What Is CBD Water?

Written by

Mell Green

Mell is a cannabis connoisseur who has been published in nearly 50 online publications surrounding cannabis, including Cannabis Industry Association, Analytical Cannabis, Terpenes and Testing Magazine, Plant People, Byrdie, and...

CBD Oracle's Editorial Process
CBD sparkling water product

You may have heard of CBD-infused sodas, juices, teas, and maybe even coffee, but now, we have a new contender in the CBD beverage industry that is taking everyone by surprise. Recently, CBD companies have started mastering the art of making CBD water. 

CBD water is unlike most cannabidiol-based beverages on the market. Not nearly as easily made and much more difficult to find, this special drink is well-sought after for a reason. To find out everything you need to know about CBD water, how it’s made, and whether or not you should try some, keep on reading.


Summary:

  • CBD Water is made using water-soluble forms of CBD, something typically achieved through nanotechnology. 
  • Without water-soluble CBD, CBD cannot break down with water and, thus, will not be efficacious.
  • CBD (derived from hemp) is federally legal, therefore your CBD Water will contain under 0.3% THC (State depending).
  • CBD could help in various ways including sleep, anxiety, stress and mild pain.
  • Manufacturers create CBD water in the hope of providing CBD’s full benefits with a better, much higher bioavailability and potency. 
  • CBD water must be purchased through reputable companies that guarantee the use of water-soluble cannabinoids.

What Is CBD Water?

CBD water is just as it sounds: water that has been infused with CBD. CBD water, unlike CBD tea or coffee, can be incredibly difficult to create. This mainly comes down to the fact that cannabidiol itself is not water-soluble.

CBD beverages
Beverages infused with 15mg of CBD per bottle. Photo: VYBES

CBD is a fat-soluble chemical compound that breaks down most easily within heavy fats like oils. With water, though, all it has to hold on to is H2O. Without the ability to break down or even mix with such a beverage, creating CBD water is tough, as the cannabinoids simply separate from the liquid. Think of oil and water. 

So, to create CBD water, manufacturers typically choose to alter the structure of the CBD molecules themselves. To do so, many producers rely on Nanotechnology, which is the act of shrinking CBD molecules into even smaller, more minute sizes, able to be seamlessly blended within water. 

The result? A 100% clear and pure blend of CBD and H2O.  

CBD Is a Spectrum and so Is CBD Water 

There isn’t just one type of CBD, and thus, there isn’t just one type of CBD water. CBD itself falls on a spectrum, from broad-spectrum, full-spectrum, to CBD isolate depending on what kind of experience you’re looking to have. While the market isn’t flooded with different types of CBD water, there are still a few forms that you may come across, some better than others.

As we mentioned, many CBD water products are made with water-soluble cannabinoids to result in a more potent product. However, not all CBD-infused water is made this way, thus, making a different form of CBD water that’s simply not as effective as water-soluble options. 

If you’re lucky, you can also find full-spectrum CBD water as well as broad-spectrum and isolate CBD water options online or at your local dispensary. The full-spectrum options may contain trace amounts of THC, but are said to create a more comprehensive, full-bodied experience than CBD isolate water. However, whichever one you choose to enjoy is completely up to you, as all options provide their own unique benefits that regular water simply cannot. 

What Are the Benefits of CBD Water?

Sparkling CBD water beverage
Sparkling CBD water infused with hemp extract and adaptogens. Photo: Recess

Potency

With CBD water, you’re enjoying all of the natural benefits of CBD while staying hydrated and feeling refreshed. In general, CBD water offers better bioavailability than most other drinks and edibles. When CBD molecules are able to be water-soluble, it is much easier for your body to absorb them directly into the bloodstream. This results in not only fast-acting results but potent ones, too. 

Anxiety and Mood

For some, CBD water is a great way to naturally reduce anxiety without putting any harmful ingredients inside your body. While regular CBD edibles may be great for such times, this is also giving your body added sugar and fats that it may not need. CBD water, on the other hand, provides you with a soothing dose of CBD and a splash of hydration–it’s as simple as that. If you find yourself feeling stressed out before an important event or social gathering, try turning to a glass of CBD water. This will help you feel more leveled completely naturally. 

Pain and Discomfort 

Many turn to CBD for its assistance with pain, inflammation, and discomfort throughout the body. CBD water proves to be a great way to enjoy natural relief and hydration without worrying about any unnatural additives or sweeteners. CBD water has been known to provide full-bodied relaxation, rather than targeting concentrated areas of pain, making it a great option to help you unwind at the end of the day. 

The Unknowns

It is important to note that CBD water is still somewhat new to the cannabis community, and there are a few questions that have gone answered. Primarily, researchers are unsure of the effects of Nanotechnology on the human body. Science simply does not know how the body reacts to such minuscule particles, and whether or not a buildup of such can cause complications

While it seems as though CBD water in small doses is relatively safe, the community still needs to learn more about this interesting infused beverage before making too many claims.

How to Consume CBD Water

Unfortunately, having CBD water for yourself isn’t as easy as just placing a few drops into your everyday water bottle. As we discussed, when you do this, the CBD oil simply separates and does not blend with the water. If you wanted to do that, you’d be better off just enjoying it sublingually. 

CBD water made with nanotechnology
This CBD water is formulated using nanotechnology for faster absorption. Photo: CBD Living

Instead, CBD water must be purchased through licensed producers. It’s crucial to make sure you’re purchasing CBD water that has gone through some sort of specialized technology to ensure that the CBD has been emulsified. If not, then you’ll be stuck with a sub-par drink that no amount of shaking could combine.  

Whether you’re buying just one bottle of CBD water or a whole pack for the weekend is up to you, but always take the time to research a company’s processes and sourcing. When you do this, you’re ensuring the best, more effective CBD water possible. 

So, Is CBD Water as Effective as Oil, Edibles and Vaping?

Technically, no, CBD water isn’t as effective as vaping or consuming a sublingual oil, however, it is still extremely efficacious. Water-soluble cannabinoids is a process that cannabis manufacturers are working on each and every day; because of this, getting the highest amount of bioavailability possible is still being experimented with. 

Again, that’s not to say it isn’t effective. Many have found serious relief through CBD water, especially in terms of mood enhancement and relaxation. That being said, CBD water may prove to be a perfect before-bed drink to help your body totally decompress and allow for positive, calming thoughts. It’s also the only form of CBD to keep you hydrated while enjoying it, so it won’t hurt your lungs or cause cotton mouth the way that some vape products or even edibles might. 

Simply put, CBD water isn’t better or worse than any other CBD product: it’s just different.

Final Thoughts

With such a new product comes many questions. While nobody is an expert on CBD water at the moment, we can expect to see more information coming to light as this drink continues to gain popularity within the community. As of now, you can enjoy a glass of CBD-infused water at your own discretion, being sure to fully understand how your water came to be. 

Down to drink your cannabis? Bimble, Vybes, and Zolt offer sparkling beverages made of mostly water, hemp and honey that give you your dose of relaxation without even tasting it! The best part? There’s no need to wait long periods of time for effects to kick in — drink them chilled and be chilled.