Two Bridges, sells coffee infused with cannabinoid and just for an additional $3, you can get it added to any drink!
Bubby’s: This Tribeca based place is cool for 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.
Patent Coffee: Don’t miss this coffee shop’s summer menu which contains a CBD Arnold Palmer for $6 and CBD cold brew.
Sweets by CHLOE: the popular vegan chain restaurant, has partnered with CBD lifestyle brand Toast and is bringing you more than 25 menu items with CBD including cakes, whoopee pies and bubbled tea.
As a business report predicts a big future for CBD based food and drinks, indicating the industry could hit $22 billion by 2022, the growing popularity of CBD among cafes makes it safe to say that CBD infused food is here to stay.