Do CBD infused beverages give you a buzz like alcohol? Cannabidiol (CBD), the non-psychoactive element of cannabis plants, is legal and widely sold in drink form. Can we swap our beer with CBD drinks instead?
Cannabidiol, or CBD for short, has become increasingly popular recently. It is now so prevalent that you will find products containing the substance on shelves of almost any store—including some grocery stores. Not that anything trumps the convenience of shopping online, but that's for a different article.
What is CBD?
CBD is the non-psychoactive natural compound in Cannabis. It is known as a phytocannabinoid and is found predominantly in hemp plants. There are, however, some strains of marijuana that have higher levels of CBD as well.
The people who enjoy CBD claim that it provides health benefits, including pain relief and stress reduction. CBD users also say it has anti-inflammatory and anti-anxiety properties. Some claim it can even help with depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues.
Like most stimulants or substances, not all people react the same way to CBD. But is it generally known to give people a buzz?
Speaking from personal experience, it certainly helps me to stay focused on the task at hand. Sipping on some CBD water throughout the day while typing away is my go-to when my brain is feeling particularly unfocused.
I wouldn't necessarily describe it as an alcohol buzz but a flurry of focus? No, not that, either. It is more like clarity- a single point of focus where the everyday distractions don't have the same power over me as other times.
I can't say whether this is a universal experience. But, I can say that it has helped me get through some days when focusing on work is proving tiresome. We all have those days, so CBD water might be a beneficial addition to your fridge too.
But what about social situations?
Alcohol is known for giving people a buzz- but that’s before the alcohol level climbs to a drunken stagger. The buzz from alcohol often comes when a person gets ‘tipsy.’ So, to be clear, we’re not comparing CBD to the feeling of being drunk.
Some people say they get a buzz like alcohol from drinking CBD infused beverages. Others describe it as an ultra-calm focus, where conversation comes easily, and social anxiety fades away. Most often, these are the qualities people seek from alcohol.
It’s not necessarily that people want to get drunk (though some do), but people just want to take the edge off. CBD could do that, yes, but it's important to stress that everyone can have a different reaction.
What about sedation?
Since CBD is also said to promote sedation, it seems counterintuitive to use it in a social setting, right? Nope, because CBD isn’t that one-dimensional.
Speaking from personal experience, as well as from reading up on many people’s experiences, CBD can make you feel calm and relaxed yet focused and stimulated at the same time. Have a CBD beverage while winding down on the couch? You’re more likely to forget about the horrors of adult life (i.e., responsibilities).
But if you were to enjoy a couple of CBD drinks while at a barbecue or even on a hike? It's more likely to instigate a stimulating feeling. You might even feel more focused. It is described as a pleasant, clear-headed state where your body feels relaxed, and your mind is at ease with just the right amount of stimulation.
And remember, it all comes down to dosing as well. A CBD beverage has a reasonably low CBD content, between 15 mg and 30 mg on average. This makes it the perfect level to enjoy whichever way you please- whether you go out dancing or stay sunken on your couch. Or dancing in your living room or even cooking in your kitchen.
How you drink it is up to you. The best part is that CBD drinks are pretty discrete. You’re not popping a capsule or tilting your head back to get the right amount of oil out of the dropper.
The Bottom Line: Do CBD infused beverages give you a buzz like alcohol?
Are the effects of CBD similar to a buzz from a cocktail? Well, the answer lies in how you define your “buzz.”
For this writer, it's pretty similar–but without the dizziness (or stupidity) that alcohol can induce. Instead, it’s a bright, level-headedness that is much more pleasant. Think of it this way; an alcohol buzz is like a sticky, humid heat. It's hot–but it can be uncomfortable.
A “buzz” from the CBD is more like that crisp sunshine on a warm winter's day. Unless your climate is Canada, in that case, it's more like a ray of warm winter sunshine in a more tropical climate. It’s a reprieve, warm enough to make you feel clear and focused, but not too much that it makes you feel silly.
If that verbal illustration doesn’t do it for you, how about trying it yourself? There’s no intoxication with CBD, and even the World Health Organization says it is a largely safe compound with no risk of abuse. So, give it a try. Go find your new favorite CBD drink at CENTR, and get 10% off your next online purchase.
