For centuries, components of the ​Cannabis Sativa ​Plant other than Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)​ have been known to possess vast medicinal benefits, however, scientists have only started to understand and uncover their vast potential in the past decade. In particular, Cannabidiol (CBD) - the second most abundant cannabinoid of the cannabis plant after THC- has become the focus of current research and legislation. Unlike THC, CBD is not ​psychoactive​ and therefore not intoxicating but still holds a variety of positive pharmacological effects.

CBD is known to produce ​anxiolytic, anti-inflammatory, antiemetic and antipsychotic effects within the body. Recent studies have also suggested CBD to have neuroprotective properties​. Thus, high doses of CBD have been demonstrated as an effective therapeutic for numerous conditions ranging from psychiatric disorders such as ​schizophrenia​, ​anxiety​ and ​depression​, to management of chronic pain associated with ​fibromyalgia,​ ​arthritis​, ​epilepsy​, and ​multiple sclerosis​. Lower doses of CBD have also been shown to encourage physiological effects that promote and regulate health, such as ​antioxidative, anti-inflammatory and neuroprotection effects​. Interestingly, evidence indicates CBD to be more effective than vitamin C and E as a neuroprotective antioxidant and can improve certain skin conditions. In particular, CBD is effective in treating psoriasis and acne amongst a plethora of other skin conditions.

What are CBD Drinks?

CBD products are becoming increasingly popular and are available in a range of forms such as transdermal CBD patches, oral CBD sprays, CBD capsules, and CBD oils. CBD water and soft drinks are the latest products to hit the market, with the potential to revolutionise the current food and healthcare industry. Manufactures of these new CBD beverages claim it is an effortless way for people to incorporate CBD into their lifestyle and reap the numerous health benefits.

CBD is extracted from the other cannabinoids as a low tetrahydrocannabinol oil, known as ‘CBD oil’. In order for the body to absorb any type of cannabinoid, they must first be decarboxylated, meaning heat during the extraction process is crucial. Thus, the method of extraction of CBD from the plant is extremely important to ensure the health benefits of CBD are preserved.

Cannabinoids Present in the Body

The body has an endocannabinoid system (ECS) which synthesizes its own cannabinoids, known as endocannabinoids. These compounds are essential for regulating homeostasis and other important functions within the body.

Research evaluating the ECS has provided evidence of the human body generating two compounds of a similar nature to the cannabis plant cannabinoids. These compounds - ​endocannabinoids anandamide and 2-Arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) - are very similar to CBD and THC from ​Cannabis Sativa. ​These substances have a great impact on mood, appetite and several other functions within the body. CBD is thought to encourage the body to utilize its own endocannabinoids more efficiently.

What are the Benefits of Consuming CBD in the Form of Food or Drink?

As previously mentioned, CBD has made a great impact in the food and drinks industry. In recent years, many forms of CBD edibles have been produced, such as, gummies, candies, capsules and even dried fruit. Hence, many people question whether this is a fad or, if in fact, there are significant benefits to consuming CBD in the form of food and drink.

The benefits of consuming CBD are listed below:

• CBD foods and drinks have a whole-body effect

• CBD drinks and food have been designed over the years with a focus on taste making pleasant supplements to add to your regular diet.

• CBD which is consumed in the form of food and drink is passed through the digestive system. This means the CBD is slowly released, having a gradual effect over a longer period of time in comparison to CBD products such as inhalers - which go quickly into the bloodstream and produce fast but short lived results.

• No prescription required

• Easy to maintain correct dosage - Manufactured CBD food and drinks are labelled with the specific pre-measured CBD levels, making it an easy addition to a balanced diet.