CBD Lemonade – Does Something So Delicious Even Exist?

CBD has three main methods of delivery. Topical, which include creams, lotions, and oils that are applied directly to the skin. Inhalants, which you inhale into the lungs via vaping or smoking. Edibles, where the CBD extract either enters the food or beverages as an additive, or where it’s ingested or consumed in pill or capsule form. Edibles are a popular means of getting the potential health benefits of CBD and hiding the sometimes harsh flavor of the cannabinoid. CBD lemonade is one alternative way in which you can consume CBD without the bad taste.

What Are Cannabinoids?

Cannabinoids are substances that interact with the endocannabinoid system featured in the human body. They have a regulatory function and either stimulate or inhibit certain responses depending on the type of cannabinoid and the cannabinoid receptor that they are interacting with.

There are two types of receptors: CB-1 and CB-2. CB-1 receptors are present primarily in the brain and nervous system and do mainly regulate brain-related functions. CB-2 receptors are present primarily in the gastrointestinal tract and the immune system and can regulate immune responses.

A cannabinoid binds with or interacts with one of these receptors. When it does, they either stimulate a specific response or inhibit a specific response. Depending on the cannabinoid in question, the response might be much different.

What Are Endocannabinoids?

Endocannabinoids are cannabinoids manufactured by the body itself. To date, researchers know of two main endocannabinoids – anandamide and 2-archidonyl glycerol (2-AG). Anandamide acts on the endocannabinoid system in much the same way as THC does. THC is a cannabinoid found in marijuana that has psychoactive properties famous for its psychoactive effects. Nevertheless, THC also is capable of decreasing pain sensation and inflammation; something 2-AG does as well without the psychoactive aspect. Anandamide is also present in other plants, and there is even a small amount of the cannabinoid in chocolate.

However, the body manufactures only tiny amounts of endocannabinoids. Thus, it is easy for the system to find itself overwhelmed when it does not have enough endocannabinoids to cover demand. This is when phytocannabinoids enter the picture.

What Are Phytocannabinoids?

The prefix ‘phyto’ has Greek origins and simply means “of a plant.” Phytocannabinoids are, therefore, cannabinoids found in plants. These cannabinoids are present in a variety of different plants, including:

• Cacao
• Black Pepper
• Coneflower
• Helichrysum
• Black Truffles
• Chinese Rhododendron
• Electric Daisy
• Japanese Liverwort

However, these plants generally contain small or trace amounts of cannabinoids. They do interact with the endocannabinoid system in the same way as endocannabinoids. However, they mostly do not have much of a strong effect. One plant is different, however – cannabis.

To date, researchers identified 113 cannabinoids from the cannabis plant. The primary cannabinoids are CBD (cannabidiol) and THC (tetrahydrocannabinol). These two exist in high concentrations that are way in excess of those produced by the body or contained in other plants.

As mentioned above, THC is responsible for the psychoactive properties attributed to the cannabis sativa or marijuana plant. However, it also has some health benefits accompanying those. CBD, on the other hand, has none of the psychoactive properties or side-effects. Its primary function is to interact with the CB-2 receptors in the body to regulate the immune system.

What Is CBD?

CBD is a phytocannabinoid extracted from the cannabis plant. The cannabis plant saw uses for centuries due to its medicinal purposes. More recently, scientific research found that many of the health benefits attributed to cannabis might actually be the work of CBD. These potential health benefits include:

• Pain relief.
• Anti-inflammatory to reduce swelling.
• Help for people with mental health disorders like anxiety and depression.
• Anti-psychotic.
• Potentially tumor inhibiting (may prevent the growth of tumors).
• Relieves nausea and vomiting.
• Anti-seizure. To date, there’s even a CBD-derived drug approved by the FDA – Epidiolex, which is for the treatment of certain rare forms of drug-resistant epilepsy.
• Neuro-protective.
• Reduces acne.

Research into the potential health benefits of CBD is fairly new. Moreover, until recently, the cannabinoid was classified as a Schedule 1 Controlled substance along with THC and cannabis. Thus, preventing clinical trials and studies on humans. The recent legalization of hemp and CBD products allowed research to advance and scientific confirmation of its multiple health benefits.

