Cooking with CBD: A Legal Guide to Culinary Creativity in the UK

Cannabidiol, commonly known as CBD, has taken the wellness world by storm. Its purported health benefits, ranging from pain relief to anxiety reduction, have made it a popular supplement. 

However, incorporating CBD into your cooking can be a bit of a legal minefield. In this blog post, we'll explore the legal landscape of using CBD in your culinary creations in the UK and offer some tips on how to do so effectively and deliciously.

Understanding the Legal Framework

Before diving into recipes and techniques, it's crucial to understand the legal status of CBD in the UK. CBD is legal in the UK as long as it meets specific criteria:

Source and THC Content: CBD must be derived from an industrial hemp strain that is EU-approved. Additionally, it should contain no more than 0.2% THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), the psychoactive component of cannabis. The final CBD product must contain less than 1mg of THC per container.

Novel Food Status: As of January 2019, CBD is classified as a novel food in the UK. This means that any CBD product must be authorised by the Food Standards Agency (FSA). Manufacturers need to provide detailed information on the product’s safety and composition.

Labelling and Marketing: It's illegal to make medicinal claims about CBD products unless they have been authorised as a medicine. Products should be clearly labelled, and any health claims should be substantiated by evidence.

Incorporating CBD into Your Cooking

Once you've ensured your CBD product complies with UK regulations, you can start experimenting in the kitchen. Here are some tips and ideas to get you started:

Choosing the Right CBD Product

For cooking, CBD oil or CBD isolate powder are your best options. CBD oil can be added to both savoury and sweet dishes, while CBD isolate is ideal for recipes where you don't want to alter the flavour profile.

Dosage and Measurement

When cooking with CBD, it's essential to measure your dosage carefully. A common starting dose is 5-10mg per serving. Always refer to the product's packaging for concentration details and use a dropper or kitchen scale for accuracy.

Recipes to Try

CBD-Infused Salad Dressing

Ingredients:

60ml olive oil

30ml apple cider vinegar

1 clove garlic, minced

1 tsp honey

1 tsp Dijon mustard

5-10mg CBD oil

Salt and pepper to taste

Method: Whisk together all ingredients in a small bowl. Drizzle over your favourite salad and enjoy the subtle, earthy undertones of CBD.

CBD-Enhanced Brownies

Ingredients:

200g dark chocolate

175g butter

250g sugar

3 large eggs

1 tsp vanilla extract

100g plain flour

5-10mg CBD oil

Method: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Melt the chocolate and butter together, then stir in the sugar. Beat in the eggs one at a time, add the vanilla extract, and fold in the flour. Finally, mix in the CBD oil. Pour the batter into a greased baking tin and bake for 25-30 minutes.

CBD-Infused Smoothie

Ingredients:

1 banana

250ml almond milk

1 tbsp peanut butter

1 tsp honey

5-10mg CBD oil

A handful of ice

Method: Blend all ingredients until smooth. Pour into a glass and enjoy a nutritious, calming treat.

Safety and Storage

When cooking with CBD, store your infused oils and edibles in a cool, dark place to maintain their potency. Always start with a low dose, especially if you are new to CBD, and gradually increase as needed.

Conclusion

Cooking with CBD can add a new dimension to your culinary repertoire, offering both flavour and potential wellness benefits. By understanding the legal requirements and following safe cooking practices, you can enjoy the creative possibilities of CBD-infused dishes. Happy cooking!

Note:- Always establish that using CBD products is legally permissible where you live. Also ensure that you take medical advice on consuming CBD or giving it to anyone else. 

The Pros and Cons of CBD Drinks

CBD, or cannabidiol, has been making waves in the wellness industry for its potential health benefits. 

While CBD oil, capsules, and topical creams are common, CBD-infused drinks have emerged as a popular way to consume this compound. 

But what are the advantages and disadvantages of these beverages? Let’s dive into the pros and cons of CBD drinks.

Pros

1. Easy and Convenient Consumption:

CBD drinks offer a simple and convenient way to consume CBD. Unlike oils that require measuring and capsules that need to be swallowed, you can enjoy a refreshing drink infused with CBD on the go. This ease of use makes it accessible for people with busy lifestyles.

2. Potential Health Benefits:

CBD is renowned for its potential therapeutic benefits. These include pain relief, reducing anxiety and depression, improving sleep, and alleviating symptoms of certain neurological disorders. While more research is needed, many users report positive effects from incorporating CBD into their routines.

