What are CBD drinks? They're drinks like coffee, tea and sparkling water with cannabidiol (CBD) added. CBD is a compound from the cannabis plant that won't get you high. Lots of people drink them to unwind, but the evidence for the small amounts in drinks is limited, and UK food safety experts advise healthy adults to have no more than 10mg of CBD a day.
The quick version
- CBD drinks contain cannabidiol, which won't get you high.
- There's limited evidence on what the small amounts in drinks actually do.
- UK experts advise healthy adults to have no more than 10mg of CBD a day.
- Avoid CBD if you're trying for a baby. If you're pregnant, breastfeeding or on medication, avoid it if possible and check with your GP first.
What Are CBD Drinks?
CBD drinks are beverages infused with cannabidiol, a non-psychoactive compound found in the cannabis plant. Unlike THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), CBD won't get you high. Many people use it to help them relax.
CBD can be added to various drinks, including coffee, tea, juices and even alcoholic drinks. The amount of CBD varies, but most drinks contain relatively small amounts compared with products like oils or gummies.
How Do CBD Drinks Work?
When you drink a CBD-infused beverage, the CBD is absorbed through your digestive system. This means it takes longer to have any effect compared with other methods, such as oils held under the tongue. It can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours.
Because the amount of CBD in drinks is usually lower, they're often seen as a gentler starting point for people who are curious about CBD.
Why Do People Drink CBD Drinks?
To unwind. Many people say they drink them to relax after a long day, much like a cup of herbal tea. Some CBD drinks also contain ingredients like chamomile or lavender.
As an alternative to alcohol. CBD drinks have become popular with people cutting back on drinking. See our guide to the best alcohol-free drinks.
Convenience and taste. They're an easy, ready-to-drink format with plenty of flavours to choose from.
What does the evidence say? Most research on CBD has looked at higher amounts than you'd find in a drink. There's limited evidence on what the small amounts in drinks do, so it's best to keep your expectations realistic.
How Much CBD Is Safe?
UK food safety experts have set a provisional safe limit of 10mg of CBD a day for healthy adults (ACNFP and COT, 2023). Check the label for how much CBD is in each serving, and remember to add it up if you have more than one CBD product.
Children and anyone trying for a baby are advised not to have CBD at all. If you're pregnant, breastfeeding or taking prescription medication, avoid CBD if possible, and if you take any regular medication, speak to your GP or pharmacist before trying it.
Looking for a simple way to support your wind-down routine? Magnesium contributes to normal psychological function and to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue. Take the ALYVE quiz to see what a personalised formula could include for you.
The Bottom Line
CBD drinks are a popular, convenient way to try CBD, but the evidence for the small amounts they contain is limited. If you do try them, stick within the 10mg a day guideline and check with your GP first if you're pregnant, breastfeeding or take medication.
Want advice that's built around you? Take the ALYVE quiz, or book a call with one of our nutritionists.
References
Advisory Committee on Novel Foods and Processes and Committee on Toxicity (2023) Joint position paper from ACNFP and COT on establishing a provisional ADI for pure form CBD in foods. Food Standards Agency. Available at: https://acnfp.food.gov.uk/sites/default/files/2023-09/ACNFP_COT%20Pure%20form%20CBD%20position%20paper_0.pdf
Department of Health and Social Care (2021, updated 2026) Great Britain nutrition and health claims (NHC) register. Available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/great-britain-nutrition-and-health-claims-nhc-register
