CBD drinks are popping up everywhere—from grocery shelves to online wellness shops. They promise calm, focus, or better sleep in a can. But do they actually contain the CBD they claim? Here’s an easy way to find out before you buy or sip.
1. Read the Label Like a Pro
Start by checking what’s printed right on the can or bottle.
A trustworthy CBD drink should clearly show:
- How much CBD it has (for example, 25 mg or 50 mg per can)
- The type of CBD (isolate, broad-spectrum, or full-spectrum)
- The amount of THC, if any (it should say “THC-free” or “less than 0.3%”)
- A batch number and a QR code for lab test results
- A full ingredient list
If the label leaves you guessing or doesn’t include dosage info, that’s a bad sign.
2. Check the Lab Test (COA)
Every good CBD brand provides something called a Certificate of Analysis (COA)—a lab report from an independent testing lab. You can usually scan the QR code on the can to find it.
Once you open it, look for:
- The CBD amount—it should be close to what’s listed on the label (within about 10%).
- The THC level—should meet legal limits (under 0.3% for hemp products).
- Results for pesticides, heavy metals, and other contaminants (they should all say “passed”).
If you can’t find a COA or the link doesn’t work, skip that brand.
3. Know How CBD Works in Drinks
CBD naturally doesn’t mix well with water, so drink makers use something called emulsification to help it blend in.
When done right, it keeps the CBD evenly spread throughout the drink.
When done poorly, most of the CBD may stick to the bottom or sides of the can.
Brands that mention “nano-emulsion” or “water-soluble CBD” are usually paying attention to quality.
4. Spot the Red Flags
Avoid drinks that:
- Don’t share a lab report
- List “hemp seed oil” instead of CBD extract (hemp seed oil doesn’t have CBD)
- Promise to “cure pain or anxiety” (no drink can legally make those claims)
- Are missing a batch number or expiration date
Transparency is key — if a company hides details, it’s best to move on.
5. Pick Trusted Brands
Reputable brands will:
- Post new lab results for every batch they sell
- Tell you where their hemp comes from
- Use safe extraction methods like CO₂
- Clearly label ingredients and dosage
They make it easy for you to verify what’s inside — no guessing required.
6. Keep Track of Your Experience
If you use CBD drinks often, note how they make you feel. Write down:
- The brand and flavor
- The CBD amount
- When you drank it and how you felt afterward
If a “50 mg” drink never seems to do anything, it might not contain as much CBD as it claims.
The Bottom Line
CBD drinks can be a fun, relaxing way to enjoy cannabidiol — if they’re made honestly. Always check the label, read the lab test, and choose brands that are open about what’s in their products.
If there’s no lab report or details are hard to find, that’s your sign to skip it. A real CBD drink won’t make you guess.
Read her on the FDA’s stance on CBD drinks.