3. Variety of Options:

The market offers a wide variety of CBD drinks, from flavoured waters and teas to coffee and smoothies. This variety allows consumers to choose a beverage that suits their taste preferences and dietary needs, making it easier to incorporate CBD into their daily lives.

4. Non-Psychoactive:

Unlike THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), CBD does not have psychoactive effects. This means you can enjoy the potential health benefits of CBD without experiencing a 'high'. This makes CBD drinks suitable for consumption at any time of the day.

5. Social Acceptance:

Drinking a CBD-infused beverage is often more socially acceptable than other forms of CBD consumption. You can sip on a CBD drink in public or at social gatherings without attracting unwanted attention, as these drinks often resemble regular beverages.

Cons

1. Variable Dosage:

One of the main challenges with CBD drinks is the inconsistency in dosage. The amount of CBD can vary significantly between different products and even between batches of the same product. This can make it difficult to manage your CBD intake and ensure you are getting the desired effects.

2. Slow Onset:

CBD drinks typically have a slower onset time compared to other methods like sublingual oils or vaping. This is because the CBD needs to pass through the digestive system before entering the bloodstream. If you are looking for immediate relief, CBD drinks may not be the most effective option.

3. Potential Interactions:

CBD can interact with certain medications, potentially altering their effectiveness or causing side effects. If you are taking prescription medication, it’s essential to consult with your healthcare provider before incorporating CBD drinks into your routine.

4. Cost:

CBD products, including drinks, can be quite expensive. The cost of sourcing high-quality CBD and the process of infusing it into beverages contribute to the higher price point. This can make regular consumption of CBD drinks a costly endeavour.

5. Limited Research:

While anecdotal evidence and preliminary studies suggest various benefits of CBD, there is still a lack of extensive clinical research to fully support these claims. The long-term effects and safety of regular CBD consumption are still being studied, and consumers should be aware of this when considering CBD drinks.

Conclusion

CBD drinks offer a convenient and enjoyable way to potentially reap the benefits of CBD. However, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons before incorporating them into your lifestyle. While they are non-psychoactive and socially acceptable, issues such as variable dosage, slow onset, and potential interactions with medications should not be overlooked. As always, consult with a healthcare professional if you have any concerns, and choose reputable products to ensure quality and safety.

Goodrays Gummies, Oils and Sparkling Drinks are is now stocked in Sainsbury's, Waitrose, Tesco and has recently launched in France too. www.goodrays.com 

Goodrays features in Tesco's new Functional Drinks Lineup

Created by CBD industry expert Eoin Keenan and ex-Diageo taste developers, Goodrays CBD drinks are said to be "a deep breath for your brain."

Three flavours will be appearing on shelf on the new Functional Drinks Bays at Tesco: Namely 4x250ml packs of Raspberry & Guava, Elderflower & Yuzu, and Blood Orange & Grapefruit. 

Science shows to experience the full effects of CBD, a reduction in anxiety, better sleep, less muscle and joint pains, for example, consumers should consume at least 25mg of CBD. 

A market-leading 'dose' of 30mg of premium CBD and a daily dose of Vitamin D, with no added sugars, all-natural ingredients and a fully recyclable, entirely plastic-free product puts this product ahead of the game.

As the only CBD drinks brand currently offeedr, Goodrays plans to support the listing with PR support, in-store education and ongoing marketing activity throughout the partnership.

Said Eoin Keenan Founder of Goodrays: “We design and deliver the most exciting, effective and accessible CBD products to people who desire to improve their mental wellbeing. Our drinks are the most cost-effective way of accessing CBD and Tesco shares our vision in making CBD more affordable and accessible for everyone. We're excited to be part of this new direction for Tesco and expect more  retailers to follow their lead, as wellness continues to be the dominant trend in drinks.”

Goodrays is the UKs fastest-growing CBD brand and second largest brand in the category. It is the top-selling adult soft drink on Amazon with over 1,000 5* reviews. 

https://www.goodrays.uk

 

UK's Thirst for Functional Drinks Boosts Goodrays Distribution With Waitrose

Goodrays CBD has increased its distribution with Waitrose after a bumper period of sales since launching with the retailer. 

