I've been using CBD oil, also called tincture, for a couple of years now. I take the dark brown oil via a dropper, under the tongue, several times a day. It brings some relief to my achy joints and helps me get a better night's sleep.
In Central New York, we're fortunate to have several companies that produce CBD products from seed to bottle. CBD, a derivative of the hemp plant, is something that people seem to have a lot of questions about. I know I did when I started using it, and I'm not sure I would have started using CBD if local options like Head & Heal and Beak & Skiff Research weren't available.
For the uninitiated, CBD -- full name cannabidiol -- is a compound derived from the hemp plant, which is a cousin of the marijuana plant. CBD is a non-psychoactive relative of THC, the compound in cannabis that produces the high. CBD is having "a moment" and seems to be showing up everywhere. There are lotions, creams, salves, balms and bath products infused with CBD. You may have seen CBD-infused cupcakes, coffee pods, coffee beverages, yogurts and more.
The company sent me samples of both flavors of seltzer to sample, and since I'm already familiar with CBD, I had no qualms about giving them a try. They're effervescent and a little cloudy in the glass. The blood orange seltzer has a light, citrusy flavor -- you're not going to confuse it with orange soda -- while the black cherry seltzer has a bit of sweetness to it. I would describe both flavors as subtle.
I've enjoyed the Beak & Skiff seltzers after supper, as a way to unwind before bed. They seem like a great way for people with little or no experience with CBD to give it a try. The CBD oil I use has an earthy taste and aftertaste to it. Some people like to add the oil to coffee or tea rather than swallow it as is. I can see how some people might prefer to take CBD in the form of capsules, chewables or gummies -- or a bubbly beverage.
The company recommends enjoying the seltzers "post-workout, pre-snooze or anytime you feel like hydrating with a boost.'' The retail price is $39.95 per 12-pack. Mixed packs are available.
Beak & Skiff is a family-owned business in LaFayette that is best known for apples, apple picking and apple-derived spirits and craft beverages, including several varieties of hard cider. Sister company Beak & Skiff Research started growing industrial hemp several years ago as a way to diversify the business. The hemp is grown in the middle of apple orchards that date back more than 100 years and the crop is processed and packaged nearby. In addition to the seltzers, the CBD product line includes tinctures, chewables (some of them apple flavored) and balms.
Individual results vary, but CBD is said to have therapeutic benefits. It has been shown to alleviate pain, inflammation and anxiety, aid people in getting a restful night's sleep and promote a general sense of well-being. Research suggests that some skin conditions, including acne and psoriasis, may improve with CBD use.
For more information on the Beak & Skiff research division, including its CBD products, click HERE. Be sure to visit the FAQ section of the website.
Note: All photos by Margaret McCormick unless otherwise indicated.
