A new ‘cannabis coffee’ could be the perfect addition to health-conscious drinkers’ morning routine, say scientists.
Researchers from Cambridge have claimed the product could help reduce stress and anxiety without consumers having to change their daily habits.
The news comes after soft-drink giant Coca Cola revealed it was planning to combine its famous soft drink with the natural plant.
Supplement company FutureYou has matched up caffeine addicts’ favourite drink with cannabidiol (CBD) – a popular new health supplement derived from the leaves of the hemp plant.
Unlike marijuana, hemp is a type of cannabis plant that doesn’t contain significant levels of the compounds that get people high.
Instead, it is rich in CBD – a powerful, natural anti-inflammatory that may help people deal with chronic pain, seizures or insomnia.
Dr Nicholas Shenker, a member of FutureYou’s medical advisory board, said: “All over the world, people are using CBD – often in pharmaceutical doses – to address their health issues.”
She added: “CBD acts on endocannabinoid receptors that affect mood. Some people claim that it helps them to reduce stress and anxiety.”
Earlier this year, the company launched CBD OIL+ – a CBD extract in capsule form.
It has teamed up with Mags Dixon, marketing director at Costa Coffee, to help launch the product.
She said: “This drink offers the benefits of Britain’s fastest-growing wellbeing supplement as part of your morning routine.”
Ms Dixon added: “Coffee is the perfect complement to CBD; since most of us already enjoy a cup of coffee every day, this combination will help them to get more health benefits without changing their habits.
“Plus it has a unique flavour profile and is really drinkable.”
Scientists are doing lab tests to ensure the drink has maximum effectiveness, and seeing how the ‘relaxed’ sensation of CBD and the ‘wide awake’ feeling of caffeine can best be combined.
The company then hopes to trial its CBD-coffee at a cafe in Cambridge next month.
