Updated on September 15th, 2023
CBD coffee is a new take on an old classic drink. You might be surprised to know that your innocent cup of coffee, like cannabis, was once under fire by health experts. In 1991, the World Health Organization claimed the drink caused cancer until a 2016 study with coffee debunked it.
But being such a popular drink, it’s no surprise that CBD-infused coffee made its way onto the market – and took off with a vengeance.
Let’s take a look at CBD and coffee, its benefits, drawbacks, and whether this hemp-derived creation should replace your daily k-cups, CBD latte, or cold brew.
CBD Coffee Brand Catalog
Extract Labs
CBD isolate Bearded Man Coffee (pods)
CBD content: 20mg / pod
Flavors: Bandholz, French Fork, Shaman, Yeti
Tranquility CBD
Ground Industrial Hemp Coffee
CBD content: 900mg / 340 gr. (12 oz) coffee
Rip City Roast
Allo CBD
CBD infused Coffee Beans, Single Serve Pods, Coffee Booster
CBD content: 320mg / 340 gr. (12 oz) coffee
3 single origin coffees, paired with varying levels of CBD
Diamond CBD
Chill CBD Coffee
CBD content: 25mg / 12 gr coffee
Ready-to-go Coffee Pods (4 pcs)
Green Roads
Hemp Flower Coffee
CBD content: 92mg / 340 gr. (12 oz) coffee
Flavors: Founders Blend, Hazelnut, French Vanilla
What’s CBD Coffee?
CBD coffee is coffee infused with CBD. Despite what the name implies, you won’t find CBD coffee beans growing in South America – or anywhere else.
So although CBD is a primary ingredient, it’s not a substitute for caffeine in these products. Instead, the CBD adds unique effects and benefits that you otherwise won’t find in regular coffee. 
When you mix CBD into a cup of coffee (store-bought or at home), it helps balance out some of the undesirable effects of caffeine. For instance, regular coffee’s short-term effects include rapid heartbeat, “jitters,” gastrointestinal issues, and anxiety. A healthy person could weather the storm, but individuals with IBS, cardiovascular problems, or anxiety (to name a few) should steer clear.
Can I Put CBD in My Coffee?
We’ve already established what CBD coffee is. Let’s look at how to make CBD coffee. You have a couple of options to choose from, each with its own advantages and disadvantages.
All you have to do is brew coffee and mix in your desired amount of CBD tincture or oil. But this also means you’ll overshadow the coffee with a strong “hempy” taste, which no amount of creamer can disguise.
Flavorless isolate tincture makes for a great CBD coffee additive. It’s a better choice if you want to avoid any undesirable flavor affecting your coffee. Isolate powders are also available, designed for mixing into virtually any drink.
However, because these are made with CBD isolate, they lack beneficial cannabinoids and terpenes. Full-spectrum CBD extract, on the other hand, retains them for a much better effect.
Unfortunately, keeping those compounds also keeps the hemp taste, which will drastically affect your coffee’s flavor. In the end, the best way to infuse CBD into coffee depends on what you have available and your personal preference.
Is Cannabidiol in Coffee Safe and Legal?
As far as legality is concerned, the simple answer is “yes.” Hemp is legal in all 50 states, but some states place restrictions on which CBD products are allowed. If you’re concerned about the legality of your CBD coffee (or CBD in general), check the statutes for your state.
There’s no evidence to indicate that it’s unsafe to mix CBD with coffee. However, you should always consult your doctor if you’re sensitive to caffeine or take any medications, especially ones metabolized in the liver.
Does CBD Taste Good in Coffee?
Ironically, the first testimony about CBD coffee came from one of its pioneers, Devin Jamroz. He placed some full-spectrum oil into his cup of coffee in hopes of managing pain from an injury. Although it worked well for the symptoms, Jamroz described the taste as “hot, grassy, swamp water.”
But as luck would have it, his neighbor was Gerry Leary, a coffee shop owner and master brewer. Along with Jamroz’s roommate (Ben Glennon), the three started SteepFuze, the world’s first commercial CBD coffee brand.
Customer Verdicts
Now that cannabidiol coffee is famous, there are thousands of people offering their opinions online. Some are good; others aren’t so flattering. Overall, the positive reviews indicate that the coffee products are effective, while negative ones focus on low bioavailability.
