CBD Goes Mainstream
FIND IT IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD GROCERY STORE COOLER
B y T a r a C o n s o la t i
No doubt you’ve heard a lot about cannabis these days. Our fascination with this once-taboo substance has continued to propel that industry’s record growth since its legalization in Massachusetts in 2018. Just drive down any main road in Berkshire County, and you’ll see what I mean. Dispensaries can be found near every street corner, each one promoting robust lists of both medicinal and recreational products. And yet variations of this plant—the CBD lines in particular—have entered into many of our mainstream shops. In fact, when I started writing this article, I was finding CBD products at the usual suspects—like Guido’s and Berkshire Food Co-op. Since then, it’s popping up in even more places, like Marketplace Kitchen and other local eateries! Go ahead, take a closer look, and you’ll see what I mean.
There seems to be a common misconception that cannabis’s main function is to induce its famous high, but what I have found most intriguing is the multitude of wellness attributes it holds. It seems that the answer to many of our ailments may lie in the CBD side of cannabis, and while you may be able to purchase CBD products at some of the local dispensaries (Canna Provisions, Rebelle, and the new Devine Berkshires all carry various CBD products), you’re actually more likely to find it stocked in the Natural Foods sections of your local grocery store—right alongside kombuchas and organic sodas. Guido’s, in fact, keeps their CBD beverages in what they call their “functional drink cooler.”
“Beverages that serve another purpose besides just tasting good,” according to Beth Delgado, supervisor of the natural foods department and beverage buyer (among other things!) at the Pittsfield Guido’s location.
Having done more research on the topic than I ever imagined I would (I’m an event planner, NOT a healthcare professional), here’s a quick little lesson that I’ve learned. Cannabis, the actual plant, creates a thick substance that is made up of hundreds of compounds called cannabinoids. The two most prevalent compounds are CBD and THC. CBD (cannabidiol) and THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) are both comprised of the very same chemical formula; the difference in how they react with our bodies lies in the way their atoms are arranged. THC is the main psychoactive compound in marijuana, and it’s what makes people feel high. CBD doesn’t cause that high. Instead, it works with other elements in the body linked to feelings of well-being. People often turn to CBD products to help with what ails them.
Heidi Zorn, CEO of the new Devine Berkshires in Egremont, says that what sets their dispensary apart is that their primary focus is on wellness. “Now that cannabis has become a legal substance, we’re able to study its effects and various strains much more. In fact, scientists have now discovered that even CBD has multiple ‘layers,’ each with their own specific use. For example, CBG should be used as a mood-booster, or something you’d take in the mornings for a little pick-me-up. Its superpower is aiding in gut health and has also been helpful with other ailments. CBN, to name just another, is used by people who have trouble sleeping through the night. While other products will help you get to sleep, CBN helps you stay asleep.”
You’ve heard it from an expert. Now back to me. What I personally find the most interesting–and appealing–about CBD products is that they’re 1) legal and 2) literally sold everywhere! In fact, recent trips to Tampa, Florida; Baltimore, Maryland; and Charlotte, North Carolina; all solidified that the product’s popularity isn’t just in the Northeast region. CBD is sold in every imaginable form—from tinctures that you hold under your tongue, to salves that actually smell a lot better than Icy Hot, to the ever-popular (and reason for this article) seltzers, teas, and juices.
In fact, just over the border in Millerton, New York, the renowned tea company Harney and Sons introduced its own CBD line back in 2018. The Hemp Division’s goal is to create body-relaxing, mood-elevating CBD infusions that deliver a cool, calm, and delicious experience “unlike any other product on the market.” Their starting lineup, in keeping with their family’s roots, included multiple flavors of teas infused with CBD. But their product line is constantly growing and now boasts not only teas (hot or cold), but coffees, seltzers, sparkling beverages (a great, non-alcoholic replacement for prosecco?), tinctures, honeys — even golden milk!
And it turns out that The Hemp Division isn’t the only group to cater to the high-averse population. Amy Cottini, wellness buyer and center store supervisor at the Berkshire Co-op, says their best-selling CBD beverage is the African Ginger and Mexican Lime CBD soda from Upstate Elevator, based in Charlotte, Vermont. Like The Hemp Division, Upstate Elevator has a robust offering that includes several delicious-sounding flavors of sodas and seltzers. And they, too, pro- duce tinctures and sparkling CBD-infused waters. But Upstate Elevator also makes gummies, topical creams and roll-ons, and capsules for people who prefer something in a pill form. My personal favorite is a whole lineup of products for our pets. (Be sure to consult with your actual vet before giving them anything new!) Upstate’s full-spectrum CBD line, they say, is perfect for reducing a pet’s anxiety, helping with leash and social training, relieving joint and muscle pain, and more.
“Everybody is different,” remarks Guido’s Delgado. “You might pick up one of our CBD beverages thinking that you just need to unwind at the end of the day, but the cannabinoids may have something else in mind. They enter your body and actually seek out what the issues are. So, if it’s your joints that need some attention, or perhaps your back is a little sore, those atoms attach themselves to that area and start to work their magic there.”
Delgado went on to say that their best-seller by far is the Orange Mango Sparkling Elixir from The Hemp Division.
When I asked her specifically about the hemp flavor—or lack thereof—she respond- ed that you really cannot taste any of the weed-type flavors at all. Each beverage really tastes just like a juice or tea. And CBD, unlike its THC counterpart, is perfectly safe to mix with alcohol and caffeine, so relaxing cocktails are truly possible. Or if you’d prefer to keep things low- or non-alcoholic, the sparkling drinks are a great substitute for prosecco or champagne in well-known cocktails like the refreshing Aperol Spritz.
Could CBD really be this magical serum that whisks all our pains away? With its growing popularity, ease of access, and seemingly multitude of health benefits, perhaps. It’s truly amazing what this little ol’ plant can do!
The statements regarding these products have not been evaluated by the FDA. These products are not intended to diag- nose, treat, cure or prevent any disease; consult your health physician before use.