Brewers are always looking for the next new way to brew beer or the next big ingredient to make their brew stand out from all the rest. Beer drinkers anxiously await these innovations as well. The team at Cheers All explains why CBD may be that next big thing.
What Is CBD?
For those who are relatively new to the world of the cannabis plant, it is important to understand the difference between CBD and THC. While both CBD and THC come from the cannabis plant, they have quite different effects on you. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the main psychoactive compound in cannabis that produces the high sensation. Cannabidiol (CBD) does not have any psychoactive properties or cause the high that is often associated with the use of marijuana use. Instead, CBD oil is commonly extracted from the cannabis plant and then mixed with a carrier oil, such as coconut, palm, olive, or hemp seed oil.
The Legalization of Hemp
Although hemp from the cannabis plant was used for thousands of years – including the early colonists in America, it was banned in the mid-20th century because of its association with its cousin the marijuana plant. In recent years, however, hemp and hemp-derived CBD products are once again legal in the U.S. American brewers and distillers wasted little time creating cannabis-infused beverages. The American cannabis-infused beverage market is anticipated to reach $1.4 billion in sales by 2024, according to leading global food and drink consulting firm Zenith Global.
Why Are Cannabis-Infused Alcoholic Drinks So Popular?
One reason that the cannabis-alcohol market has taken off so quickly is the sheer novelty of the concept. Craft brewers and consumers, in particular, are always looking for something new to give their beer a unique look and flavor. Another factor is in the increased emphasis on health and wellness in the U.S. According to a Quartz survey study, over 10 percent of Americans between 18 and 44 use CBD based products to combat economic, political, and social anxieties. Those over the age of 44 are acquiring CBD products as an alternative to relieve muscle pains, improve mental relaxation, and reduce joint and chronic pain. It should come as no surprise then that CBD infused alcoholic drinks are an intriguing alternative to traditional beers. Casual to rich blends of cannabis-infused drinks are being marketed to health-conscious consumers as a “healthy buzz without the calories.”
Cannabis Infused Alcohol Products
If the idea of cannabis infused alcohol (or even non-alcoholic cannabis drinks) appeals to you, the following options are already on the market in the US and/or UK:
- CBD Beer - California based brewing company, Outbound Brewing released a line of non-alcoholic 20mg broad-spectrum CBD brews, along with a 10mg THC version. Both lines offer 30 calories in each bottle with flavorings extending from Outbound’s flavor profile --- Grapefruit, Blood Orange, and Pale Haze.
- Cannabis Jalapeno Bloody Mary Mix - Littleton, Colorado-based premium cocktail mixer, Top Shelf introduced its first cannabidiol based Bloody Mary mix made from all-natural ingredients infused with organic nutraceutical CBD extract.
- Vegan Cannabis Wines - Marketed as a full-bodied wine brand from the House of Saka; the luxury wine company fused Chardonnay varietals coupled with Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier for a bolder taste and color. House of Saka stands behind its ‘vegan’ claims by using vegan fining agents as part of the clarification and stabilization process.
- House of Saka Luxury Cannabis Rose’ - Napa Valley winery House of Saka launched the world’s first-ever alcohol-less sparkling libation. The formulation consists of red and white grape blends infused with THC and CBD extracts for mental relaxation after consumption.
- OTO Non-Alcoholic Cocktail Bitters - European based CBD company OTO introduced non-alcoholic CBD cocktail bitters fused with botanical extracts, licorice, cardamom, and cacao to complement the relaxation effects of CBD. The herbal additives are antioxidant potent and inspire subtle calmness for those looking to socialize in a healthy state of mind.
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If you are a craft beer drinker, visit the Cheers All website to purchase glassware and other merchandise geared toward beer lovers.