What to Know About Cannabis Energy Drinks
“Dude am I really high? Or this is actually working?” – Harold and Kumar Go To White Castle (2004)
This movie scene perfectly summarizes the ingenuity and creativity of cannabis connoisseurs.
As far as innovation goes, there are no stopping cannabis users from getting the most out of the plant. From hemp fabrics, hemp oil lotions, hemp pastries and, even energy drinks. You heard it right, energy drinks. Stay lit and wired!
For the past couple of years, Cannabis-infused energy drinks have been gaining traction. But what are they? How are drinks different from other energy drinks in the market? Why should I drink my weed? AND the big question… do you get a ‘high’ from it?
What Are CBD (Cannabidiol) Infused Energy Drinks?
Straight up, energy drinks are mostly caffeine and other active ingredients that give the body a surge of energy. Most of the currently marketed energy drinks also contain high-fructose corn syrup to induce a “sugar rush” sensation. Yea, those Monster and Red Bull drinks are full of that sweet pure sugar cane. Or as otherwise known, the most addictive drug in America.
Now several pieces of research reveal how high fructose corn syrup drinks are bad for you. No, duh. Not going to go there in this piece.
This is where Cannabis CBD-infused energy drinks can at least provide some enjoyment instead of a sugar rush to your veins.
How Are Cannabis Drinks Different from Other Energy Drinks in the Market?
The use of hemp seed oil is what makes it different. What is hemp seed oil, you ask? Hemp seed oil is the raw product extracted from the seeds of the cannabis plant.
Basically, “It’s organic, man.” –Fillmore, Cars 2 (2011) a 1960 hippie Volkswagen talking about organic fuel.
Even the Treehugger from the Cars movie, knows organic products are good for you.
Hemp seed oil is even compared to other popular herbal alternatives such as jojoba oil and sunflower seeds. Containing high levels of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, countless studies have also related hemp oil use with positive health effects.
An article from WebMD also shows a list of the benefits of hemp oil.
This includes:
- Improved Skin – reduces the risk of infection by strengthening the skin’s immunity
- Lower/Normal Blood Pressure – the omega-3 fatty acid in CBD oil helps maintain lower blood pressure to help ease hypertension.
- Good Heart Health – hemp seed oil also contains LDL or linoleic acid which lowers cholesterol levels.
- Anti-inflammatory – it’s also known for its effects in reducing pain.
To cut to the chase, the major organic ingredient as an alternative to high levels of sugar makes the CBD-infused energy drink a whole lot better by giving you the same level of an energy boost but with fewer health risks. It’s science! (Yay)
Also, the flavors are endless. My local dispensary carries several different varieties including CBD drinks flavored with ghost peppers.
What Are Its Effects? Do You Get a ‘High’ from It?
While it’s laden with hemp seed oil, CBD-infused energy drinks are developed to give people a boost of energy to remain active.
It also improves focus and concentration when working, studying, playing sports, or doing any activity that requires intense mental and physical performance. But what happens when you mix caffeine and CBD?
Cannabis use has been known to have various effects depending on its strain. It can be a depressant or a stimulant. While it’s been known to have a relaxing effect and caffeine has been a popular stimulant, the big question is, what happens when they go together?
Many people have claimed that taking caffeine with CBD gave them a ‘different high.’
There are just no known studies that show Caffeine and CBD canceling each other out.
In the case of CBD-infused energy drinks, however, the doses of caffeine and CBD have been processed precisely to induce desirable effects.
To conclude, it will only give you a proper boost if it’s a CBD drink. However, drinks containing THC will get you lit in a similar fashion as edibles. Sort of like riding a cheetah to the White Castle!
(Note: THC has psychoactive/intoxicating effects.)
Other Concerns
Is It Vegan-Friendly?
Absolutely. There are no known ingredients that are derived from animals or animal products in these drinks.
Does It Contain Harmful Preservatives?
Although contained in storage for long periods, the drink is pasteurized. It also has an all-natural set of ingredients. The Cannabis Energy Drink official website reveals this list of ingredients in the product: CBD oil, taurine, caffeine, B vitamins, carbonated water, and sugar.
Is It Legal?
Following the appeal filed to the US Court of Appeals in 2004 after the Drug Enforcement Agency’s (DEA) decision to stop the sale of hemp-based products, hemp-oil beverages that contain very little THC are marketed 100% legally. If the drink contains THC, you will have to be in a state where cannabis has been legalized to purchase it.
Where Can You Buy It?
The cannabis energy drinks are currently available for sale in the following countries:
- USA
- Netherlands
- UK
- Spain
- Portugal
- Belgium
- Germany
- Switzerland
- Bulgaria
It may also be available in other countries soon.
Can You Overdose from Drinking Cannabis Energy Drinks?
Let’s get this out in the open: too much of anything will kill you. Including licorice.
The amount of caffeine in one 250ml can of cannabis energy drink is equal to a regular cup of coffee which is 80mg on average. Although it’s unlikely, any beverage that contains caffeine must be taken moderately.
A study suggests that the daily limit for caffeine consumption of healthy adults is 400mg and about 300mg for pregnant women. It may also vary for caffeine-sensitive individuals.
Where Is This Drink Produced?
A large amount of CBD drinks come from Austria. There are currently three major producers globally. However, many domestic producers have entered the market in recent years with the rise of cannabis legalization in the United States.
What are the nutritional facts?
The official website for Cannabis Energy Drink shows this nutrient breakdown for every 100ml serving: 192kj or 45kcal of energy, 0g protein, 11g carbohydrates (Sugars 11g), 0g fat, 0g fiber, and 0.04g sodium.
Conclusion
Since the beginning of the 21st century, cannabis use for recreational and medicinal purposes has been studied by researchers and connoisseurs globally. They’ve come up with countless ways to consume cannabis – smoking, vaping, baking edibles, and many other ways.
Blending hemp oil with energy drinks is one creative and ingenious way to use the medicinal properties of hemp. In the coming years, there could be even more products to incorporate with hemp oil.
Cannabis energy drinks are healthy alternatives to sugar-laden products, but it still needs to be taken in moderation like any other beverage to avoid health complications.
Disclaimer: We run a website. We aren’t health professionals or doctors. Speak with someone in the health field before doing anything dumb.