The entire Goodrays range, 7 SKUS in total, will now be available nationally in-store and online, and the sparkling 250ml Goodrays drinks will continue to be a part of the Meal Deal offer. 

Goodrays founder Eoin Keenan believes the success of the trial was in part to the Meal Deal drinks inclusion and success of the recently introduced Waitrose Functional Drinks bay, showing that the consumers' thirst for functional drinks shows no signs of subsiding. The announcement comes as Neilsen reports that CBD is the best performing category within the functional drinks space.

The British brand's mission is to make CBD accessible for all and the news of the increased distribution goes a long way in supporting its ethos. The £5 Meal Deal is currently the most cost-effective way of accessing high quality CBD on the market,  45% of Goodrays single can sales now come through the Meal Deal and sales suggest repeat purchase via the functional drinks bay.

Eoin Keenan says: “It's been a joy to work with the UK's most premium retailer bringing high-quality and innovative CBD products to the mainstream. Big thanks to Waitrose for backing us. Our recent trial of the CBD Drinks mixpack on the functional drinks fixture in  Waitrose was overwhelmingly successful. It was the best performing drinks multipack in the trial and we're confident that success will continue across the entire range  as we move into deeper distribution. We've heard from customers that they have been introduced to the the category and the brand via the meal deal and they've become regular customers from this entry point.

"The increase in distribution will be supported with ongoing marketing support from Goodrays, including a promotional plan and a continuation of the Meal Deal partnership. As consumers become more educated on CBD and its benefits, Goodrays believes customers will continue to seek out brands that offer higher dose products that offer the best value for money."

Eoin Keenan went on to say: “This is a milestone for us and our mission to educate around CBD usage and the impact it can have in the reduction of stress and anxiety, and a way to find relaxation in our chaotic lives. We currently offer a market leading dose of CBD per drink at 30mg, this unique proposition is what we'll continue to shout about in 2024, and hope that this element will bring new, experimental customers to the category ongoing."

Goodrays announced a record growth of 1,457%  year on year in October 2023.

Eoin Keenan founded Goodrays after years of using CBD to help combat anxiety and stress, often hiding the condition from friends and family. A now veteran of the industry, including over a decade of studying the world's most misunderstood plan and its natural compounds, Keenan is passionate about developing premium CBD solutions to support mental wellness for everyone.

https://www.goodrays.com

TRIP has Best Week of Sales Ever After Consumers Show Confidence In Superior Quality CBD

TRIP announces it has had its best week of sales ever, after consumers show confidence in superior quality CBD. TRIP (www.drink-trip.com) is the 4th fastest growing private company in the UK (Sunday Times 100) and the UK's market leader in CBD products (with 88% market share of CBD drinks - Nielsen). 

Holland & Barrett today reinstate all CBD products, after a temporary pause last week following the FSA announcement. 

TRIP is distributed in 25,000 stores. While the FSA and Trading Standards confirmed publicly that there are no changes required to listings, product formulas, labelling or packaging; Holland & Barrett were the only retailer to temporarily put some TRIP beverage products on hold, this has now been lifted and all CBD products are available again.

TRIP are passionate about bringing the health benefits of CBD into the mainstream and destigmatising conversations around mental wellbeing, TRIP has always advocated for regulation of the industry and championed best in class compliance, supporting the FSA's work for consumer food safety.

Last week, the FSA updated its recommended daily guideline of 10mg CBD, reduced from the previous 70mg limit. TRIP fully supports the FSA's emphasis on food safety, while also highlighting that the guideline is based on the lowest grade of CBD assessed in a study of three CBD sources.

Independent third party studies conducted on TRIP's source of CBD, reviewed by the FSA, generates a safety limit of 105mg (equivalent to seven cans per day), this demonstrates the materially different level of safety and purity in TRIP's products.

Said Dr Julie Moltke, MD Medical CBD Practitioner, Researcher and Published Author: “It is most surprising that when the majority of the high-quality CBD datasets that have been made public were assessed, the three datasets analysed by the FSA appeared to have a significantly lower daily guideline. It can be useful to compare to the daily guideline in other countries that have legalised CBD for many years - In Canada the daily upper guideline is for 200 mg/day and in the Netherlands it is 160 mg/day. It is also worth noting that in the UK the NHS upper prescription guideline for Epidiolex, a synthetic CBD given to children and adults with epilepsy, is 1750mg/day for a 70kg person”

The last week saw TRIP's best week of sales to date, showing consumer confidence in superior quality CBD (TRIP Drink Ltd. Value Sales w/e 15.10.23 Nielsen Retail, Online & On-premise). 

