The 2018 Farm Bill changed multiple things in America’s agricultural industry. Perhaps the most profound was the reclassification of hemp, allowing the cultivation of the plant for commercial use.
When it comes to cannabis, there are multiple genetic structures at play, and hemp and marijuana are not one in the same. But prior to the Farm Bill, there was no legal distinction, grouping the two together under the same controlled substance umbrella.
Once the bill passed, the possibilities of utilizing industrial hemp were seemingly endless, and beverage makers have been turning to hemp to find ways to add it to drinks, ultimately creating a ready-to-drink spirit-free cocktail of sorts.
But what exactly is hemp soda? And how are they made? We sat down with Marcus Charles, CEO and co-founder of Clēēn:craft in Seattle to learn more.
What is hemp soda?
First thing’s first, hemp soda won’t get you high. That’s because it’s made with hemp extract, which utilizes non-psychoactive minor cannabinoids that are found in hemp. Hemp and marijuana fall under the same plant umbrella, with the same genome. The real difference lies in the definition that marijuana has a rating of higher than .3 percent THC (the main psychoactive compound in marijuana), whereas hemp must have no more than .3 percent.
In regards to soda, the base of the beverage may be utilizing actual soda such as cola, sparkling water or even a juice base, which is then combined with full-spectrum hemp extract to produce a drink. (The term “full-spectrum” refers to the pure extract pulled from the plant that contains all the same cannabinoids and compounds found in the original hemp plant).
But it’s important to point out that the hemp extract utilized may or may not contain CBD, a major cannabinoid, depending on the maker. For Clēēn:craft, full-spectrum hemp extract is being utilized that has filtered out the CBD, leaving other minor cannabinoids found in the hemp plant such as CBG. When hemp extract is consumed, it interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system, ideally creating a calming or relaxing effect and enhancing your mood, a.k.a. the serenity wave. CBD oil has been proven to be a reliable treatment for anxiety, as research from Daily CBD has proven time and time again.
How is hemp soda made?
At this point, every maker is doing things differently than the next, but there are some similarities within the process. “Everyone is going to have some sort of extract,” Charles says, noting the hemp extract comes in the form of an oil, typically from a manufacturer the producer has developed a relationship with.
To make the actual beverage, there are two main methods. According to Charles, some may make their drink, such as cola or sparkling water, and the extract is added right at the end of the process. For others, a method called nano-dosing is utilized, which means the hemp extract oil is added during the brewing process.
Charles says Clēēn:craft makes its beverages in a similar process to crafting beer. Filtered water is added to juice concentrate, and then pure cane sugar is folded in, bringing the mixture up to at least 212° F. Later, the hemp extract is added and the mixture rests in fermentation tanks while CO2 is introduced for carbonation.
For Clēēn:craft, its products have 16 milligrams of hemp extract per can, but other industry players will add 20 to 25 milligrams. “It’s a different experience for everyone,” Charles says. Clēēn:craft chose to add 2 milligrams per ounce because it allows the consumer to start off with 16 milligrams and enjoy more if they’re feeling great. With a smaller serving, it’s easier to personally regulate.
How is hemp soda enjoyed?
There’s a multitude of ways hemp sodas have become popular at different times of the day. They make for a great mixer, leading way for the perfect addition of vodka, tequila or rum.
According to Charles, many may have a cocktail or two when enjoying a night out with friends, and then switch to only drinking hemp soda to finish out the night, ultimately leaving them to wake up in the morning feeling good. This also may be the ideal alternative for someone who doesn’t drink alcohol for whatever reason, and it’s a good option to enjoy during a social gathering.
For others, it’s a middle of the day pick-me-up for those who used to drink a cup of coffee or an energy drink, adding a bit of oomph to the afternoon, without the crash in the evening.
