CBD Water: Does This “New” Technology Make Sense?

Cannabidiol (or CBD), is huge business. CBD, which is a compound derived mostly from hemp plants, is known for not getting high. Because CBD is non-toxic, companies can sell a variety of CBD products provided they are made from industrial hemp.

The primary benefit of CBD products and CBD is their potential therapeutic benefits. Research suggests that CBD may be able to treat chronic pain, anxiety, insomnia, and other conditions.

There are many forms of hemp-derived CBD. CBD oil is the most well-known. This is where the cannabidiol component is extracted from hemp and then infused in high-lipid carrier oils (such as MCT oil).

However, CBD water is becoming more popular in recent years. CBD, due to its chemical nature, is hydrophobic. This means that it doesn’t dissolve in water. Companies claim that they can suspend the cannabidiol molecules within water using a process called nano emulsion. This allows them to increase the compound’s absorption rate in the body.

These claims are valid or just another industry buzzword. Let’s have a closer look.

CBD Water Overview

Pros

  • Potentially, nanotechnology could increase the CBD’s bioavailability
  • It is an alternative to CBD oil
  • CBD water is praised by most users as refreshing and is now available in a variety of delicious flavors.
  • There is no evidence of any major adverse effects
  • If the brand provides third-party lab reports, you will know how much CBD each serving contains.

Cons

  • The science behind nanotechnology is still not well understood so CBD water claims should not be taken at face value
  • It is very expensive
  • Clear plastic containers for CBD water degrade
  • The CBD water industry is not well regulated
  • There is no standard for what constitutes a “useful” dosage.
  • Many brands don’t use CBD alone, so the entourage effect is not a benefit.
  • Interacts with drugs carrying a grapefruit warning

What is CBD Water?

The nanotechnology process is used by most manufacturers who sell CBD-infused water. This basically reduces the cannabidiol compound to its smallest molecular form. This process could theoretically expose more of the body’s intestinal lining to CBD, resulting in greater bioavailability.

Nanomaterials, which are extremely small, measure in the billionths of meters (nanometers). Because the CBD oil has a higher relative surface area, the tiny particles should help it get through the body and into the cells more efficiently. This is a unique way to consume CBD. Some even claim it’s better than the more traditional methods.

Bioavailability is an important issue as it affects CBD’s effectiveness. Poor bioavailability can lead to as much as 90% loss of CBD if the compound is consumed via edible. CBD water is a liquid that contains virtually all of the compound. This means that you will need less CBD water to reap the benefits.

CBD water is good for you?

CBD water could allow for increased bioavailability of CBD and faster absorption. You may find that some CBD water contains additional antioxidants. This can help boost your immune system. These benefits could include:

  • Recovery time is faster
  • Reduced muscle pain
  • Painkilling effects
  • Anxiety relief
  • Antipsychotic properties

It is important to note that CBD’s health benefits are still being researched. Brands are currently not permitted to make any medical claims. Companies that violate these rules are sent warning letters by the FDA.

There shouldn’t be any taste as you are only drinking water with CBD. You can see how much CBD is in each bottle by looking at the labels. CBD water is not intoxicating and can make you feel more energetic and refreshed after consuming a bottle.

CBD Water Side Effects

CBD water should have very few side effects if it is from a trusted brand. Research has shown that CBD water can be tolerated by humans with very few side effects. The following could be the result of cannabidiol use:

  • Diarrhea
  • Dry mouth
  • Drowsiness
  • Fatigue
  • A decreased appetite

You should not mix CBD water, or any other cannabidiol product, with prescription drugs that have a grapefruit warning. CBD interacts with CYP450 enzymes that break down a large number of prescription drugs. The compound could be used in combination with blood thinners, which can increase or decrease its effectiveness.

The quality of CBD is the greatest risk. Low-quality CBD products are still abundant in the market, which is poorly regulated. An study that was published in Missouri Medicinein2020 examined mislabeling and contamination of cannabidiol products. The study reviewed other research and found some troubling findings.

One was from the Journal of the American Medical Association. The study found that 30.95% of the 84 CBD items reviewed were correctly labeled. Some contained too much THC, or CBD levels that were not consistent with the brand’s claims. Products containing lead, pesticides and heavy metals can also pose a problem.

