There's no shortage of CBD products on the market today, especially when it comes to CBD oils, gummies, and capsules. Among the different flavor options, CBD strengths, and types of hemp extracts (like full spectrum CBD oil vs CBD isolate), there is another potential option: water soluble CBD. What is water soluble CBD and what are the best brands to try? We cover it all in this article.
What is Water Soluble CBD?
Cannabidiol (CBD for short) is a well-known cannabinoid found within cannabis plants that is widely used as a wellness supplement in oil form.
Water soluble CBD oils and powders are up-and-coming products that exist primarily to simplify the process of adding CBD to beverages. Traditional CBD oil tinctures don't blend as well into liquid drinks because the oil is less dense than water and separates easily. However, water soluble CBD may also provide other advantages through its potential enhancement of bioavailability.
Water soluble CBD products are made with nano emulsified CBD, or tiny particle sized CBD molecules that make it easier for the bloodstream to absorb the compound. These nano CBD particles are more compatible with water, despite the hydrophobic nature of macro CBD molecules that usually have to be infused with oil based products. This is a common process that has been used in pharmaceutical medicine for years, and the technology may prove to be beneficial in the CBD industry as well. CBD-infused water is an easy way to get a microdose of CBD that may promote general health and wellness from the inside out.
5 Best Water Soluble CBD Products
Each product featured here has been independently selected by the writer. You can learn more about our review methodology here. If you make a purchase using the links included, we may earn commission.
- Best Overall - Prima Brain Fuel CBD Powder
- Strongest - CBDistillery CBDelicious CBD Isolate Powder
- Best for Energy - Joy Organics CBD Energy Drink Mix
- Best Flavor - Liweli Super Lemon CBD Drink Mix
- Best for Stress - HOLISTIK Stress CBD Stiks
How We Picked the Best Water Soluble CBD Products
To create our list of recommended water soluble CBD brands, we compared each one on a number of key factors. Here are the things we looked for in each product:
- Strength — How much CBD does the mix include, and what type of CBD is it?
- Source — Where does the company get their hemp and how do they extract their CBD?
- Flavor — Does it come in any flavors and do they flavor them naturally?
- Transparency — Can you access third-party lab test results and information about each batch of CBD?
- Value — Is the product priced fairly for the amount of CBD included?
- Packaging — How is the product packaged and is it environmentally-friendly or sustainable?
These categories helped us choose our favorite water soluble CBD products. Find out more about each of them below.
The 5 Top Water Soluble CBD Products of 2021
Best Overall: Prima Brain Fuel CBD Powder
prima.co
- CBD - Broad Spectrum
- Strength - 15 mg CBD per serving
- Other Ingredients - Ashwagandha, Rhodiola, Lion's Mane, Ginkgo
- Great For - Focus
Why buy: We love this Brain Fuel CBD powder from Prima because it contains broad spectrum whole plant CBD extract plus nootropic and adaptogenic herbs like ashwagandha root, rhodiola root, lion's mane, and ginkgo leaf extract. Mix this into a beverage to help promote focus and ease mental fatigue. We also love Prima's commitment to sustainability, as all of their products are certified Plastic Negative to remove more plastic from the environment than they use in packaging.
Strongest: CBDistillery CBDelicious CBD Isolate Powder
thecbdistillery.com
- CBD - CBD Isolate
- Strength - 970 mg+ CBD per 1 gram
- Other Ingredients - None
- Great For - Cooking & Mixing
Why buy: This CBDelicious CBD Isolate powder is a great way to get CBD without using an oil tincture. We love this water soluble CBD product from CBDistillery because it offers a pure and potent amount of CBD isolate that makes it easy to add CBD as an ingredient in food or beverages.
Best for Energy: Joy Organics CBD Energy Drink Mix
joyorganics.com
- CBD - Broad Spectrum
- Strength - 12.5 mg CBD per serving
- Other Ingredients - Aloe Vera Leaf Powder, Asian Ginseng Root Powder, Maca Root Powder, Caffeine, Stevia
- Great For - Energy
Why buy: This CBD Energy Drink mix powder is a great way to start your day or to get through the afternoon lull. We love that it contains 12.5 mg of broad spectrum CBD and 75 mg of caffeine for an energizing boost, making it a natural alternative to super-sugary energy drinks.
Best Flavor: Liweli Super Lemon CBD Drink Mix
liweli.com
- CBD - Broad Spectrum
- Strength - 25 mg CBD per serving
- Other Ingredients - Natural Lemon Zest Flavor, Acacia Fiber
- Great For - Recovery
Liweli water soluble CBD packets make getting a regular dose of CBD simple and convenient. You can keep these lemon-flavored pouches in your purse or backpack and add them to your drink of choice.
