Cannabidiol (CBD) is spilling over the shelves in its many forms — from delectable, fruity CBD gummies to on-the-go CBD tablets. These products are touted for their potential therapeutic effects, namely their ability to calm the senses and ease the mind. For wash-over-you bliss, there’s also CBD water.
What is CBD water?
CBD water may still be advantageous for one’s overall health ... even if its CBD content is not as potent as CBD oils, gummies, capsules and other edibles.
CBD water is exactly what it sounds like — packaged water infused with CBD particles. While it’s a popular new alternative to edible CBD products, critics denounce some brands’ clear packaging, which can degrade the quality of the CBD. Nonetheless, CBD water may deliver many of the same benefits as CBD gummies, hemp pills and edibles.
First Things First, What Is CBD?
To fully understand CBD water, we must first explore the substance that companies are infusing into these water bottles: CBD. CBD is a component found in marijuana and hemp plants. However, only CBD that’s harvested from the hemp plant is deemed federally legal for harvest, distribution and sale.
That’s because hemp plants contain no more than 0.3% THC, meaning a few drops of CBD will not elicit the same effects as smoking a bowl of weed. In other words, while you may feel a blanket of calm wash over you, you won’t experience mind-altering effects, such as an altered perception of time or sensory distortions.
CBD is also found in medical marijuana products, which require a prescription from a healthcare provider.
Once CBD is harvested and processed, companies that distribute CBD water will take the compound and infuse it into sparkling water. That said, these types of products contain a very small amount of CBD — only two to five milligrams on average. Comparatively, CBD gummies, like Zebra CBD Gummies, typically contain 25 milligrams of CBD per gummy.
While there are no official recommendations around CBD usage, and CBD is not yet regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), most CBD studies have administered between 20 to 1,500 milligrams of CBD per day.
Although, it’s generally recommended to take 20 to 40 milligrams of daily CBD for its desired effects — and studies have found that most people require at least 15 milligrams a day to experience its potential benefits.
All that said, the amount of CBD in CBD water is relatively low. The reasons for this can vary, but many CBD water companies claim that the low dosage is due to their use of nanotechnology. Essentially, they break down CBD into very small particles, which may increase the CBD’s bioavailability, meaning the human body can easily and quickly absorb it.
This practice is supported by several studies, which have found that breaking down the particles can increase CBD’s solubility within the body — and it may be even more soluble when added to sparkling water. However, more studies must be conducted to fully understand the benefits of nano-CBD.
The Instability of CBD Water
Is CBD water safe? Yes. But its components may be unstable if not packaged correctly. When exposed to sunlight and high temperatures, water soluble CBD particles can degrade, affecting their quality and potential effects.
Light exposure, particularly ultraviolet (UV) light, can cause a process called photo-degradation, where the molecules in CBD can break down or undergo chemical changes. This can result in a decrease in CBD concentration and potentially affect its potency or effectiveness.
Similarly, higher temperatures can also accelerate the degradation process. Heat can cause CBD molecules to become less stable and break apart, leading to a reduction in water soluble CBD concentration.
It's important to note that the extent of degradation may depend on various factors, including:
- The intensity and duration of light exposure
- The temperature
- The formulation of the CBD product
- Other environmental conditions
To minimize the degradation of CBD, it’s generally recommended to store CBD products in cool, dark places, away from direct sunlight and excessive heat.
In one study, a CBD liquid exposed to light and temperature experienced a 20 percent reduction in concentration.
All that said, not all CBD water products follow these rules. Some CBD water is sold in clear containers under bright grocery store lights and may remain in aisles for weeks. Exposure to air can also break down cannabinoid content, meaning nursing a bottle of CBD water may prove ineffective.
CBD water is also expensive, considering consumers aren’t getting a lot of CBD for their buck. These bottles can range from $4 to $7, per serving, compared to what comes out to be $2 per serving for other CBD products like gummies and oils.
CBD water may still be advantageous for one’s overall health, however, even if its CBD content is not as potent as CBD oils, gummies, capsules and other edibles.
The Potential Benefits and Uses of CBD Water
Despite its drawbacks, CBD water may still hold several therapeutic benefits that can support full-body health and vitality. Let’s explore.
