CBD Drinks: What They Are and How They Work
New to CBD drinks? Learn what they are, how water-soluble hemp extract works, and how to pick a seltzer that fits into your daily wellness routine.
Key Takeaways:
- CBD drinks are ready-to-drink beverages made with hemp extract, a simple way to add cannabinoids to your daily routine.
- Water-soluble formulas use tiny droplets that blend evenly into liquid, which may help your body absorb hemp extract more efficiently.*
- Serving size, food, and your own body chemistry all shape how a drink feels, so start with one can and give yourself time.
It's 3 p.m., the coffee pot is empty, and the afternoon is stretching out in front of you. Instead of another cup of Joe, you crack open a cold, sparkling can that fits right into your wellness routine. That's the appeal of CBD drinks, and it's why they've become one of the most talked-about corners of the hemp world.
So, what should you expect once you take a sip of a CBD seltzer? In this guide, we break down what CBD drinks are, how they work, and how to choose one you'll enjoy.
What are CBD drinks?
CBD drinks are beverages infused with hemp or cannabis extract. You'll find them as sparkling seltzers, teas, and still waters, and some pair hemp with functional ingredients like mushrooms or botanicals. Think of them as a ready-to-drink alternative to gummies, tinctures, and capsules, with nothing to measure and nothing to chew.
Because the hemp extract is already blended into the liquid, the drink also doubles as a refreshing break, making it easy to fit into the moments when you'd reach for something to sip anyway.
When it comes to CBD drinks, you’ll likely see them labeled as either “full spectrum” or “broad spectrum”. This refers to the exact plant parts, like unique cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids, you’ll find in the drink. Broad spectrum CBD contains all of those nourishing plant parts except for THC, which is filtered out during the extraction process. Full spectrum CBD, meanwhile, contains all of the plant’s naturally occurring compounds, including trace, legal amounts of THC.
CBD is non-psychoactive, even when containing trace amounts of THC.* The World Health Organization's Expert Committee on Drug Dependence reviewed pure CBD and did not find it to have psychoactive properties or any potential for abuse or dependence.* Instead, CBD is revered for its role in calming the mind, promoting focus and relaxation, and encouraging feelings of balance.*
How do CBD drinks work?
The main challenge with CBD drinks comes down to the simple fact that oil and water don't mix. CBD is highly fat-soluble, and researchers note that CBD’s poor water solubility contributes to relatively low and inconsistent absorption when taken by mouth.*
That's where water-soluble CBD technology comes in. Through a process called nanoemulsification, hemp extract is broken into microscopic droplets that remain evenly suspended in the liquid rather than separating. One study found that CBD nanoemulsion products significantly improved cannabinoid bioavailability and absorption rates compared to oil-based drops.*
Once absorbed, cannabinoids interact with your endocannabinoid system, or ECS, a network of receptors, naturally occurring endocannabinoids, and enzymes that helps maintain balance in the body.*
How long do CBD drinks take to work?
CBD drinks typically kick in between 15 minutes and an hour. Results can vary based on several factors, such as serving size, metabolic rate, and your experience with CBD.
Here's what shapes your experience:
- Serving size: More isn't always better. Start with a single serving and give it time to kick in before doubling up.
- Food: In a small randomized crossover study of a hemp extract, a high-fat meal significantly increased CBD bioavailability compared with fasting.* That study looked at a traditional extract rather than a drink, but it shows why what's in your stomach matters.
- Formulation: Water-soluble drinks are designed to blend evenly into liquid, which means they can take effect more quickly than traditional edibles or oil-based extracts.
- Your body: Metabolism, body chemistry, and daily routine all play a part, so your friend's experience may not match yours.
Just like any wellness supplement, consistency tends to matter more than any single serving. Many people find it helpful to enjoy their drink around the same time each day and note how they feel over a couple of weeks.
CBD drinks vs. gummies, tinctures, and capsules
No format is the best one for everyone. Gummies are portable, familiar, and easy to take on the go. Tinctures let you adjust your serving size one drop at a time. CBD drinks are the most refreshing option, and they turn your routine into a little ritual, like swapping your third coffee for a cold seltzer. Cracking open a can is also a small moment that signals a pause in your day, and many people find those little rituals make a routine easier to stick with.
Many people keep a couple of formats in rotation, such as a drink in the afternoon and a gummy in the evening. If you're newer to CBD, you don't have to choose just one. Start with whichever format feels most familiar, and add others as you get comfortable. The best choice is the one you enjoy enough to stick with, because a routine you look forward to is a routine you'll keep.
What are some CBD drinks to try?
Ready to try incorporating CBD drinks into your routine? Our seltzer collection has something for every part of your day, and every Sunmed product is third-party tested.
Our Brain Boost seltzer is a pineapple and orange CBD drink that blends broad spectrum hemp extract (6mg of CBG and 50mg of total hemp-derived cannabinoids per can) with 90mg of lion's mane fruiting body extract and 75mg of caffeine from guayusa, all for just 1 calorie.
Lion’s mane has been studied for its ability to support focus and tension relief, making it the perfect addition to this product.*
What are some tips for CBD drinks?
A few easy ways to get the most out of every can:
- Check the label for serving size, and start with one can.
- Chill it. Seltzers taste best cold.
- Sip slowly rather than finishing a can in one go, especially the first time.
- Pick a consistent time of day, and keep caffeine in mind. Brain Boost has 75mg per can, so you may not want one right before bed.
- Keep a quick note on your phone with the time, the drink, and how you felt, so you can spot patterns over a couple of weeks.
- Pay attention to food. Since what you've eaten can change absorption, try keeping that part of your routine consistent while you figure out what works for you.*
- Talk with your healthcare provider if you're pregnant, nursing, or taking medication.
- Store unopened cans in a cool, dry place.
The bottom line
Here at Sunmed, we're all about making CBD simple, credible, and genuinely enjoyable. CBD drinks are one of the easiest ways to bring hemp into your day, and understanding how they work helps you pick one with confidence. We built our seltzer lineup with that in mind: clear labels and third-party testing you can check for yourself.
Whether you're a longtime hemp fan or simply curious, we're here to answer your questions along the way, and if a seltzer isn't right for you, our 30-day money-back guarantee has you covered. Ready to crack one open? Explore our CBD seltzers and find your favorite.
*This statement has not been evaluated by the Food & Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
FAQs
Do CBD drinks get you high?
No, CBD itself does not cause intoxication or psychoactive effects.* Our hemp-derived delta-9 THC seltzers are different, so always check the label.
How long do CBD drinks take to work?
It varies by person, serving size, and whether you've eaten, and research on beverages specifically is still developing.* Start with one can and give yourself time before having another.
Can I drink CBD seltzers every day?
Many people enjoy them as part of a daily routine, as long as they follow the serving size on the label. If you're pregnant, nursing, or taking medication, check with your healthcare provider first.
Are CBD drinks better than gummies?
Neither is better across the board. Drinks are refreshing and ready to sip, while gummies are portable and easy to take on the go, so the best format is the one you'll enjoy and stick with.
Sources:
WHO Expert Committee on Drug Dependence review of cannabis | WHO
Current Challenges and Opportunities for Improved Cannabidiol Solubility | PMC
Endocannabinoid System: Chemical Characteristics and Biological Activity | PMC