Please ensure that you only buy CBD water from a trusted brand that provides up-to-date lab reports.

CBD Water: The Problem

Nanotechnology is the main problem with CBD water. Although most scientists agree that CBD water increases bioavailability, there are concerns about its potential for toxicity. While there are upper limits on vitamin and mineral intake, guidelines for phytochemicals or other non-nutrients do not exist.

Nanoceuticals, also known as “nanoceuticals”, can be used to bypass the body’s protective barrier and expose the body to biochemical quantities higher than it needs. Studies on humans have shown that cannabidiol can be consumed up to 6000mg without any adverse side effects. However, it’s still not clear what the effects of nanotechnology will be on the body.

There is also the matter of the entourage effect’. This refers to how cannabinoids in marijuana and terpenes work together to produce a positive outcome. You could reduce the effectiveness of isolates, such as CBD.

A full-spectrum CBD oil or broad-spectrum CBD oil may provide better results than an isolated CBD product, depending on what you want. The majority of companies do not add CBD to their water. This means that it might lack the full spectrum properties found in other CBD oils.

Is CBD Water Enough Cannabidiol-Free?

CBD water has another major concern. It may not contain enough cannabinoid for it to be effective. CBD water contains well over 100mg cannabidiol in many of the studies that have shown its efficacy. CBD water generally contains between 10-25mg per bottle.

American Shaman claims that the nano-technology used by American Shaman makes CBD ten times more efficient than traditional oral consumption. The 10mg CBD you get from the water is just as effective as 100mg CBD oil. Even if this is true (and the jury is still out), you will only get 9-10mg CBD at most.

Light and air also degrade CBD. This is why CBD brands make sure their oil comes in opaque containers. A 1976 study that was published in the Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology found that CBD lost the most when exposed to light. The study also showed that air exposure can affect cannabidiol. The cannabinoid begins to break down once you open the water bottle.

It is clear that CBD water comes in clear plastic bottles, which are often found on shelves at a warehouse or supermarket.

The CBD industry has not seen much success online. Green Rush Daily reported in 2018 that the World Health Organization had conducted research on CBD water’s effectiveness and found it useful. A spokesperson for WHO later stated that the organization had not been aware of the research and requested to see the report.

Which are the Top CBD Water Brands?

Although the CBD water market is relatively new, there are already some clear market leaders.

  • CBD Living Water This company quickly gained a reputation as one of the best in the industry. The company uses nanotechnology to deliver CBD into tiny drops and infuse them in 7.4 pH water.
  • CBD Naturals This company claims that a team made up of doctors makes its CBD water. The company also notes that nanomaterials engineered for food and drink are used in the production of CBD water.
  • Canna Nano Another eco-friendly company purifies water using nature. It replicates the process of evaporation and condensation before adding high-quality CBD.

Which is better, CBD Water or CBD Oil.

CBD oil is the preferred method for consuming cannabidiol at present. But, is CBD water going to catch up? Each has its pros and cons. CBD water is a great choice for the following:

  • Bioavailability There is no comparable science in nanotechnology. Although a small amount of CBD is absorbed into your body, it will likely use more CBD in water than oil. You may require less CBD from water than CBD oil.
  • Taste: CBD water is more refreshing than oil. High-quality CBD oil won’t taste sweet unless it is flavoring.
  • Speed CBD water can theoretically work faster than its oil counterpart. This is great if you require quick pain relief.

This doesn’t mean CBD oil should be abandoned. It has these advantages over CBD water.

  • Price: While CBD water is more efficient in terms of bioavailability it is still very expensive. A single bottle of 10mg CBD water can cost as high as $4.
  • Safety: There have been many concerns regarding nanotechnology. The manufacturers are responsible for the quality and potency of CBD water. Higher percentages of CBD oil manufacturers have evidence of lab testing. This is because the market is more well-known and is subject to greater scrutiny.
  • Full Spectrum – Although water products might only contain CBD, oil often contains additional cannabinoids or terpenes. CBD oil can be more effective than CBD water when it comes to achieving certain outcomes if you use the whole plants.