#1 Hydration
The best thing about CBD water? It packs two-in-one benefits. Since the majority of the CBD product is water, it has the ability to hydrate the body, which can help:
- Regulate body temperature
- Lubricate joints
- Deliver nutrients throughout the body
- Support organ function
- Improve sleep
- Support cognitive function
- Stabilize mood
While recommendations vary, the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health suggests that women drink 11 cups of water a day and men drink 16. All that said, a CBD water sweetened with sugar can have the opposite effect, negatively impacting numerous systems within the body, including the:
- Heart
- Colon
- Liver
- Kidneys
- Brain
- Pancreas
- Nervous system
#2 Stress Relief
CBD is widely known for its potential to alleviate feelings of stress, nervousness and panic. This can be attributed to the interaction between CBD and the body's endocannabinoid system.
The endocannabinoid system is a complex network of receptors, enzymes and endocannabinoids that are present throughout the body, including the brain. Its primary function is to regulate various physiological processes and maintain homeostasis, or balance, within the body.
When CBD is consumed, it interacts with the endocannabinoid system by binding to cannabinoid receptors, particularly the CB1 and CB2 receptors. CB1 receptors are primarily found in the central nervous system, while CB2 receptors are predominantly located in the peripheral organs and immune cells.
By interacting with these receptors, CBD can modulate the activity of the endocannabinoid system. It has been suggested that CBD has an indirect impact on the CB1 receptors, influencing the release of neurotransmitters in the brain. This modulation can potentially result in a reduction in feelings of unease.
Furthermore, CBD also influences other receptors and pathways in the body. For example, it interacts with serotonin receptors, specifically the 5-HT1A receptor, which is involved in regulating mood. By influencing serotonin receptor activity, CBD water may promote a sense of calmness and relaxation.
#3 Workout Recovery
Athletes and fitness enthusiasts alike are turning to CBD-infused products, like CBD water, to aid in workout recovery. In addition to its hydration properties, CBD water may also be able to alleviate muscle soreness and tenderness following a high-intensity workout — especially when coupled with a CBD topical.
#4 Sleep Support
If you find yourself tossing and turning throughout the night, it may be beneficial to replace your bedside water carafe with a natural sleep remedy like a bottle of CBD water. CBD has shown promise as a natural sleep aid, since it may help facilitate physical relaxation and reduce feelings of stress that have accumulated throughout the day.
#5 Tissue Support
When an injury occurs, or an unwanted pathogen enters the body, the immune system will trigger a response to initial tissue repair that can manifest as:
- Redness
- Heat
- Swelling
- Physical discomfort
- Loss of function, in severe cases
Fortunately, CBD water may help regulate the body’s immune response to provide relief from the symptoms above.
#6 THC-Free
Legally, CBD products can contain no more than 0.3% THC, meaning CBD is non-psychoactive and will not induce the intoxicating effects of THC.
The non-psychoactive nature of CBD is one of the reasons why it has gained popularity as a natural supplement and therapeutic option for individuals seeking the potential health benefits of cannabis without the psychoactive effects.
All that said, it’s crucial to select CBD products from reputable sources that adhere to quality standards, have undergone third-party testing to ensure compliance with THC limits and accurate labeling and provide a Certificate of Analysis (COA) to prove such practices.
#7 Convenience
CBD water comes in pre-measured bottles or servings, ensuring that users have a standardized and consistent dose of CBD with each sip. This eliminates the need for measuring or calculating CBD quantities, making it convenient for users to track their intake accurately.
As previously touched on, CBD water is also highly bioavailable, meaning that CBD is efficiently absorbed by the body. The water-soluble form of CBD used in CBD water allows for better absorption and utilization by the body's cells. It may also have a quick onset of effects, meaning the CBD interacts with the human body’s receptors more rapidly to deliver faster relief.
Find High-Quality CBD at Zebra CBD
CBD water is entering the CBD arena. Although its CBD content is relatively low compared to other CBD products, it may still be able to deliver potential benefits to encourage hydration, relieve stress and support overall wellness.
For high-quality CBD online that you can trust, choose Zebra CBD. We offer CBD gummies, CBD chewable tablets, CBD topicals and even premium full spectrum CBD oil that you can infuse into your own glass of water to customize your CBD water experience and ensure you’re soaking up each of the different types of CBD’s benefits.
Source:
Healthline. CBD Dosage: Figuring Out How Much to Take. https://www.healthline.com/health/cbd-dosage
Healthline. What Is CBD Water, and Should You Drink It? https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/cbd-water#cbd-content
Harvard Health Publishing. Cannabidiol (CBD): What we know and what we don't. https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/cannabidiol-cbd-what-we-know-and-what-we-dont-2018082414476
Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. The importance of hydration. https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/news/hsph-in-the-news/the-importance-of-hydration/
American Heart Association. How Too Much Added Sugar Affects Your Health Infographic. https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-eating/eat-smart/sugar/how-too-much-added-sugar-affects-your-health-infographic
