CBD drinks in the UK: the honest buyer's guide
What should I know about CBD drinks in the UK?
CBD drinks are legal in the UK when the product has novel food authorisation in progress with the FSA, and the FSA advises healthy adults take no more than 10mg of CBD a day from food. The catch is dose: many cans carry 10 to 30mg of CBD, so one can can meet or exceed the daily advice on its own. Check the mg of CBD per can, whether the brand publishes batch certificates, and whether the rest of the can earns its place. If what you actually want is a calm, caffeine-free evening ritual without CBD, a Reishi-and-magnesium drink like Liquid RELAX does that job with approved claims behind it.
What to check on a CBD drink
| Check | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| CBD mg per can | The FSA advises no more than 10mg a day from food for healthy adults; many cans exceed that in one serving |
| Novel food status | The product should be on the FSA's public list of CBD products permitted to remain on sale |
| Batch certificates | Independent lab results confirming the CBD content and that THC is within legal limits |
| The rest of the can | Sugar, sweeteners and caffeine vary hugely between brands |
CBD drink vs functional evening drink
| CBD drink | Liquid RELAX | |
|---|---|---|
| Headline active | CBD, dose varies by brand | 1,000mg Reishi extract plus 250mg Ashwagandha |
| Approved claims | None for CBD itself | Magnesium, B6 and B12 contribute to normal psychological and nervous system function |
| Daily limit | FSA advises max 10mg CBD a day from food | No equivalent restriction |
| Caffeine | Usually none | None |
The trade-offs
CBD drinks
- A familiar, easy format
- Some well-tested brands publish full certificates
- Dose per can often meets or exceeds the FSA's 10mg daily advice
- No authorised health claims
- Quality varies enormously between brands
Liquid RELAX (the functional alternative)
- Approved claims from magnesium and B vitamins
- 1,000mg Reishi extract stated on the can
- Low sugar, alcohol free, vegan
- It is not CBD, if CBD is specifically what you came for
- More sugar than a zero-sugar CBD seltzer
If you want CBD, buy from a brand on the FSA's public list with published batch certificates, and count the mg against the 10mg daily advice. If you want the ritual — something calm, cold and not wine at the end of the day — a functional evening drink with approved claims is the simpler answer.
Plainly: we do not sell a CBD drink. Our CBD Originals are oils, and our sparkling cans are functional mushroom drinks with no CBD in them. If a CBD seltzer is specifically what you want, buy from a certified CBD brand.
Mentioned in this piece
Questions people ask
- Are CBD drinks legal in the UK?
- Yes, when the product is on the FSA's public list of CBD products with novel food applications permitted to remain on sale. Check the brand is listed before buying.
- How much CBD is safe to drink?
- The FSA advises healthy adults take no more than 10mg of CBD a day from food. Many cans contain 10 to 30mg, so check the label and count your total across the day.
- Will a CBD drink make me feel calm?
- CBD has no authorised UK health claim, so no brand can legally promise an effect. If you want a drink with approved claims for normal psychological and nervous system function, look for magnesium and B vitamins on the label.
More comparisons
- The can aisleFunctional drinks compared: Grass & Co., TRIP, Neutonic and Water Junkie
- The label questionFruiting body vs mycelium
- The format questionCapsules vs powder vs drinks
Grass & Co. products are food supplements and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Do not exceed the stated dose. Most products are for adults; CBD is for adults only.