CBD Drinks: Do They Really Work and How Many Can You Have?
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Written by: Ellen Jones
Only a few years ago, you'd find bottles of Purdey's sitting by themselves in the 'health' section of supermarket refrigerators. Now, the functional beverage market is booming, and CBD drinks are fast becoming a fixture.
And the numbers back it up: the CBD beverages market in Europe is expected to grow at a jaw-dropping 22.7% CAGR from 2024 to 2031, according to market analysts. This sharp increase suggests a growing public interest in natural ways to manage stress, support mental wellbeing and improve sleep.
But with so many drinks claiming to help you 'rest and reset', it's fair to ask: Do CBD drinks really work? And if so, how many can you safely consume in a day? Let’s explore the science behind CBD drinks, their potential benefits and how to use them safely and effectively.
What are CBD Drinks?
In short: drinks with CBD are beverages infused with cannabidiol, the non-psychoactive compound derived from hemp. CBD is soothing, not psychedelic.
Don’t worry, it won’t get you high. Unlike Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), CBD doesn’t have any psychoactive effects. Instead, it works by interacting with your endocannabinoid system, a kind of internal balancing network that helps regulate things like mood, sleep, pain and inflammation.
It also taps into other key systems in the body, like serotonin receptors and pain pathways, which is why it’s being studied for everything from anxiety to recovery.
CBD drinks often come in trendy cans and promise everything from “calm in a can” to “mindful hydration.” You’ll now find CBD drinks UK-wide, from independent health shops and supermarket shelves to bars and cafes.
Do CBD Drinks Really Work?
Ah yes, the million-pound question: do CBD drinks do anything?
The answer is a resounding: It depends.
While there are no specific scientific studies on CBD drinks themselves yet, there have been a handful of studies on CBD alone. According to a 2015 study, research in animals shows that CBD can help with anxiety, panic, OCD and PTSD, especially when taken as a one-off or short-term dose.
But the amount you take matters a lot, and more isn’t always better.
Low to moderate doses of CBD (like 10 mg per kg of body weight in rats) seem to help reduce anxiety.
But very high doses (like 100 mg/kg) often don’t work, or work less well.
This creates what researchers call a bell-shaped dose-response curve: CBD helps at the middle dose, but loses its effect at very high levels.
“CBD can be an amazing preventative medicine tool,” writes Dr Dani Gordon in her brilliant book, The CBD Bible. “Thanks to its potent anti-inflammatory and stress-reducing properties, it may even help prevent health issues that arise due to unchecked chronic inflammation and stress, the perfect botanical helper for modern life.”
So, do CBD drinks work? For some, yes, particularly those who are CBD-sensitive or using them consistently. But you’re unlikely to feel anything dramatic from one lone can unless you're new to CBD or particularly caffeine-averse.
Also worth noting: how the CBD is delivered matters. Many drinks with CBD use water-soluble nanoemulsions, which help your body absorb CBD faster and more effectively than traditional oil-based tinctures.
The Benefits of Drinking CBD Beverages
Now that we’ve tempered your expectations, let’s talk potential perks. If you’re sipping on CBD regularly, especially as part of a broader wellness routine, here are a few reported benefits, backed by science.
1. Stress and Anxiety Reduction
Multiple studies, including a 2019 study in The Permanente Journal, have found CBD helpful in reducing anxiety symptoms. In the first month, 79.2% of participants experienced reduced anxiety. For the over-caffeinated and under-rested among us, this is where CBD drinks UK fans may expect to see the most benefit.
2. Improved Sleep Quality
Same study, same journal: nearly 67% of participants reported better sleep within the first month of taking CBD.
3. Inflammation and Recovery Support
According to a 2020 review in Frontiers in Pharmacology, CBD has anti-inflammatory properties. CBD interacts with special receptors in the nervous system, like glycine and serotonin (5-HT1A), which help control pain and inflammation. Some athletes and gym-goers are turning to drinks with CBD for post-workout recovery.
4. Mild Pain Relief
The same study reported that CBD seems to help relieve long-term pain (like nerve pain) when used for more than a week, even without acting on the usual cannabis receptors. In rats and mice, CBD reduced pain and inflammation from nerve injuries, diabetes, chemotherapy and even brain injuries.
Another review on CBD’s efficacy in chronic pain management revealed, “that cannabinoids provide moderate efficacy in managing neuropathic pain, fibromyalgia, cancer-related pain and multiple sclerosis-related spasticity. Patient-reported outcomes further indicate widespread perceptions of cannabinoids as a safer alternative to opioids, with potential opioid-sparing effects.”
That said, some contradicting sources say that CBD is not effective for mild pain relief, so its benefits in this area are not 100% proven.
How Many CBD Drinks Can You Have a Day?
First, there’s no universal limit. CBD is not addictive and has a very low toxicity level. In the UK, the Food Standards Agency recommends that healthy adults do not exceed 70mg of CBD per day (about 28 drops of 5% CBD), unless under medical supervision.
