What is the Suitability of CBD: What You Need to Know Before Trying

CBD in Modern Wellness

CBD, or cannabidiol, has become a cornerstone of modern wellness. Valued for its potential therapeutic properties without the psychoactive effects of marijuana, CBD has drawn wide attention from consumers seeking natural approaches to stress relief, pain management, and relaxation.

Derived from hemp or cannabis plants, CBD offers a way to support wellbeing without inducing a “high.” However, the legal and regulatory framework surrounding CBD varies significantly by region, making it essential to understand local laws before use.

At To Be Honest Beverage Co., we encourage consumers to be informed, not just about the legal aspects of CBD, but also the health considerations of any wellness product they choose to incorporate into their routines.

The science behind industrial hemp derived CBD for ingesting is still evolving.

What Is CBD?

CBD is extracted from both hemp and cannabis plants. The main distinction lies in their THC content, the psychoactive compound that produces intoxication. Under U.S. federal law, hemp-derived CBD products must contain less than 0.3% THC, which differentiates them from marijuana-derived CBD.

At the time of writing, To Be Honest Bev Co. sources only federally legal, industrial hemp–derived CBD for use in its non-alcoholic spirit alternatives.

Understanding the difference between hemp- and marijuana-derived CBD helps consumers ensure that what they purchase is both legally compliant and appropriate for their needs, without unwanted psychoactive effects.

Potential Health Benefits of CBD

CBD’s popularity stems from its reported ability to help alleviate issues such as stress, discomfort, and inflammation. The FDA’s approval of Epidiolex, a prescription CBD medication for certain severe epilepsy forms, demonstrates that CBD can have measurable therapeutic potential when used appropriately.

Research continues to explore CBD’s role in supporting mental health, sleep quality, and neuroprotection. While findings are still emerging, many users report noticeable benefits.

Although every person’s experience is different, our customers often describe outcomes such as:

• A sense of relaxation

• Reduced stress and tension

• Improved sleep quality

• Calming or soothing effects

• Relief from mild inflammation

CBD acts primarily on the body’s endocannabinoid system, which influences mood, pain, and immune response, but it does not produce a psychoactive “high.”

As research evolves, CBD is also being studied for its potential to support addiction recovery and other mental health interventions.

How to Use CBD

CBD products come in many forms, oils, capsules, topicals, edibles, and beverages, each with its own advantages. The method of consumption affects how quickly and how long the effects last.

A good rule of thumb is to start with a low dose and gradually increase as needed, allowing time to observe your body’s response.

While topical CBD is often used for targeted relief, our ingestible beverages offer higher bioavailability, meaning more CBD is absorbed into the body for potentially greater effectiveness.

Although CBD is often seen as a topical, ingestible drinks are becoming more popular.

Risks and Side Effects

CBD is generally well-tolerated, but like any supplement, it may cause side effects for some individuals, such as drowsiness, dry mouth, or mild digestive discomfort.

Two critical factors to consider before using CBD are:

1. Medication Interactions: CBD can alter how certain prescription drugs are metabolized.

2. Employment Policies: Some workplaces may restrict cannabinoid use, even from hemp sources.

Similar to other natural substances, CBD can affect how medications work. Examples of plant-based compounds that can also cause interactions include:

• Ginkgo

• Asian ginseng

• Echinacea

• Goldenseal

• Kava

• Black cohosh

• Milk thistle

• Vitamin C

Always consult your healthcare provider if you have health conditions or take medications. This ensures safe, beneficial use and helps prevent unwanted effects.

Choosing the Right CBD Product

With so many CBD options on the market, quality and transparency are key. Look for products that:

• Provide third-party lab test results verifying purity and cannabinoid content

• Clearly label THC percentage and source (hemp vs. marijuana)

• Meet federal and state legal standards

The extraction method and hemp source both influence product safety and efficacy. Premium CBD products use clean extraction techniques and traceable, responsibly grown hemp, something To Be Honest Bev Co. is committed to maintaining.

To Be Honest Bev Co. relies on third party lab testing to ensure our products maintain quality standards.

Three Unique Mocktails Made with Focus

Whether you’re easing into the weekend, gathering with friends, or simply resetting after a long day, these three Focus-based mocktails balance flavor, calm, and clarity. Each recipe is alcohol-free, crafted to highlight natural botanicals, and designed for moments of intentional indulgence.

1. Cranberry Thyme Refresher

Tart, herbal, and perfectly balanced, a modern twist on a classic spritz.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz Focus

• 1 oz unsweetened cranberry juice

• ½ oz orange juice

• ½ oz honey syrup (or agave)

• 2 sprigs fresh thyme

• Sparkling water

• Orange peel for garnish

Directions:

In a shaker, lightly muddle one sprig of thyme. Add Focus, cranberry juice, orange juice, and honey syrup. Shake with ice and strain into a glass filled with ice. Top with sparkling water and garnish with orange peel and a thyme sprig.

Why it works:

The tart cranberry brings a lively kick, while the thyme complements Focus’s botanical complexity. It’s a perfect choice for fall gatherings or cozy nights in.

2. Pineapple Basil Serenity

Tropical brightness meets herbal calm, an uplifting escape in a glass.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz Focus

• 1½ oz fresh pineapple juice

• ½ oz lime juice

• ¼ oz basil syrup or muddled basil leaves

• Club soda

• Basil leaf and lime wheel for garnish

Directions:

Muddle basil in the shaker, then add Focus, pineapple, and lime juice. Shake with ice and strain over fresh ice in a tall glass. Top with club soda and garnish with a basil leaf and lime wheel.

Why it works:

Sweet pineapple and aromatic basil lift Focus’s subtle hemp and citrus notes, creating a refreshing mocktail that feels both energizing and grounding.

3. Spiced Pear & Ginger Glow

Smooth, warm, and lightly spiced, a mindful evening sipper.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz Focus

• 2 oz pear juice (fresh or bottled, unsweetened)

• ½ oz lemon juice

• ¼ oz ginger syrup

• Dash of cinnamon or nutmeg (optional)

• Dehydrated pear slice or cinnamon stick for garnish

Directions:

Combine Focus, pear juice, lemon juice, and ginger syrup in a shaker with ice. Shake gently, strain into a rocks glass, and sprinkle lightly with cinnamon or nutmeg. Garnish with a pear slice or cinnamon stick.

Why it works:

The mellow sweetness of pear pairs beautifully with Focus’s hemp-botanical base, while ginger and spice add warmth and depth, ideal for slow evenings or cozy self-care rituals.

Making Informed Decisions About CBD

Understanding CBD’s origins, benefits, and potential risks allows consumers to make educated choices about what they put into their bodies.

With the right information, and guidance from healthcare professionals, individuals can safely explore how CBD may support their wellness journey.

Choosing products that are transparent, compliant, and responsibly made helps ensure a positive and effective experience.

At To Be Honest Beverage Co., we believe that mindfulness and education are at the heart of modern wellness, and CBD, when approached responsibly, can play a meaningful role in that pursuit.

Note: The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Our products have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). They are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Please consult with your physician or a qualified healthcare provider before using any products, especially if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, have a medical condition, or are taking any medications.