Best CBD-Infused Drinks to Try at UK Summer Festivals

There are numerous CBD-infused beverages that you can try at this year’s UK summer music festivals. These CBD drinks represent a distinct option from traditional alcoholic beverages. When compared to a beer or cider – both of which could leave you feeling hungover, tired, and perhaps regretful about certain decisions — CBD-infused drinks may provide a unique way to relax during those long hours spent waiting for your favorite bands.

Why Festival-Goers Are Turning to CBD-Infused Drinks

The concept of drinking CBD at music festivals makes perfect sense. Music festivals are both physically and emotionally demanding. Broken sleep, long periods of standing, crowded and noisy environments, and extreme temperatures contribute to a level of low-grade stress. Many people who use CBD report that using CBD helps them feel less anxious, calmer, and able to maintain their emotional state.

CBD products produced from EU-approved hemp strains that contain no more than 0.2% THC are lawful to produce and sell. Most reputable brands providing CBD-infused beverages have third party lab testing for quality control purposes.

A few of the key CBD-infused beverage types currently being sold at UK festivals:

• CBD Sparkling Water. The least intimidating introduction to CBD beverages is probably the CBD infused sparkling water. Brands such as Trip and Cawston Press CBD have introduced themselves successfully to the UK festival audience by developing flavored and refreshing CBD sparkling waters containing anywhere from 15–30 mg of broad spectrum CBD per can. The lightly flavored nature of these products allow consumers to hydrate throughout their time at the festival. Additionally, cucumber and mint are extremely popular flavor combinations at festivals.
• CBD-Infused Craft Beer (0% ABV). Where things get really interesting is with CBD-infused craft beer. As a result of changes in legislation allowing breweries to develop beers with CBD, several UK-based breweries have created non-alcoholic beers that include added CBD. These non-alcoholic beers bring the sensory aspects associated with opening a cold beer, but without the negative side effects associated with excessive alcohol consumption. Brands like Infinite Session and smaller-batch brewery offerings have begun to appear at independently hosted events. Interestingly, the bitterness of the hops used in brewing combine perfectly with the earthy flavors of CBD.
• CBD Kombucha. Before the addition of CBD, kombucha was experiencing its own “moment” in popularity among festival-goers. The combination of the fermented tea used in making kombucha and the hemp extracts creates a product that effectively covers up any herbal taste associated with the hemp. Furthermore, the live cultures present in kombucha create a second layer of health benefits related to gut health. Eco-friendly events like Green Gathering or Shambala are good places to find vendors selling CBD-infused kombucha.
• CBD Botanical Tonics. At the upper-end of the market are CBD botanical tonics. Although they do look like traditional tonic waters, these products usually contain added CBD along with adaptogenic ingredients (ashwagandha, lion’s mane, rhodiola), and herbs (elderflower and lavender). While tonics tend to be slower to drink and more expensive than other options on this list, they also require more consideration and deliberation than other items listed here. Typically found in the theatre or healing fields of larger festivals, these products are ideal for those looking for a relaxing experience.
• CBD Cold Brew Coffee. For the post-midnight crowd still reeling from last night’s activities, CBD cold brew coffee offers an excellent solution. In fact, many consumers feel that adding CBD reduces the jitters associated with consuming too much caffeine. Some users report feeling energized yet calm after using CBD cold brew coffee.

Labels and Certifications

While all CBD drinks are not equal, some common certifications exist which help ensure that you purchase a legitimate product:

• CBD content – Anything under 10mg per serving is basically just window dressing. Anywhere from 20–30mg of CBD is generally a suitable amount for most people
• Full Spectrum vs Broad-Spectrum vs Isolate – Full Spectrum contains trace amounts of THC. Broadspectrum retains various plant based materials excluding THC. Isolate is simply isolated CBD
• Third Party Lab Tested – Check if there is a QR code on packaging or website for COA (Certificate of Analysis)
• FSA Novel Food Authorised – Although applications began back in 2021, most of these companies have applied for authorization. Those with authorized or pending authorization are acting within UK regulation guidelines.

Practical Considerations Regarding Dosage

As mentioned earlier, everyone responds differently to CBD. Due to dehydrated state of body and/or fatigue due to lack of rest, your experience may vary greatly depending on the environment. If you’re new to CBD-infused beverages consider starting with one can and wait 45 min before deciding whether you’d like another. The sensation of relaxation is very real, however it develops slowly therefore don’t go crazy seeking it.

Choose Products You Can Trust

CBD drinks are a great festival-friendly option, but the most important thing is always knowing exactly what you are consuming. With Canna City, you can explore a catalogue of lab-tested THC cannabis products with clear cannabinoid information and discreet UK delivery.