Positive Reviews
There’s no shortage of praise for cannabidiol coffee. Reddit user “grhealthca” says:
“I’m a fan. It helps keep away the ‘too much caffeine’ jitters.”
Another Reddit poster, DharmaBum001, seems fine with the hempy flavor of his coffee, saying:
“Just started taking 20mg of [CBD extract] mixed in with my coffee when I wake up (for glaucoma eye pressures). Tastes lovely, and I definitely [sic] feel calm alertness afterward.”
Meanwhile, Reddit’s “lefty000” predicts a bright future for the product:
“Goes together awesomely. I swear, within five to 10 years, you’ll see CBD coffee at coffee chains everywhere, like Starbucks. It’s going to be huge.”
Negative Reviews
Quora users had some criticisms of CBD coffee. For example, Holly O’Keefe warns:
… it’s not the most effective or cost-efficient way to take your CBD. Also, it depends on how much CBD that YOU need in the morning. Most CBD coffees are lower in the amount of CBD.
Marc Hutt reminds us that CBD in coffee is more novel than practical:
“If you eat CBD, you lose a large portion to your digestive processes. You can put it in coffee, but you would have to adjust the dosage to account for the loss.”
Nady Pecherskaya also criticizes the choice of consumption, warning readers:
“You can put it in coffee, but it will not be as effective as if you were to hold it under the tongue. So basically, you are wasting the product and your money. When CBD goes through digestion, most of it gets lost and processed out.”
Does CBD-Infused Coffee Work?
Whether plain, cold brew, latte, or some other specialty drink, the effects of cannabidiol coffee vary from one person to another. Pre-made ones also differ depending on the brand.
Ultimately, the drink’s purpose is to seamlessly integrate CBD into your daily routine while adding its own set of health benefits.
CBD’s purpose for coffee is to establish a balance, calming the intense energy burst of caffeine while retaining mental clarity and alertness.
Granted, people who use any form of CBD report (albeit rarely) a few minor side effects:
- Drowsiness
- Diarrhea
- Dry mouth
- Appetite loss
- Fatigue
Advantages
CBD coffee helps counter the adverse effects of regular coffee. Frequent drinkers are (often painfully) aware that coffee causes a lot of unpleasant side effects.
CBD is known to address things like anxiety and gastrointestinal problems directly. Its calming effects also help fight the “jitters” that some feel after one too many cups (or one cup, as the case may be).
People also often report that CBD helps improve mental clarity and energy without the infamous caffeine crash.
Disadvantages
Despite being a great invention, CBD coffee isn’t perfect. The problem with this product is the same issue that plagues all forms of edible cannabis – delayed effect.
What we have are two very different substances. Caffeine works almost instantly, which is why some appreciate its effectiveness as a pick-me-up. On the other hand, Edible CBD takes at least 30 minutes to kick in – and that’s a best-case scenario.
Bioavailability – the amount of CBD that makes it into the bloodstream after digestion – is also very low with ingestible cannabis. Consequently, the actual amount of CBD per serving isn’t the same as what’s printed on the label.
CBD Coffee Health Benefits
Although coffee alone has some immediate adverse effects, it also provides a list of long-term health benefits. Adding CBD into the mix is an effective way to make a good thing better.
Some of these health advantages are unique to CBD or coffee, while others overlap or complement each other. This is great since many users want relief from specific symptoms or conditions.
Pain
Pain relief is one of the most common reasons people seek out CBD. There’s more than enough anecdotal evidence and a considerable amount of preliminary research showing CBD’s analgesic potential.
Since CBD coffee is edible, it’s ideally suited for generalized or neuropathic pain. The caffeine content is also helpful for some symptoms, such as migraines. However, a topical CBD product is better if you’re dealing with localized discomforts, like joint inflammation.
Anxiety
CBD coffee and anxiety don’t clash the way normal coffee products do. Anxiety sufferers often turn to hemp-derived CBD for its calming effects. This is particularly handy if you’re susceptible to the overstimulating “jitters” typical coffee causes.
Nervousness also comes with side issues, like high blood pressure or elevated heart rate – something anxious people don’t need. Why not consider CBD soda?
