You’ve probably spotted them in cafés, shops, or your mate’s fridge — cans with words like “calm,” “chill,” and “CBD” splashed across the label. You take a sip, and suddenly... you're less wound up about that unread email. But hold on — what is a CBD drink, really? And more importantly, do CBD drinks work, or is it all just clever branding?
Let’s break it down — what they are, how they work, and why Little Rick might just be your new favourite sidekick in a can.
What Are CBD Drinks?
CBD drinks are just what they sound like — beverages infused with cannabidiol (CBD), the non psychoactive element found in hemp. Unlike THC (the stuff that gets you high), CBD helps you relax without messing with your head.
These drinks come in all shapes: sodas, teas, sparkling waters, juices. But not all CBD is created equal. Some brands use CBD isolate (just the pure CBD compound), while others, like us at Little Rick, use full-spectrum CBD — meaning you get a bunch of naturally occurring cannabinoids and terpenes too. That’s where the entourage effect comes in — more on that later.
You can think of a CBD drink as a functional beverage. It’s not just for quenching thirst; CBD helps with things like stress, sleep, and general mellowing out. And let’s be honest — in this economy, who doesn’t need a little help with that?
Types of CBD Drinks
CBD drinks are popping up in every form you can imagine:
- Teas Coffees: A slow, soothing sip with a calming effect.
- Sparkling Waters: Light and fizzy, often low-calorie.
- Juices: Fruity and functional — great for morning starts.
- Sodas: Like ours at Little Rick — full flavour, full chill.
Now, let’s talk CBD types:
- Full-Spectrum: Contains CBD, plus other cannabinoids (CBG, CBN, etc.) and natural terpenes. This combo boosts the calming effects — thanks to the entourage effect.
- Broad-Spectrum: Like full-spectrum, but THC-free.
- CBD Isolate: Pure CBD. No frills, but also no extra benefits.
Little Rick uses full-spectrum CBD, meaning our products bring the full plant benefits — minus the high.
How Do CBD Drinks Work?
CBD works by interacting with something inside us called the endocannabinoid system (ECS). It's your body's internal regulator, balancing sleep, mood, stress, and even appetite. According to Dr. Ethan Russo, a neurologist and cannabinoid researcher, when you drink CBD, it binds to ECS receptors, helping restore balance.
Drinking CBD — as opposed to taking oils or gummies — also means it enters your system differently. It gets absorbed through your digestive tract and liver. The result? A smoother, more gradual release. Think of it as the slow dance of CBD delivery — not a sprint.
And if you’re sipping a Little Rick? You’re getting 32mg of full-spectrum CBD per can — more than most UK drinks on the market.
How Long Does It Take for a CBD Drink to Work?
That depends. Most people feel the effects of a CBD drink in 10–30 minutes. But several factors come into play:
- Your metabolism: Faster metabolism? Quicker onset.
- When you last ate: An empty stomach may absorb CBD faster.
- CBD dosage: Our 32mg hits harder than a 10mg isolate drink.
- Your tolerance: If you’re new to CBD, start with one can and see how you feel.
At Little Rick, we use water-soluble CBD, which helps with better absorption. No wasted CBD stuck to the can walls. What you see is what you sip.
Potential Benefits of CBD Drinks
So, why drink CBD in the first place? Let’s take a look.
Relaxation and Stress Relief
This one’s the biggie. CBD drink effects often include a gentle sense of calm. It won’t knock you out — it just helps take the edge off. Studies have shown that CBD may reduce cortisol levels (that’s the stress hormone) and promote relaxation without sedation.
Also, in a double-blind study by Shannon et al. (2019), 79% of participants reported reduced anxiety within the first month of using CBD. The study used a 25mg dose — lower than what’s in one can of Little Rick.
Pain and Inflammation Management
CBD has anti-inflammatory properties. That’s not just internet lore — it’s been found by researchers in various clinical trials. Many users report relief from aches, pains, or muscle soreness.
If you’re into workouts or long walks, a CBD drink might just help you bounce back.
Sleep Support
Some people sip a Little Rick as part of their wind-down routine. And we get why. CBD can help regulate your sleep-wake cycle, which may lead to better quality sleep — without grogginess the next morning. Pair it with a good book and a blanket. Job done.
Dr. Scott Shannon's 2019 study also reported improved sleep scores in 66% of participants taking CBD. The effects were most noticeable within the first month of use.
Cognitive and Mental Clarity
Because CBD supports the ECS, it may also improve focus and reduce brain fog. This makes it a smart choice for anyone juggling work, stress, and a thousand tabs open in their brain.
Calm mind = clear decisions. Or at least the ability to finish one task before starting five more.
Choose the Best CBD Drink Out There
Not all CBD drinks are created equal. If you’re in the UK, you need a product that’s strong, legal, and actually tastes good.
That’s where Little Rick shines:
- 32mg of full-spectrum CBD — the strongest on the UK market.
- Non Psychoactive element — you won’t feel high, just chilled.
- Legally compliant — every can meets UK FSA guidelines.
- Delicious flavours — Raspberry Coconut, Piña, Mint Lime… trust us, they’re banging.
- Vegan, low-calorie, no added sugar
Most brands use isolate or weak formulas. We don’t. We built our products to deliver proper chill — without tasting like a science experiment.
Still wondering what CBD drink is? It’s this. It’s Little Rick.
FAQs
Are CBD Drinks Safe?
Yes. Most people tolerate CBD well, in moderate amounts. Consult your doctor if you’re pregnant, taking medications, or have underlying health conditions.
Are CBD Drinks Legal in the United Kingdom?
Yes — as long as they contain under 1 mg of THC per container and come from approved hemp sources.
Can you drive after drinking CBD drinks?
Yes. Our products are non-intoxicating. Just don’t mix with alcohol or sedatives.
Do you feel anything from CBD drinks?
Yes, but it’s subtle. Expect calm, clarity, and reduced tension — not a buzz.
Do CBD drinks show on a drug test?
Unlikely, but not impossible. Trace cannabinoids may appear, especially in full-spectrum products.
Who should not drink CBD?
Anyone pregnant, breastfeeding, or on medication should consult a healthcare professional first.
