CBD drinks & cutting alcohol

If you’re thinking of cutting out booze but still want to unwind, CBD could be the answer. By Imy Brighty-Potts.

Parachute Apple & Ginger

CBD Infused Drink

250ml Can, £33 for 12

If you enjoy a boozy drink to help you relax and switch off, what can you do if soft drinks don’t quite seem to cut it?

CBD drinks could make going sober that bit easier – here’s everything you need to know…

What are CBD drinks?

“CBD is a non-psychoactive compound that originates in the hemp plant, and preclinical evidence suggests it can have a positive effect on stress and anxiety, by promoting relaxation,” says Eoin Keenan, founder of CBD drinks brand Goodrays (goodrays.com).

CBD doesn’t get you ‘high’ like marijuana, and has been approved for consumer use in the UK. Predominantly available in drinks and oils (although you can see it in everything from shampoo to moisturiser), it’s often used to help with anxiety and pain.

What are the potential benefits of CBD drinks?

Keenan suggests there’s a big gap in the market – one CBD drinks can fill. “We’re still missing a beverage that replaces the relaxation function that alcohol has dominated for hundreds of years,” he says.

According to Ahmed Mir, founder of Nature and Bloom (natureandbloom.com) and an expert on medical marijuana, there are plenty of reasons why people might choose CBD drinks.

“Let’s face it, the taste of CBD, when dropped under the tongue [as an oil], isn’t pleasant at all, so CBD drinks are a pretty new and emerging way of improving the taste of CBD, whilst still reaping the benefits,” he says.

He suggests “CBD can have a similar effect [to alcohol] without the intoxication or dreaded hangover, so it can make a great alternative and help those sober-curious consumers looking to cut down on alcohol intake”.

“CBD drinks are the perfect post-work option after a hectic and stressful day, and can be consumed straight from the can, but also be used as a mixer with your favourite non-alcoholic spirit,” says Keenan. We believe that whatever the time of year, choosing to go sober or to moderate your drinking no longer needs to be a chore, thanks to the range of functional options available.”

Most drinks on the market offer between 10mg30mg of CBD per can (I can confirm I definitely felt more relaxed after drinking a couple of 30mg drinks, so you can tell the difference), with the UK Food Standards Agency recommending you consume no more than 70mg of CBD a day.

The UK FSA doesn’t recommend pregnant or breastfeeding women, or people taking any medication, take CBD – talk to your GP if you have any concerns.

This apple and ginger drink is one of the tastiest options on the market. With the addition of green tea and 10mg of CBD per can, it’s a refreshing, relaxing beverage that can be enjoyed at any time of day.

Goodrays Raspberry & Guava Natural 30MG CBD Drinks, £17.95 for 6

A sweet and fruity affair, this option has slightly more CBD in it. It’s a calming and tasty beverage, with a nice fizz.

Trip Elderflower Mint

CBD Drink, £14 for 6

Trip is one of the most wellknown CBD drink brands out there, and you can see why. With aesthetically pleasing cans and a subtle, sparkling drink, this flavour is a real crowd pleaser and is a great one to try as the days get lighter.