An enduring trend anticipated to continue into 2024 is the increasing popularity of functional beverages, with CBD-infused drinks emerging as a notable contender in this market segment. A functional drink is typically a non-alcoholic beverage assumed to provide additional health benefits beyond hydration to the human body, often focusing on a specific target ingredient. Most functional drinks contain specific herbs, vitamins, minerals, or extracts, as well as bioactive compounds that help support the immune system, boost energy, or provide relaxation. Some notable examples include energy drinks, plant-based milks, vitamin-infused enhanced waters, and more. As CBD-infused beverages are also making their mark in this segment as herb-based functional drinks, let's take a closer look at what CBD is and what we currently know about this emerging yet increasingly popular beverage.
CBD, short for Cannabidiol, is one of the components found in cannabis (marijuana) and is derived from the hemp plant. Unlike THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), another component of the cannabis plant known for its psychoactive effects, CBD does not produce intoxicating effects. According to information from the World Health Organization, "In humans, CBD exhibits no effects indicative of any abuse or dependence potential" (WHO Critical Review Report, 2018). In short, while both CBD and THC originate from the same plant, they are said to have distinct effects on the human body. C.Kyle, Bon Appétit
Since CBD is an additive, it's often found in a variety of drinks, creating what's commonly known as a CBD drink. Consequently, CBD can be added to a range of beverages such as tea, lemonades, carbonated and still water, and more. This allows for a diverse array of flavors, ranging from fruity to herbal or botanical, and even cocktail-like tastes (Forbes Health).
Since 2018, there has been widespread discussion surrounding CBD-infused drinks, skincare, and other products. Following the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, consumers became increasingly health-conscious, leading to a surge in searches for potentially beneficial products. Functional drinks such as kombucha, matcha, enhanced waters, and CBD-infused beverages have seen a notable increase in interest. These beverages are often suggested as potentially offering anti-inflammatory properties and believed to aid in anxiety relief, mood improvement, alongside other potential health benefits. However, there remains a lack of extensive research or evidence in human studies regarding the exact beneficial dosage of CBD (Harvard Business Review). Furthermore, CBD-infused drinks and foods continue to be highly unregulated worldwide, lacking universal acceptance or classification as a medical component. Side effects might also be observed in case of improper dosage, such as liver damage, vomiting, and fatigue among others (Forbes Health).
Currently, although permitted in certain variations or under medical perscription in countries like the United States, The United Kingdom, Switzerland, Canada and Australia, CBD remains largely unregulated on a massive scale around the world. Additionally, some studies indicate that certain commercial products containing CBD, such as aqueous beverages, may have inconsistent labeling. This lack of consistency makes it challenging to determine the correct dosage and identify potentially harmful additional components, thereby posing challenges for regulation and oversight.(O.Miller, E. Elder Jr., K.Jones, B.Gidal, Epilepsy & Behavior).
While additional research is necessary for scientists to conclusively affirm the safety and proper dosage of CBD in soft drinks, the evident surge in interest is noteworthy. By 2022, the global CBD market surged from 6.82 billion USD to 9.4 billion USD, while future estimations indicating steady growth (GlobeNewswire). Although CBD-infused drinks hold therapeutic potential and demonstrated health benefits, further studies in the field are essential before we can definitively say that CBD is the future of functional beverages.
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