There exists a rapidly growing variety of CBD infused beverages or food products being sold online. It may be surprising to find that every single one of these food products is illegal on the federal level!
Indeed, while the 2018 Farm Bill defined and legalized hemp as being “the plant Cannabis sativa L. and any part of that plant, including the seeds thereof and all derivatives, extracts, cannabinoids, isomers, acids, salts, and salts of isomers, whether growing or not, with a delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol concentration of not more than 0.3 per cent on a dry weight basis,” the Bill also preserved the FDA’s authority over hemp and hemp-derived products, meaning that hemp products must, as applicable, meet the same standards and requirements as any other FDA-regulated products (i.e. food, dietary supplements, human and veterinary drugs, and cosmetics).
While clinical investigations and the FDA’s approval of the drug Epidiolex in 2018 (to treat pediatric epilepsy) currently prohibit CBD from being marketed as a dietary supplement, the FDA has formed a CBD Policy Working Group that aims to coordinate FDA CBD policymaking, including exploring potential pathways for conventional foods containing CBD to be lawfully marketed and put into interstate commerce. For the time being, however, the FDA still prohibits the marketing of food products containing CBD, hemp- or marijuana-derived.
The FDA’s stance is sensible—it’s important that the hemp products accessible to consumers are dependably safe, accurately labelled, and effective. However, it does make enjoying CBD in food a bit more inconvenient if you’re interested in adhering to federal law.
Additionally, CBD-infused beverages available for online purchase tend to be expensive (depending on the brand). It’s much cheaper to make your own beverages at home—much in the same way that cooking your own meals tends to be cheaper than ordering takeout. As long as you use hemp-derived CBD oil with no more than 0.3% THC, you’re good to go.
Here are the top 5 CBD-infused beverages you can make at home. For the tastiest experience, use full-spectrum CBD oil. Lightly flavoured with coconut MCT oil, this full spectrum CBD oil mixes well and complements flavours with similar notes like hops, matcha, mint, and basil, or impart a unique flavour to any beverage! Note: The effects of CBD are often subtle and may go unnoticed if simultaneously consuming alcohol.
Read: Surprising Effects of CBD on The Body
Table of Contents
How to Make CBD Infused Beverages at Home
1. CBD “Master Cleanse” Drink
The actual effectiveness of the so-called ‘Master Cleanse’ drink aside, this beverage is perfect if you’re in the mood for something a little spicy, a little sweet, and a little sour. This recipe makes a single serving.
Ingredients:
- 8 oz. Water
- 1 mL (25 mg CBD) Thrive Flower Full spectrum CBD oil tincture
- 2 Tbsp. Lemon juice
- 2 Tbsp. Maple syrup
- Cayenne (just a dash, or to taste)
- Ice (if desired)
Directions:
- Combine water, tincture, lemon juice, maple syrup, and cayenne and mix well.
- Pour over ice.
Read: Benefits of CBD Oil
2. CBD Pineapple-Lime Refresher
There is a range of CBD beverages available online that virtually all follow the same formula: add together a herb, citrus (such as lime or lemon), a fruit juice, CBD, and some type of water, and bang—you’ve got yourself a fizzy, sweet CBD infusion. These types of beverage are simple to make and extremely customizable. This pineapple-lime refresher is sweet and herby and perfectly satisfying on a hot summer day. This recipe serves 4.
Ingredients:
- A small bunch of cilantro
- Juice of 1 lime
- 750 mL Pineapple juice
- 1 mL (25 mg CBD) Full Spectrum CBD oil
- 400 mL Tonic water (or sparkling water)
- Ice
Directions:
- Roughly chop the cilantro, then combine all ingredients and pour over ice.
Read: Benefits of CBD Bath Bombs
3. CBD Ginger beer
Authentic ginger beer is carbonated from the natural fermentation (brewing) of yeast, sugar, and ginger spice(1). This fermentation also makes ginger beer alcoholic. Most modern ginger beers sit at around 0.5% ABV, meeting the FDA’s criteria for “non-alcoholic” labelling. Fortunately, you don’t have to wait for fermentation to make your own ginger beer at home. This recipe produces the same flavours in a fraction of the time and serves 6.
Ingredients:
- 100 g Ginger, roughly chopped
- 1 Lemon, chopped
- 1 mL (25 mg CBD) Thrive Flower Full spectrum CBD oil tincture
- 100 g Light muscovado sugar (or light brown sugar)
- 1 L Lemonade or sparkling water, chilled
Directions:
- Place the ginger, lemon, and tincture in a blender and add 300 mL of water. Blitz until very smooth.
- Strain the mixture through a sieve into a bowl, taking care to press on the pulp to remove as much liquid as possible.
- Add the sugar to the bowl and mix until very well combined. Place in the refrigerator and allow to chill for at least 2 hours.
- When ready to serve, add the lemonade or sparkling water to dilute the mixture.
Optional: To make into a Moscow mule, mix 4 oz. of CBD ginger beer with 1.5 oz. Vodka and add 1/6 oz. Lime juice with ice.
Read: Benefits of Ginger Water
4. CBD Gin & Tonic
This recipe comes from Gracias Madre, the first restaurant in Los Angeles to offer CBD-infused beverages. Their CBD Gin & Tonic is simple to make and easy to enjoy! The following recipe makes 1 serving.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 oz. Gin
- 3.5 oz. Tonic water
- 1/4 oz. Lemon juice
- 1 mL (25 mg CBD) full-spectrum CBD oil
- Aromatics of choice (e.g. marijuana leaves, lime slice, grapefruit peel, edible flowers, herbs, or peppercorns)
Directions:
- In a wine glass, combine gin, juice, and tonic water, and top with ice.
- Arrange chosen aromatics in drink in an aesthetically pleasing manner.
- Float CBD oil on top.