OTO recommends that CBD is best taken consistently as part of a daily routine, so that it is always available in your system. Their studies found that you need to be taking over 40mg of CBD daily for 3-4 days for the full benefits to kick in. OTO suggests an optimum daily intake of 40-60mg.
Most CBD drinks contain between 10mg to 25mg per can. So that means:
* 1 can (10mg) = Light & lovely
* 2–3 cans = Still within the safe zone
* 4+ cans = Careful now, you may start exceeding the FSA’s daily recommendation
So, if you're wondering how many CBD drinks a day is okay, stick with 1 to 3 to stay on the safe side.
But remember: everyone’s endocannabinoid system is different. Some people feel great after one drink. Others may need a higher dose to feel any difference. And if you're pregnant, breastfeeding or on medication? Best to consult your GP.
Alert: Be careful and avoid any illegally sold synthetic cannabis or CBD products, which can be dubbed "spice" or "bath salts." These products are dangerous and could potentially induce psychotic reactions.
The Best CBD Drinks in the UK
Curious where to start? Whether you’re seeking a sparkling water with a side of serenity or a cold brew promising calm without the crash, we’ve sipped and scoured to bring you some of the best CBD drinks the UK has to offer.
OTO’s CBD Cocktail Bitters is where bold botanicals meet blissed-out balance. This beautiful alchemist’s bottle holds 1,350mg of premium CBD and a punchy blend of cocoa, cinnamon, liquorice, lemongrass and lime, crafted to flavour your drink and transform your mood.
Whether you're spiking a Negroni or stirring it into sparkling water, these bitters bring a grown-up complexity with none of the sugar, stress or synthetic stuff. Vegan-friendly and entirely natural, it’s your ritual for turning everyday drinks into something a little more magical, and a lot more mellow.
And behind the drink is a development team with serious credentials. It’s the brainchild of food scientist Dr. Ketan Joshi, Antonia Jamison who is the founding director at Sipsmith Gin, OTO managing director Gemma Colao and James Bagley, CEO of DMD Ventures.
The influencer darling who dominates the UK CBD drinks market, and for good reason. With 15mg of CBD per can and flavours like Elderflower Mint and Peach Ginger, Trip balances wellness with a side of Instagram chic. Bonus points: zero added sugar.
Sustainably made with 30mg of CBD from Colorado-grown hemp. Goodrays’ incredible array of flavours like Passionfruit & Pomelo or Raspberry & Guava make this a fruity winner.
Blending 20mg of CBD with adaptogens and nootropics like ashwagandha and L-Theanine, MEDAHUMAN’s chamomile and black tea-flavoured Relax drinks offers a more functional effect. Ideal for those seeking a nootropic edge.
CBD meets caffeine. Cannacoffee comes in beans, grounds or pods, all infused with CBD, giving you the buzz without the jitters. A smart swap for anxious espresso addicts.
Tip: When choosing a drink, check whether the brand shares third-party lab reports (COAs) and the exact type of CBD used (broad-spectrum, isolate, or full-spectrum).
CBD Drinks FAQs
Q: Will CBD drinks make me high?
No. CBD is non-psychoactive, meaning it doesn’t cause a high. THC is the compound that gets you stoned, and legal CBD drinks UK-wide must contain less than 0.2% THC.
Q: How long do CBD drinks take to work?
Generally, expect to feel subtle effects within 15 to 45 minutes, depending on your metabolism and whether you’ve eaten. Effects typically last a few hours.
Q: Can I mix CBD drinks with alcohol?
Technically yes, but proceed with caution. Combining the two may amplify drowsiness. Best to test it on a quiet night in.
Q: How long does a CBD drink stay in my system?
CBD typically stays in your system for two to five days, and CBD drinks are no exception. That said, it really depends on a few personal factors, like how much CBD you’ve had, how often you take it, whether you’ve eaten recently and your body’s unique traits like metabolism, weight and hydration levels. Everyone processes CBD a bit differently.
Q: Are there side effects?
Mild side effects can include dry mouth, drowsiness, or slight digestive upset, especially if you’re new to CBD or exceed the daily dose.
Q: Are CBD drinks legal in the UK?
Yes, as long as they contain under 0.2% THC and are registered as novel food products. Just make sure you’re buying from a reputable UK seller, like the ones listed above.
Want to dive deeper into learning about CBD drinks? Check our OTO's extensive FAQs here.
So, do CBD drinks really work?
Yes, for many people, especially when used regularly and as part of a broader wellness practice. Are they a cure-all for modern stress, insomnia, or burnout?
Not quite.
But if you’re looking for a tasty, low-effort way to soften the edges of your day without reaching for your tenth coffee, CBD drinks are worth a try.
Just remember to:
- Check the CBD dosage (aim for at least 15mg per drink)
- Monitor your total daily intake (max 70mg per FSA guidelines)
- Choose trusted brands with lab-tested products
- Manage expectations: think soothing, not psychedelic
Ultimately, like all good wellness habits, consistency and intention matter more than hype. So, crack open a can, take a deep breath and see what happens.
Your nervous system might just thank you.
