What’s the Deal with Cannabinoid-Infused Drinks and Beverages?

If you think you’ve exhausted all of the types of hemp products out there – gummies, tinctures, vapes, flower, topicals and so on – then you might want to think again. Hemp-infused drinks and beverages are a big deal right now, quickly becoming one of the most sought-after product types on the ever-evolving market. Let’s take a closer look at what makes these products so unique, while sharing everything that there is to know about them.

Everything You Need to Know About Cannabinoid-Infused Drinks and Beverages

Cannabinoid-infused drinks and beverages refer to any commercial bev that’s infused with a hemp extract – often just a cannabinoid distillate, which is a purified extract of a specific cannabinoid, like CBD, CBN, Delta 8 THC, Delta 9 THC, etc.

Hemp drinks and beverages fall into the category of edibles technically, since they’re ingested, just like gummies, caramels, and capsules, to offer the effects of the cannabinoid through the unique delivery method that takes place when we digest these compounds.

How are Cannabinoid-Infused Drinks and Beverages Made?

Before we dive into this part, keep in mind through, the production of cannabis beverages must adhere to legal regulations, which vary by region. Additionally, the precise methods and ingredients can vary depending on the specific product and manufacturer. With all that being said, their production involves several key steps:

1. Selection of Cannabis Material: The first step involves selecting the type of cannabis material to be used. This could be either THC (tetrahydrocannabinol, the psychoactive component) or CBD (cannabidiol, the non-psychoactive component), or a combination of both. The choice depends on the desired effect of the beverage (e.g., relaxation, pain relief, or a psychoactive experience).
2. Extraction Process: The active compounds (THC, CBD, or other cannabinoids) are extracted from the cannabis plant. This can be done through various methods such as CO2 extraction, ethanol extraction, or oil infusion. The goal is to extract the cannabinoids in a manner that can be easily mixed into a beverage.
3. Emulsification: Since cannabinoids are oil-soluble and not naturally water-soluble, they need to be converted into a form that can blend smoothly with water-based beverages. This is done using an emulsification process, which breaks down the cannabis oil into tiny particles that can be mixed with water without separating. This process often involves the use of emulsifiers and surfactants.
4. Formulation and Flavoring: The emulsified cannabis is then added to the beverage. This step involves careful formulation to ensure the correct dosage and consistency. Flavorings and other ingredients may be added to create a pleasant taste, as pure cannabis extracts can have a strong and sometimes bitter flavor.
5. Homogenization and Quality Control: The mixture is then homogenized to ensure that the cannabis is evenly distributed throughout the beverage. Quality control is crucial to ensure consistent potency and safety. This includes testing for cannabinoid content, contaminants, and ensuring that the product complies with legal regulations.
6. Packaging and Distribution: Finally, the beverage is packaged, often in bottles or cans, and distributed. Packaging is designed to protect the product from light and air, which can degrade cannabinoids.

What are the Different Types of Cannabinoid-Infused Drinks and Beverages?

Cannabinoid-infused drinks and beverages come in all kinds of formulas, from water to seltzer, to shots to soda, to coffee and tea, to thick syrups to powders/drink mixes that easily dissolve into any liquid. Flavored with clean ingredients, they can be extremely satisfying, while acting once again, as a nice alternative to gummies and other forms of edibles.

What are the Advantages of Cannabinoid-Infused Drinks and Beverages?

Yes, there are some unique advantages that make them different from other types of edibles, which’re worth paying attention to as they have everything to do with this product type’s fast-growing appeal.

Advantage #1: Cannabinoid-Infused Drinks/Beverages Absorb Faster and More Efficiently Than Edibles

One of the most interesting things about beverages is that they absorb faster than other types of edibles, meaning that they can take effect sooner. That’s because the cannabinoid has been nano-emulsified. See, cannabinoid distillates are naturally oil-soluble rather than water-soluble. Before we get into what that means, keep in mind that one exception is the majority of hemp teas, which combine dried hemp flower with tea leaves.

Nano-emulsification turns an oil-soluble substance into a water-soluble substance. This matters to the user because it means that the cannabinoids can absorb into the body more efficiently, since the body is made up of a high percentage of water. This way, hemp beverages take effect sooner, and the effects can be stronger per milligram than, say, gummies.

Advantage #2: Cannabinoid-Infused Drinks/Beverages Effects Can Last for Hours

As you may already know with edibles in general, ingesting cannabinoids means the longest-lasting effects of any delivery method. This is because the cannabinoids get processed through the liver, converting into new metabolites – for instance, 11-hydroxy THC, a THC metabolite – and this means that they distribute through the body for an extended period of time. So, with hemp beverages, you can generally count on 5-7 hours of effectiveness.

Advantage #3: Cannabinoid-Infused Drinks/Beverages are Super Refreshing

Hemp beverages are also, of course, a uniquely refreshing way to enjoy your favorite cannabinoids. They simultaneously quench your thirst while offering the potential benefits of the hemp plant. In fact, they can be fantastic for someone who is trying to reduce their alcohol intake, but still wants a beverage with an active ingredient like CBD – or THC, which is intoxicating.

Advantage #4: Cannabinoid-Infused Drinks/Beverages Easy to Travel with

Hemp beverages are great for traveling, of course, as you can sip them in your car, or enjoy them on a walk. It’s not like vaping or smoking flower, which draws more attention to you, and is easily confused with marijuana. Discreet, portable, and mess-free, they make for a great product when you’re on the road or just generally not at home.

Advantage #5: Cannabinoid-Infused Drinks/Beverages Come in Lots of Flavors

Like other types of edibles, these drinks/beverages come in a lot of great flavor options to choose from. We’re big fans of sparkling waters and seltzers, which are flavored with fruit extracts, and are both generally healthier than other types of drinks (like soft drinks and sugary fruit juices), while still being extremely tasty.

Advantage #6: Many Cannabinoid-Infused Drinks/Beverages are Intoxicating

Keep in mind that a lot of the hemp drinks/beverages you’re seeing on the market right now are intoxicating. Pay attention to the label to see what the cannabinoid content is. Many contain THC – a federally compliant amount, that is – which, as we all know, creates a high. Because there is a legal limit as to how much delta 9 THC can be in a hemp product (maximum of 0.3%), they’re not incredibly intoxicating, but do offer a really nice and effective THC buzz. You can, of course, also find hemp beverages that are not psychoactive, using nonintoxicating CBD as the cannabinoid of choice.

Advantage #7: Cannabinoid-Infused Drinks/Beverages are Federally Legal

Yes, hemp-infused drinks and beverages are a legal product type, which means that you don’t have to worry about being able to buy and enjoy as you so choose. The only restriction when it comes to hemp products is that they may not contain more than 0.3% delta 9 THC. Otherwise, you can enjoy exploring the different hemp drinks out there as freely as you wish.

Cannabinoid-Infused Drinks and Beverages: An Emerging Trend to Try at The Calm Leaf

Hemp beverages are a gamechanger, offering a fast and powerfully absorbing way to drink your favorite cannabinoids, with hours of effects to look forward to. Whether your main goal is getting high, or you’re simply looking for a way to unwind with a gentler cannabinoid formulation, The Calm Leaf has got you covered.