Why buy: We like the Liweli Super Lemon CBD Drink Mix because they dissolve well, which is key for a product like this, and taste great. Liweli is a best bet for anyone on-the-go. Use these water soluble CBD packets to help with sore muscles or aches from exercise.
Best for Stress: HOLISTIK Stress CBD Sticks
holistikwellness.com
- CBD - Broad Spectrum
- Strength - 10 mg of CBD per serving
- Other Ingredients - Lemon Balm Extract, Monk Fruit
- Great For - Calm
Why buy: We like these HOLISTIK Stress CBD STIKS because they are blended with lemon balm extract to promote relaxation and focus. Their water soluble broad spectrum CBD extract comes from hemp grown in a Biodynamic Greenhouse in Buffalo, New York.
The Research on Water Soluble CBD
Besides the convenience of mixing CBD in with your favorite beverage or food, water soluble CBD products are also growing in popularity because they may be much easier for the body to absorb than regular CBD hemp oil. This is due to the increased absorption rates of the nano CBD particles, or its bioavailability. One study published in the journal Phytotherapy Research found that water soluble CBD powder had a bioavailability 4.5 times higher than lipid-soluble CBD powder. The more CBD that your body is able to absorb per serving, the better effect it can have helping to support your health and wellness.
Is Water Soluble CBD Better Than CBD Oil?
While they each have their own benefits, and limitations, water soluble CBD may help to support your mind and body in a number of different ways. One isn't necessarily better than the other. The best option for you comes down to a matter of personal preference. Some people will find that they prefer a water soluble CBD powder that they can mix in with a beverage if they do not enjoy the taste of a CBD oil tincture. A water soluble product is also more convenient for use on-the-go or while traveling. CBD oils, however, typically offer higher strengths of CBD, and come in full spectrum formulas that contain all of the other beneficial cannabinoids and plant compounds found in hemp extract.
Benefits of Water Soluble CBD
Water soluble CBD offers many of the same potential benefits as CBD oil, including support in managing stress, anxiety, inflammation, and certain forms of pain. Water soluble CBD may also prove to be more cost effective if its bioavailability is truly greater than traditional CBD tinctures, although more research is needed to validate this assumption. One primary benefit of water soluble CBD is that it can offer a pre-measured amount of CBD with each individual serving or packet. This makes it easy to know exactly how much CBD you are getting each time.
How to Choose the Best Water Soluble CBD Brand for You
To help you compare your options and choose the right one for you, here are some important things to keep in mind when shopping for water soluble CBD.
What to Look For
When considering water soluble CBD, be sure to look for:
Type of CBD: Make sure you know whether the product contains full spectrum, broad spectrum, or CBD isolate hemp extract.
Concentration: Look to see how much CBD is contained in each serving of the product, or in total if it is not packaged in individual doses.
Lab Testing: Always look for products that include independent third-party lab testing for their CBD products. This helps to ensure its safety and concentration.
How to Read Labels
Here are some key things to look for on the label of any water soluble CBD product.
- Strength - The label should clearly indicate how many milligrams of CBD there are per serving, and how many servings are contained in the box or package.
- Test Results - Many brands include a QR code on the label or box for you to access the lab test results to confirm the purity of the CBD.
- Added Ingredients - Look for the ingredients list to check what other botanicals or extracts are included in the product, especially if you have any allergies.
- Instructions - Be sure to read any directions or instructions included on the label to make sure you are getting the most out of your water soluble CBD.
How to Use
Water soluble CBD powders and products are relatively simple to use. They can easily be added into any food or beverage for a discreet and easy way to ingest CBD. Most brands recommend stirring the powder into warm or cold water until it is completely mixed in before drinking. Some advise that it works best to add the powder to your cup or glass before adding the water. You can also stir water soluble CBD into smoothies, juices, or teas to get even more out of your favorite drink. Take CBD-infused water in the morning to start the day, or, if it is a formula designed to help you sleep, before bed in the evening.
Safety & Side Effects
According to the Mayo Clinic, CBD products are generally safe and well-tolerated by most adults. Like all CBD supplements, however, water soluble CBD may cause certain mild side effects. These can include:
- Dry mouth
- Diarrhea
- Reduced appetite
- Drowsiness
- Fatigue
Is Water Soluble CBD Right for You?
Water soluble CBD powders are a great option for people who prefer to get their daily dose of CBD without taking an oil tincture. They are also easy to take with you to the gym or while traveling. Use our guide to find the right option for you to enjoy CBD-infused water to help support your wellness naturally.
Melena Gurganus is the Reviews Editor at EcoWatch. She is passionate health and wellness and her writing aims to help others find products they can trust. Her work has been featured in publications such as Health, Shape, Huffington Post, Cannabis Business Times, and Bustle.