Cheers To Cannabis: A List Of CBD-Infused Drinks You Need To Try
As California celebrates its 6-month legalized cannabis anniversary, a new industry of THC and CBD-infused drinks, along with an abundance of other cannabis-infused products are finding their way into mainstream society.
Aside from getting high, canna-connoisseurs have discovered that CBD — the acronym for a non-psychoactive molecule found in cannabis, cannabidiol — has a special place in the health and wellness scene, and could potentially be on the forefront of being recognized as a legitimate medicine.
Thanks to anti-inflammatory and anti-anxiety properties, CBD-infused drinks can provide a relaxing, subliminal buzz, and are also becoming the go-to alternatives for cannabis users looking to experiment, without dealing with the mind-altering effects that come with THC.
Although legal gray areas exist pretty much everywhere cannabis does, if you are of age or someone you know that is older than 21, has been curious about trying a CBD-infused drink, but want to avoid any awkwardness or confusion at a marijuana collective — here are some you can buy right now, without setting foot in a dispensary.
Kickback Cold Brew Coffee
A few bottles of Kickback Cold brew Coffee ended up at the FOODBEAST offices a few months back. Made with CBD and hemp oil, this cold brew is a tasty way to take off the edge. Some cold brew mixtures can be an easy way to jump-start your mornings or afternoon routine, but most likely end in a jittery crash. Adding CBD to this tasty mixture helped ease after-coffee anxiety and prevented a harsh crash.
Check out the Matcha-cha flavor, made with almond milk and monk fruit for an earthy, yet sweet aftertaste.
Where to buy: Use the store locator feature on Kickback’s website to find some near you.
‘Sour T-iesel’ Cocktail
Thanks to these CBD-infused drinks, like the, “Stony Negroni” and “Rolled Fashion,” this plant-based Mexican restaurant in Los Angeles is becoming a landmark for Instagram worthy cocktails.
Gracias Madre, located on the ever-hip Melrose Avenue in West Hollywood, also serves up the “Sour T-iesel,” a drink named after the Sour Diesel cannabis strain. Crowned with a green cannabis leaf shape outlined in matcha powder, this mixture of tequila blanco, lime, agave, mint, aquafaba, and cannabinoids will cost you about $20.
Where to buy: Gracias Madre, 8905 Melrose Ave., WeHo; (323) 978-2170
Vybes Mind + Body Function
A few FOODBEAST staffers came up with a CBD-infused drink recipe that became an impromptu mixer at a networking event for Om Nom Organics in Downtown Los Angeles.
The bottled CBD-infused drink was Vybes Mind + Body Function, a smooth, organic tea-like beverage made with 15mg of hemp CBD. The Blueberry Mint flavor was refreshing with vodka and soda water.
Where to buy: Visit the Om Nom Organics website to find a location near you.
CBD-Infused Caramel Latte
While California is the newest state to adopt full-on cannabis legalization, states like New York are still testing out state-run medical cannabis programs. However, you don’t need a New York State-issued medical cannabis recommendation to stop by Brooklyn’s Caffeine Underground, a popular coffee shop and event space.
The Caffeine Underground specializes in made-to-order CBD-infused coffee drinks.
Where to buy: Caffeine Underground, 447 Central Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11221
CatBirD IPA
Known as Catbird IPA (CatBirD, get it?), this special CBD-infused brew was created by Transplants Brewing from Palmdale, Calif., and incorporates a unique “hop-hash,” a blend of different types of hops that are harvested from the pelletizing process. In short, “hop-hash” contains a wide variety of hops, which contributes to a very intense hoppy experience.
At 7.2 ABV, this IPA will provide a strong buzz while keeping you nice and mellow. Check out Transplants Brewing’s website for more info on tasting hours.
Where to buy: Transplants Brewing, 40242 La Quinta Ln Unit 101, Palmdale, CA 93551
CBD Coffee Beans
Out of the countless number of mail order coffee subscriptions, it’s safe to say that Green Roads Coffee is the only distributor that will send you some CBD-soaked beans. While CBD cold brew coffee is abundant in bottled form, this might be the right choice for those of you that appreciate the ritualistic process of making your own cup of coffee by hand.
Quick, grab the grinder — and the French press.
Where to buy: www.greenroadsworld.com.
CBD Lemonade
If Trader Joe’s and Whole Foods had a child, it would be Erewhon Organic Grocer & Cafe. With a handful of locations in California, Erewhon specializes in raw, vegan, and organic produce.
Their mission is to provide customers with “functional foods, adaptogens, herbs, CBD, and superfoods,” according to its webite. In addition, Erewhon has a variety of CBD-infused cold-pressed juices and smoothies.
Where to buy: Visit www.erewhon.com to find a location near you.
Prank Bar
Sporting rolling door panels, high ceilings, and a spacious upstairs bar, Prank Bar in Los Angeles is known as Los Angeles first ever ‘walk-up bar.’ It’s also the first bar in Los Angeles to serve terpene cocktails. Terpenes are the essential oils of the cannabis plant, which carry the plant’s aromatic and flavor compounds.
With that said, terpenes are non-psychoactive, and have different physiological effects. For example, pinene, a pine-scented terpene found in popular strains like OG Kush and Blue Dream, can act as a bronchodilator — which can help with respiratory system issues.
Where to buy: Prank Bar, 1100 S Hope St, Los Angeles, CA 90015