TRIP commented: “Following Mental Health Awareness Day (10th October) and after the FSA announcement TRIP had its best sales week ever with Britons continuing to choose TRIP CBD products to support their everyday wellbeing - having seen the benefits first hand over the past few years.”

TRIP is the CBD market leader with the top 7 best-selling CBD SKUs in the country over the last year (Source Nielsen Total Market Value Sales - 52 Weeks 03 June 23) and 88% of the CBD drinks market in the UK (Nielsen). The CBD in TRIP products wasn't included in the FSA's analysis, used as the basis of the announcement last week. 

TRIP comment, “Not all CBD is created equal. The FSA updated recommended daily guideline of 10mg CBD dosage is based on a study of 3 lower grade ingredient samples, which does not include TRIP's CBD.” 

Dr Antonia Orsi, Director of Toxicology, PhD, MRpharmS, UKRT, ERT, MRQA, CSci has confirmed the following of the CBD in TRIP products: “The CBD tested was considered to have a no observed adverse effect level at 150mg/kg body weight/day by an independent testing facility. This equates to a provisional acceptable daily intake of 105mg.”

Independent third party studies conducted on TRIP's source of CBD reviewed by the FSA, generates a safety limit of 105mg (equivalent to seven cans per day). This demonstrates the materially different level of purity in TRIP's products. 

TRIP is distributed in 25,000 stores. The FSA and Trading Standards have confirmed publicly that there are no changes required to listings, product formulas, labelling or packaging; TRIP is in complete compliance with this framework. 

TRIP added: “This message is echoed by TRIP's retailer partners, who have been overwhelmingly supportive, retailers are clear that TRIP is in full compliance with the regulation.” 

TRIP comment “We look forward to continuing to collaborate with retail partners and regulators to prioritise consumer safety and provide clarity for customers.”

“TRIP have pioneered CBD onto shelves and into homes nationwide with their CBD drinks making functional health accessible. We look forward to working closely with our valued partners and customer community on our mission.”

People are more likely to choose healthier or non-alcoholic drinks in 2024

People are more ‘sober curious’ and thus are more likely to choose healthier, more sustainable and ‘premium’ drinks, according to recent research by EHL Hospitality Business School, the world’s best hospitality management university with campuses in Switzerland and Singapore.

Megatrends for the upcoming year are most likely to centre around healthier, cleaner, more sustainable and socially responsible drinks, and movements like mindful drinking have been gaining popularity. Similarly, functional healthy beverages are also on the rise.

With people being more mindful of their health, it makes sense they're also looking to improve their mental well-being, too.

As a result, CBD-infused relaxation drinks are one of the top trends predicted for the upcoming year. Whilst CBD drinks, of course, can’t get you ‘high’, they can help you relax, and are renowned for their anti-inflammatory properties, too. 

Other trends include bubble-tea, the Taiwanese drink; or sustainably made and packaged drinks, like boxed wine (yes, boxed wines are making a comeback). Not only is it making a comeback, industry experts are having to come around to the idea boxed wine does not always mean poor quality due to the sustainable and economic benefits of boxed wines.

In terms of “functional healthy beverages”, drinks such as kefir or kombucha seem to be a trend that's here to stay. Gut health is a trending conversation, which helped the fermented beverage industry to see a financial growth over $1 billion, a 5% increase.

Premium drinks are also getting in on the action, with many spirit companies releasing canned cocktails ready for immediate consumption. And for those who aren’t fans of cocktails, drinks like gin and tonic are now readily available in a can, too.

The remainder of 2023 looks to be one filled with a more holistic balance, EHL says, with consumers now having a large variety of drinks to choose from to help them on their sober or health journey, without having to sacrifice flavour or authenticity.

www.ehlgroup.com

Goodrays CBD Expands Waitrose Listing With CBD Oils and Gummies

A box of Mixed CBD Gummies (RRP £24.95), CBD Zen Drops (RRP £24.95), CBD Night Drops (£24.95) and Mixed Pack of CBD Drinks (RRP: £7.50) will now be available across 263 stores. The range increase means customers will now have a CBD option for every part of their day.