Where can I buy CBD water?

Contrary to what some might think, CBD is and not legal in the United States. It would be nice if it was clearer, but the complexity of the laws in each state and federal makes matters difficult.

Mamadou Ndiaye from Indiana was charged with marijuana possession in connection to the purchase and use of CBD oil. Although his case was dismissed, it highlights the confusion surrounding CBD law.

The United States classifies cannabis plants containing more than 0.3% THC as marijuana. Industrial hemp is defined as plants containing less than 0.3% THC. The 2018 Farm Bill contained a provision that legalized the cultivation of hemp among farmers who have the appropriate licensing. The federal Schedule I drug list still includes marijuana and any derived substances.

Although hemp is legal, CBD, and other cannabinoids, are not. Epidiolex, which is a pharmaceutical drug that contains CBD as a major component, is legal for some medical purposes. According to some websites, CBD water is not necessarily legal in all 50 states.

Although the DEA admitted it will not actively pursue individuals who use CBD oil in its investigations, certain states still ban cannabidiol. The FDA also prohibits CBD from being added to food and beverages. This technically makes CBD water illegal. It is as confusing as it sounds! You should verify your state’s laws. However, few, if any, issues can be found for people who purchase any form of cannabis.

You can order CBD water from any of the above companies. They ship to almost every state and do not fear legal consequences.

What is the best CBD-infused water?

It is a lot of a lot in the CBDwater industry at the moment. It is difficult to prove that nanotechnology improves CBD’s bioavailability to the levels claimed by the brands. It is likely that the process increases the amount of CBD in your bloodstream, which is higher than when CBD products are sublingually or orally consumed.

However, CBD is not a standard dose. Research suggests that CBD can be beneficial in high doses, such as 100mg per day. There isn’t enough data to prove the same for CBD water, which contains 10-25mg.

Cannabidiol-infused water is 10 times more effective than CBD oil. It is not clear if water or CBD can be combined to make an effective combination. CBD is not water-soluble.

Besides the three brands that we have already mentioned, there are many other notable CBD water sellers:

  • Recess sparkling water
  • Miraflora Naturals Sparkling CBD Beverage
  • Wyld CBD Sparkling Water
  • Cannaki
  • Kind Water
  • Endo Water
  • Mountjoy Sparkling
  • Canna Nano CBD Plus Water
  • CBD Fusion Water & Hemp Springs
  • Sprig

American Shaman used CBD water for sale, but it’s not available anymore on its official website.

How much CBD water should I drink?

This is a difficult question to answer because of a few reasons. First, there is no evidence to define what constitutes an effective dose. There is also no data to tell us how safe CBD water is.

CBD is a compound that affects every person differently. CBD may be more effective in treating anxiety than epilepsy. GM Pharmaceuticals, the makers of Epidiolex recommend starting with 5mg per kilogram of body weight daily if you are using it to treat seizures related to Dravet syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut. 350mg per day is recommended for someone who weighs 154 pounds (70 kg).

A bottle of CBD water has 10mg of cannabinoid. However, Epidiolex is only ten times as effective. You would still need to drink 3.5 bottles per day. A 24-bottle CBD Living’s water case costs $84, which is approximately $12 per day.

It is difficult to know the long-term effects of CBD water consumption. The high cost also makes it a prohibitive proposition. It is best to limit your intake to one bottle or can per day. It can be expensive over the long-term, even if you only use one bottle.

Last Thoughts on CBD Water

CBD water is an exciting product. You can consume CBD water knowing that it will get to your system faster. It is also a great alternative to CBD oil, if you don’t like the taste of cannabis tinctures.

CBD water is very expensive so you will have to decide whether it is worth spending more for than oil. There are still concerns about the safety of nanotechnology in food and beverage. It is currently only sold by a handful of reputable companies. You still need to comply with the law.

But, most importantly, there’s not enough evidence to prove it’s an effective product. CBD water is not something you should be consuming every day due to the many unknowns and high price. It is better to think of CBD water as a novelty item. CBD water is not recommended if you are serious about cannabidiol.