Do CBD infused drinks Actually Work?
If you’ve recently gone to the supermarket in the UK and passed by the drinks aisle, you might have noticed something new: CBD drinks on sale. These products have surged in popularity, with some brands building an entire “CBD brand” around them.
While creating hype and making quick money might work for some, CBD products are supposed to offer real benefits to users. At our core, we promote our CBD oil because we believe it provides genuine value. However, the rising trend of CBD-infused drinks has led us to wonder about their actual benefits.
In this updated article, I revisit the question: do CBD drinks provide any real benefits from a user’s perspective?
In this article, I explore if taking a CBD drink does you any good from a user benefit point of view.
What’s New with CBD Drinks?
Recent developments in the CBD industry have seen an increase in the variety and quality of CBD-infused beverages. Innovations in CBD solubility and flavoring have potentially improved the efficacy and taste of these drinks. As the market matures, companies are now focusing on enhancing bioavailability—the proportion of CBD that enters the circulation when introduced into the body—to ensure more of it can be effectively utilized.
Despite these advancements, the fundamental questions about the actual benefits of CBD drinks remain. Are they now more effective? Let’s delve into this updated exploration.
The Original Promise of CBD Drinks
CBD drinks, concocted with a base of carbonated water, flavorings, and CBD isolate, promised a new and exciting way to consume CBD conveniently and tastefully around 2020. Marketed for their ease of use, portability, and delicious flavors, they were positioned as a novel alternative to traditional CBD intake methods. However, despite their marketing appeal, the primary concern—actual user benefits—seemed overlooked.
Do CBD Drinks Actually Work?
Well, that depends on what you are using it for but if you think there are loads of health benefits for your body, think again.
Each time you consume a CBD drink, the active ingredient must first pass the stomach, then the small intestine and finally the liver. These extra steps degrade the CBD and typically allows the user to absorb about 4% to 20%.
The most popular drink products in the UK have 15mg of CBD per can. Let’s say you absorb 10% of that or 1.5mg. I’m sorry but, 1.5 mg of CBD is nothing! Flat out it will not do a single thing for you.
To get a meaningful dose, a person would have to drink 10 cans of an expensive CBD drink to notice any effect at all. That’s science talking and not just me! ?
Revisiting the Efficacy of CBD Drinks
A standard CBD drink in the UK contains about 15mg of CBD. Given the oral bioavailability of CBD is between 4% to 20%, the actual amount of CBD absorbed from a single can remains minimal. This begs the question: have improvements in formulation made a significant difference?
Current Market Trends and Consumer Feedback
Recent trends show a slight increase in the dosage of CBD per beverage and attempts to incorporate full-spectrum CBD or nano-CBD technology, which may enhance absorption. Consumer feedback has been mixed, with some reporting a subtle sense of calm or relaxation after consuming these updated drinks, while others remain skeptical about their efficacy compared to other CBD products.
Why Using CBD Oil May Still Be Superior
Despite the innovations in CBD beverages, using CBD oil directly, especially via sublingual administration, ensures higher bioavailability. A study by the University of Minnesota supports this, finding that sublingual absorption of CBD could achieve 20% to 30% bioavailability. Thus, while CBD drinks may offer convenience and novelty, CBD oil remains a more efficient method for those seeking tangible benefits.
Conclusion: An Evolving Landscape
The landscape of CBD-infused drinks is undoubtedly evolving, with efforts to improve taste, efficacy, and consumer education. As the industry progresses, these beverages may find their niche alongside traditional CBD products. For now, they serve as an interesting addition to the CBD family, potentially offering mild benefits, especially when used in conjunction with other CBD products.
Bonus Content
Bonus Content: DIY CBD Drinks
Innovation isn’t just for manufacturers. You can create your own CBD-infused drinks at home by adding high-quality CBD oil to your favorite beverages. This approach allows you to control the dosage and ensure you’re using a product that meets your standards.
Looking Forward
As the CBD market continues to innovate, it will be interesting to see how CBD drinks evolve and whether they can overcome the challenges of bioavailability and efficacy. For those interested in exploring the world of CBD, consider trying a variety of products to find what works best for you. Remember, whether it’s CBD oil, edibles, or drinks, the goal is to find a product that provides the benefits you’re seeking in a safe and enjoyable way.If you are looking to try CBD for the first time, be sure to visit our shop page here where you will find products for all use cases.
About the Author
Robby Thompson
Robby is our in house CBD expert and co-owner of Pure Organic CBD. He has been in the CBD industry since 2018. Find out more about Robby on the about us page. Or visit Robby’s Linkedin Profile.
