Times have changed. Instead of being excited about new cola flavors, people are quitting soda in droves. In fact, more people are switching to healthy drinks like herbal tea and kombucha. And the same goes for CBD: people are using it for everything from relaxation and anxiety to dealing with chronic conditions.
What if we put the two together?
That's exactly what happens when you add CBD to kombucha. But what is it? Is it safe? Can it get you in trouble with the law, or make you fail a drug test? Will it make you feel funny, and can you buy it in stores? Read on to find out more about the most modern way to enjoy tea!
CBD in kombucha is really just doubling down on good things. Kombucha — especially naturally fermented, raw kombucha — is one of the healthiest drinks. It's low in sugar and packed with gut-healthy probiotics. So, even without CBD, it's great for your health. CBD just adds another layer of natural health benefits to something that is already a great choice.
The first thing you should know about CBD in kombucha is what CBD actually is.
CBD stands for Cannabidiol. It's a chemical that comes from the hemp or marijuana plant. Technically, that makes it a "phytochemical," which just means a chemical that comes from a plant. Many other phytochemicals are good for us too, including the ones found in chocolate.
Eating and drinking foods containing these chemicals have proven health benefits, and CBD is no different.
Many different people use CBD for different things. Some use it to manage mental health conditions like anxiety or insomnia. Some use it for chronic pain relief from conditions like arthritis, and others use it to relax and destress.
There are many ongoing medical trials about the health benefits of CBD, and so far, it's been found to be a potential treatment for certain kinds of conditions, like epilepsy and multiple sclerosis.
So, CBD may be a relatively new thing on the natural health radar (at least, on a large scale!), but it's got promise for a lot of potential uses.
The relative safety of CBD varies a lot based on where it comes from, how it is processed, and many other factors.
Just like you would with any natural product, you should only source your CBD and CBD products from reputable, high quality sources. Even better, if you can identify where the product comes from, you can find out more from the producer.
You should also know that, like other natural products, the quality of CBD varies based on how it is grown and processed. Some manufacturers might add chemicals or use less than ideal processing methods.
So, while CBD itself is safe to consume, it does depend on where it comes from.
CBD on its own does not make you high. However, it does come from the same plant that we get marijuana from, and that plant contains another chemical called THC, which does have the potential to make you high.
Sometimes, CBD products have the THC removed to avoid making the user high, but other products have both CBD and THC. You should always ask the manufacturer or supplier about the THC level, as it's the amount of THC that gives you that high. If there is only a trace amount of THC in the product, most people will not feel it.
That said, you should always keep any products you aren't sure about away from children and anyone else who should not be consuming products with THC in them.
If you're in the US, the legality of CBD is really complicated. Laws about manufacturing, possessing, and using CBD vary by state and area, and there are also various federal laws to consider.
It's always a good idea to check the specific laws for the area you live in before you order any products containing CBD or THC, just to be safe.
Most drug tests look for THC, which is the compound in marijuana that makes you high. However, some types of CBD may have a small amount of THC or traces of that chemical. This means if you take a sensitive drug test, it might trigger a positive result.
If you know you will be taking a drug test, you should always ask a doctor before you take any CBD products, just to be sure that you can safely have them without getting a positive test.
CBD has a very woody, earthy, organic taste. It smells a little like you're walking through a damp forest. However, many CBD products have all kinds of things added to them, so you can get a product in the flavor and scent of your choice.
The flavor of natural CBD, however, is best described as "herbaceous."
CBD is safe to use for most people. However, because some products still have THC and other chemicals, you should always check with your doctor before you take them if you have any health concerns.
People who are pregnant or breastfeeding and minors should also avoid products containing THC unless it's been cleared with their doctor. While the vast majority of CBD products are safe, it's always best to err on the side of caution when you add any new product to your lifestyle or diet.
When it comes to CBD in kombucha, it made perfect sense to combine two fantastic products into one.
Kombucha, particularly natural, raw, minimally processed products, are great for gut health, and CBD helps people to relax and destress.
The combination works well and is especially enjoyable when combined with the natural flavors, so it's a match made in heaven.
If you have a CBD product you like to use and want to add to kombucha, nothing is holding you back. However, you might want to experiment with the ratio of CBD to kombucha and start with a smaller amount rather than too much.
You want just enough CBD in your kombucha to give you the relaxing effect, but not so much that you spoil the taste of kombucha or take too much.
It's a good idea to check the CBD oil you plan to use too. Find out if it contains THC, and how much. This will also determine how much you can add to your kombucha without potential adverse effects.
If you plan to add your own CBD to your kombucha, you should make sure you know what kind of CBD you are using. Some, like tinctures, contain alcohol, which can harm the probiotics in your kombucha and negate some of the gut-healthy probiotics you find in raw kombucha products.
Likewise, if you use CBD oil in kombucha, it likely won't mix into the beverage. Instead, it will float on top. That will probably not result in a delicious product!
Yes! There are commercial kombucha products that already have CBD in them, so you don't have to worry about whether you have the right type, how strong it is, or any of the other factors mentioned here. Many of these are also pre-flavored with natural herbs, spices, and fruits so it's like having your favorite after-work cooler – but without the hangover, and better for your gut and stress levels.
As with any kombucha you buy, however, make sure it's as natural and raw as possible. The more processing — especially heat processing — your beverage goes through, the fewer natural probiotics and other good stuff it will contain. Look for raw and unpasteurized kombucha whenever possible.
Brew Dr. has been brewing natural, raw kombucha in a variety of tasty flavors for a long time. Over time, we realized that some of our customers would want a natural product with the benefits of CBD, so we created our Tranquil range.
Tranquil contains 25mg of full-spectrum CBD from East Fork Cultivars here in our home state of Oregon. It comes in a range of fresh and fruity flavors that are delicious right out of the bottle.
We don't intend these products for children, pregnant, or breastfeeding women because they contain full-spectrum CBD and therefore have trace amounts of THC in them. That said, the amount of THC is below the legal limit, and shouldn’t make you feel high unless you are especially sensitive to THC. But for everyone else, they're perfect and delicious. Learn more about Tranquil here and feel free to reach out with any questions!