Henry Colver, Head of Marketing, says: “For Waitrose to have taken on our whole range is game-changing for us - it supports our brand mission to educate on the benefits of CBD and provide daily calm and clarity to people all over the UK.  

"The CBD industry has its challenges - our digital advertising is heavily restricted, so we rely on word-of-mouth advertising and strong retail presence. There is still a huge amount of work to be done around educating around what CBD is - some recent research we conducted showed that 33% of CBD users thought that CBD products had THC in them, however, CBD in its purest form contains zero THC and will not make you 'high'. We look forward to working with the team at Waitrose to educate consumers on this amazing compound.”

In the research conducted 2023 by Goodrays, these are the main reasons customers are using CBD:

To help with stress and anxiety (45%)

For pain relief (42%)

To aid and improved sleep (38%)

Medical Reasons (29%)

To help with depression (25%)

Goodrays now has a team of ten and is based in Shoreditch, London.

Awareness around mental wellbeing has been a huge driving force for Goodrays' founder Eoin Keenan. Keenan has been a vocal advocate of the power of the hemp plant for over a decade, and set up his own business in 2020 focusing on high quality CBD products, at accessible price point, such as oils and RTD canned drinks, that gained listings in Tesco and Waitrose last year.

Like many young people, anxiety started to become an issue for Eoin in his early 20s and part of his mission now is to educate on how CBD usage can be helpful to deal with conditions such as anxiety through natural and holistic methods. During Mental Health Week (15-21 May) Goodrays donated 100% of its online profits to mental health charity Mind, Tower Hamlets, which is a five minute walk from their offices.

On the Road to Success! Goodrays Outselling Energy Drinks on the Forecourt

Goodrays has produced delicious drinks which have a market-leading dose of 30mg of premium Colorado-grown CBD per can. The CBD ready-to-drinks come in four unique flavours; Raspberry & Guava, Blood Orange & Grapefruit, Passionfruit & Pomelo and Elderflower & Yuzu. Each 250ml can has a daily recommended dose of Vitamin D in each and with just 33 calories. All the drinks are 100% vegan and cost £2.99 each.

Hockenhull garages are premium sites in Leicestershire. Forecourt trader of the year in 2021, they offer consumers options not found in most forecourts, like smoothie and salad bars, and now functional drinks for the consumer concerned with wellness and relaxation. 

Goodrays will provide sampling opportunities throughout the year at Hockenhull's 8 sites , bollard covers, shelf-talkers, digital screen media at the pump, digital screen media at the entrance.

Henry Colyer, Head of Marketing Goodrays says: “It is fantastic to see that we are out-selling some major energy drinks within our first few weeks of launch. Functionality shouldn't mean you have to reach for a sugary drink full of additives - you can continue to be healthy yet feeling good with our beverages which promote calm and clarity. 

"We're really delighted to be launching our CBD Drinks with Hockenhull Garages, offering choice to customers, and putting health and wellness into the driving seat. MD Joe Hockenhull shares our vision of offering effective, premium CBD products to help with everyday stresses. 

"We want drivers and passengers to have a functional drinks option that isn't an unhealthy energy drink full of additives. Goodrays CBD drinks offer functionality, clarity, calm and amazing flavours for road trips. Studies have revealed that taking CBD has no effect on your ability to drive. We've got a robust marketing plan in place - we're delighted to go the extra mile for Hockenhull!” 

Eoin Keenan, Founder of Goodrays and expert in global CBD legislation says: “We are delighted that Hockenhull has decided to work with us on their first CBD drinks stockist. We cannot overstate the importance of buying your CBD from brands that are trustworthy manufacturers. Goodrays is third-party tested and contains all-natural, Colorado-grown CBD and are THC free. It is important to point out that side effects are incredibly rare. 

"The CBD industry is growing at a rapid rate with new brands popping up everywhere so it is fantastic for us to partner with Hockenhull as space on their shelves means we're safe.This early data shows the potential for retailers if they diversify their functional drinks offering.”

Joe Hockenhull, Managing Director of Hockenhull Garages says: “At Hockenhull Garages, we're keen to make sure there are healthy options available to our customers. We're thrilled to be working with Goodrays to offer effective and premium doses of CBD alongside other wellness drinks.”

For more information on off-trade sales please contact Lee Gurteen,  Goodrays Head of Sales lee@goodrays.com.