Drinking can be a blast in the moment; the next morning, not so much. Any relaxation you felt the night before is promptly replaced by that dreaded “hangxiety,” making alcohol a temporary Band-Aid for stress that often just perpetuates the problem. And after searching high and low for an alcohol alternative that would help me unwind without wiping me out the following day, I finally found the solution in the form of CBD drinks – like my favourites from the stellar UK-based brand TRIP.
With TRIP garnering over 3,000 five-star rave reviews, it’s clear CBD drinks are an increasingly popular – and effective – way to unwind. “But what exactly is CBD?” you might be asking. The answer is it’s a compound that acts on our body’s Endocannabinoid System to help regulate stress, anxiety, pain and inflammation. Though it’s frequently associated with THC, another compound found in the hemp plant, their effects are night and day. CBD is in no way psychoactive (read: it won’t get you high), meaning it can help you unwind and bliss out without that total loss of control. All of alcohol’s upsides with none of its pitfalls? Sounds like a win-win to me.
While CBD tinctures and topical creams have been around for a minute now, there’s no more delicious way to get your dosage than in a well-crafted drink. My new go-to CBD drinks from TRIP are canned for convenience and can be enjoyed first thing in the morning for a stress-free start to the day, or late at night when it’s time to unplug. As another bonus, each can is 21 calories or less, with personal fave Elderflower Mint clocking in at just 19 (a serious surprise given how fantastic it tastes). They’re delicious enough to sip solo or to provide a base to riff on, giving you all kinds of new options whether you’re cutting out alcohol or not.
By now you might know how your favourite drink hits you, and the brave new world of CBD sounds a little uncharted. The good news is, CBD’s effects are subtle and quite gentle, and are often felt within 10 to 20 minutes. That means you can start with as small a sip as you want and slowly increase as you feel comfortable – though I have a feeling you’ll be feeling pretty comfy right from the get-go. These are calm, balanced waters with so many holistic benefits. And they’re ready for you to dive right in.
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