Where Does CBD Come From?

CBD is present in the species of Cannabis Sativa known more plainly as the hemp plant. It is also present in the Cannabis Indica species (marijuana) in lower concentrations than in hemp. Manufacturers mainly extract CBD from the hemp plant due to the higher concentration as well as, the lower concentration of THC.

For a cannabis plant to classify as hemp, it must have no more than 0.3% THC content in it by dry weight. This applies to hemp products like CBD as well; they must also contain less than 0.3% THC in order to be legal.

CBD Products by Delivery Method

There are three main types of CBD products available on the market:

• Topical CBD products that go applied directly to the skin, including oils, creams, and lotions.
• Inhalants which include crystals, oils, and tinctures you can vape or smoke.
• Edibles which include pills, capsules, and liquid supplements, as well as any food or beverage to which you can add CBD.

These categories also refer to the delivery method, meaning the way the CBD enters your bloodstream. Topical products allow CBD absorption through the skin. Inhalants allow CBD to enter via the lining of lung tissue. Edibles you absorb by the gastrointestinal tract. In the case of CBD gummies or chewing gum, the cannabinoid may saw absorption by the mucous lining in the mouth and by the tongue while you chew the edible treats.

Can You Add CBD Oil to Beverages?

Most commonly, people add CBD oil to hot beverages like tea or coffee. The heat of the beverage allows the oil to somewhat dissolve in the liquid. However, adding CBD to hot beverages is not ideal. Heat destroys CBD, so you will not receive the maximum benefits of the cannabinoid.

Adding CBD oil to cold beverages will cause it to float on top of the beverage just like any other oil. Once you finish your drink, some of the oil will remain in the cup or glass that you were drinking from. This is because CBD oil is normally not water-soluble or does not dissolve in water unless heated.

If you want to add CBD to an alcoholic beverage, it is important to understand the effects that it will have. In the same way it won’t dissolve in other types of cool beverages, the CBD oil will not mix into the alcoholic beverage. However, you will certainly get double the effect of drowsiness. Both CBD and alcohol may make you drowsy, so this combination might be very good for sleep.

If you want to get the greatest benefit from your CBD in beverages, opt for water-soluble CBD products like tinctures to add to cool drinks.

Is CBD Lemonade A Thing?

Beverages infused with CBD are currently trending. You can certainly infuse CBD in just about any type of beverage that you enjoy. Lemonade has long been a favorite beverage to enjoy on hot summer days. It has also become one of the most popular choices to deliver all the health benefits of CBD.

Why CBD Lemonade?

The main reason for the rise in popularity of lemonade as a vehicle for CBD is the taste. CBD has a bitter earthy flavor that is not compatible with every palette. In other words, its taste is not something most are used to, and the flavor is, thus, not for everyone.

The astringent, sour taste of lemonade is the perfect way to hide the taste of the CBD. Sour tastes are effective at reducing bitter flavors.

Cool CBD lemonade also ensures that you are getting all the health benefits and the full dose of your CBD. Unlike hot beverages, none of the CBD or health properties will experience breaking down by heat in your cool glass of lemonade.

However, it is important to pay attention to the dosage. Because you are getting the full dose, read the instructions on the label of your water-soluble CBD as to how much you should add to your beverage. If you are just starting out, it is advisable to start with less than the recommended dose to gauge its effects and side-effects. Although CBD is safe for use in large doses, there may be mild side effects. If you have side-effects, discontinue use or reduce the dosage.

Is There A Way to Make CBD Lemonade Taste Better?

The best way to hide the taste of CBD in your lemonade is to use water-soluble products. These products infuse into the water instead of lying on top of the water as oils do. If you are using regular CBD oil, then you are going to get the full taste of the CBD with the taste of the lemonade. Water-soluble CBD will cover the flavor with the taste of lemons and sweetness to a greater extent.

Contrary to conventional logic, adding more sugar to your lemonade is not going to make the CBD taste any better. In fact, the sweetness may bring out the bitterness. A touch of gin can, however, help hide the CBD even better but be wary of the double drowsiness effect.