You’ve heard of cannabis, the drug that is now legal for recreational use in 24 states, but what about CBD oil? CBD oil was once sequestered in apothecaries and wellness stores as a DIY remedy for anxiety. But now, the relatively harmless substance is beginning to make its way into the food industry as well.

Juiceland is a funky, eco-friendly Texas-based smoothie shop that prides itself on using clean and healthy ingredients. In 2016, Juiceland began offering smoothies and pre-made drinks with CBD oil. Customers can add CBD oil to the smoothie of their liking or choose a smoothie that already has CBD oil included, like the Wild Child smoothie (pictured above). When taking your first sip, you are hit with pineapple, banana, and mango flavors. As if there was a little crazy wild party happening in your mouth, then if you concentrate, you can taste the CBD.CBD oil can have a unique taste, so when adding it to a smoothie with flavors, you can taste the oil. 

If CBD is so bad, then why did the classification of this drug shift? 

In 2018, the USDA passed The Farm Bill, enabling hemp and other products with low doses of THC to be considered under the same requirements as any other FDA-regulated product. The Farm Bill sparked conversations among university students since most students jump into the world of curiosity. First tries for everything that they were not able to or did not try before. The use of all THC and CBD products was formerly defined under the umbrella designation of “marijuana” in the Controlled Substances Act. Joseph C., a neurobiologist at the University of Maryland, studies the medical usage of marijuana. Their work explains that the body naturally releases chemicals called endocannabinoids, identical to the ones produced when a person consumes CBD. These endocannabinoids have the same impact on a person’s physiology whether they’re produced naturally or synthetically; CBD just increases the rate of endocannabinoids produced by the body. 

Photo courtesy of Juiceland

As products with CBD oil became increasingly popular, usage amongst high school and university students started to spike. In the media, products that contained CBD were often seen as drugs consumed exclusively by hippies and burnouts, building the reputation that using these drugs was inherently bad. This anti-weed propaganda campaign led to further troubles for individual users and for companies who were trying to use CBD to turn a profit. 

Although CBD was once miscategorized as a harmful drug, CBD usage has been touted to result in a variety of beneficial effects on the body and the mind. Studies have shown that CBD usage reduces stress, promotes a healthier metabolism, and improves sleep quality. 

Now, CBD usage is mainstream and legal across the U.S.. In Austin, for example, recreational marijuana use is illegal, but the 2018 Farm Bill allows for free and open access to CBD. It’s so mainstream that restaurants and juiceries are brainstorming new ways to use CBD oil to enhance your dining experience. Juiceland in upper Austin’s vibrant and welcoming feeling is even better when feeling the relaxation benefits of CBD. 

Up until this point, you might be confused about why CBD was ever demonized at all. It seems like a wonder drug, but as with everything, overuse and abuse of CBD oil can cause some less-than-ideal side effects, including diarrhea, fatigue, and drowsiness. As the adverse effects vary from person to person, there is no way to be sure about how any one given person will react to CBD physiologically. Generally, though, CBD usage tends to be safe in moderate quantities.

CBD oil has many potential health benefits, but being aware of the possible effects on your mind and body can be a great way to stay mindful of your limits. If the benefits outweigh your drawbacks, you should stop by your local smoothie shop and try their CBD special.