Focus
People already use coffee to improve energy and focus. Fortunately, CBD has the same effect. Combining them lets you make the most out of your drink yet eliminates much of the nervousness and hyperactivity caused by coffee alone.
Cancer
Remember how we mentioned coffee was wrongfully accused of being a carcinogen? According to the Harvard School of Public Health, coffee can help prevent certain types of cancers. At the same time, we have promising research indicating that CBD and other cannabinoids reduce cell proliferation, slowing down tumor growth in the process.
Neuroprotectant
What else do CBD and coffee have in common? Surprisingly, they both protect the brain. The Harvard School of Public Health reviewed several studies, finding that coffee consumption reduces the risk of Parkinson’s disease. There’s also evidence to suggest CBD does the same.
Scientists also studied coffee’s relationship with Alzheimer’s, but the results were inconclusive. However, CBD picks up the torch with its established neuroprotective properties against various conditions, Alzheimer’s being just one of them.
CBD takes things a step further, showing promise for conditions like severe epilepsy and multiple sclerosis.
Where Can I Buy CBD Oil Coffee?
If you’re at a loss finding the best way to infuse CBD in coffee, the product is widely available in whole bean form. Manufacturers slowly infuse the beans with CBD, then you grind and filter them as you would with regular coffee.
You can buy cannabidiol coffee or the best CBD oil online or – depending on your location – at a health food store or specialized coffee shop. Generally, vendors specializing in CBD-infused coffee will have the best CBD coffee beans and other related products. We’ll also be reviewing some prominent brands shortly.
For those who want a faster option, there’s no shortage of quality CBD-infused coffee pods. These k-cups are a quick way to make regular CBD coffee or cold brew. But the choice doesn’t end there. Vendors often sell CBD coffee pods or ground coffee in flavors like vanilla, caramel, and chocolate.
Although pricey at times, it’s an easy way to get the best-tasting CBD coffee. Some states have CBD coffee shops, but you can buy it online or in certain health food stores that sell CBD products in most cases. Although expensive, try to buy CBD coffee in bulk, when available, to save money in the long run.
CBD shops and Coffee Shops alike get their supplies from CBD coffee wholesale programs like our partners’. Coffee Shops can also make their own CBD Coffee by adding water-soluble CBD to their own recipes.
FAQ
How Does CBD Coffee Feel?
CBD coffee feels a lot like regular coffee, carrying the same stimulating effects. The difference is, unlike regular coffee, CBD acts as the main stimulant, also muting the negative effects of caffeine.
Will CBD Coffee get Me High?
No, CBD coffee will not make you high. Like all hemp CBD products, there may be a small amount of THC present, but not enough to trigger intoxicating effects.
What are the Health Benefits of taking CBD Coffee?
The health benefits of taking CBD coffee include:
- Reduced hyperactivity
- Reduced anxiety
- Improved focus
- Pain control (thanks exclusively to the hemp oil in coffee)
- Counters nausea caused by caffeine
- Antioxidant
- Neuroprotectant
- Prevents cancer
Sources
Sources:
https://www.fda.gov/newsevents/publichealthfocus/ucm484109.htm
https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/food-features/coffee/https://www.reddit.com/r/CBD/comments/aiq2xs/thoughts_on_cbd_coffee/
https://www.reddit.com/r/CBD/comments/bgbb54/cbd_coffee/
https://www.reddit.com/r/CBD/comments/8qxuzp/cbd_and_coffee/
https://www.quora.com/Have-you-tried-CBD-coffee-what-brand-did-you-try-and-would-you-recommend-it
https://stories.populum.com/articles/cbd-coffeehttps://wayofleaf.com/cbd/products/cbd-coffee
https://cannatechtoday.com/exploring-the-pros-and-cons-of-cbd-infused-drinks/
https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/consumer-health/expert-answers/is-cbd-safe-and-effective/faq-20446700#:~:text=Though%20it's%20often%20well%2Dtolerated,dosage%20of%20CBD%20in%20products.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5938896/
https://www.healthline.com/health/cbd-for-heart-disease#research
https://www.quora.com/Can-I-put-CBD-oil-in-coffee-or-does-it-need-to-go-under-the-tongue Potent & USDA Certified |  Ideal CBD:THC Ratio |  Best Δ8-THC Vapes |