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Hemp Flower for Brewing

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Brewing is one activity humankind has been obsessed with for thousands of years. Throughout history, new flavors have been created to please the palate of curious minds, opening new pathways for brewing recipes and transforming the way beer is produced. Thanks to the legalization hemp, many breweries have decided to experiment with this amazing plant to give their products a new, fresh and unique flavor, creating what now we know as hemp beer.

Key takeaways:

  • Hemp flower adds unique flavors and aromas to beer, including nutty and distinctive taste notes.

  • Incorporation into brewing mirrors traditional methods, with hemp elements added for character.

  • Hemp and CBD beers offer non-intoxicating benefits, navigating legal and availability aspects.

What is Hemp Beer?

Hemp beer is not actually brewed from hemp, but it incorporates different parts of the flower to give the beer an infused taste and aroma. Basically, the brew can be made with almost all of the parts of the hemp flower. Hops and hemp have very similar flavors, so adding this herb actually accentuates the dank taste of the beer, while adding a great herbal aroma.

The process is simple: breweries follow the classic method to produce their beers. Sometimes, hops are added along with yeast to give a unique flavor. At the final stages of the process, hemp is added after boiling the brew, and then it is let to sit for several weeks. While the yeast ferments, the hemp becomes infused and the final product is a nice beer with the characteristic aroma of hemp.

To have a better understanding of how hemp beer is produced, it is necessary to break down all the parts of the plant and see how each of them enhances the brew:

    Hemp leaf: hemp leaves are used mostly for aromatic purposes since they release their terpenes during the fermentation process. Hemp seeds: they add a nice nutty flavor to the brew when toasted. Hemp seed oil: it is similar to extract, but its effects are not as strong. It is often added to the post-brew process. Hemp flower: of course, a big green, aromatic nug of hemp flower works as a nice additive to the brew. In order to activate, the flowers have to be baked and then added to the brew as a powder. Since hemp flowers come with their very own flavors, they add new notes to beer, making it a total success.

For example, a hemp beer made of Botany Farms flower would give a normal lager beer a subtle citrus flavor and sweet, fruity undertones. Does that sound good to you? The more terpenes a hemp flower strain has, the more aroma and flavors it will add to the brew. Hemp flower as an additive to beer is definitely something to try out!

Where can I Buy Hemp Beer?

Perhaps all this article has made you thirsty and you want to give hemp beer a try! So what breweries are out there making amazing combinations for you to enjoy?

You probably have heard of New Belgium, which released its amazing Hemperor and went nationwide, making it the first hemp beer to be sold in all 50 states. Using the terpenes found in hemp seeds, you can find this product in beer specialty stores and some other places like Target in several states.

Another brewery to check out is Cool Beer, which made Canada’s first hemp lager. Launched in 2003, the Millennium Buzz Hemp Beer is a great brew to try out. The mix of malted barley and German hops make the addition of hemp a nice finishing touch for this smooth beer.

Last but not least, the California-based Humboldt Brewing Co. created an amazing Hemp Ale with toasted hemp seeds, adding a unique herb flavor to the dark malts of the brew. This Ale won recognition at the Great International Beer & Cider Competition in 2014.

With more awareness about hemp growing all over the country, we can expect to have even more breweries coming up with amazing ideas about new hemp beers recipes in the future. The hype about this product has extended to the point where some people are learning to use hemp flower for brewing at home, making their very own creations to satisfy their palate.

What is CBD Beer

Beer infused with cannabidiol (CBD) or tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is known as cannabis-infused beer (THC). Cannabis-infused beer is frequently non-alcoholic and low in calories.

Cannabis-infused beer is made with barley and infused with Cannabis oil or THC and CBD oils, similar to traditional beer.

How Does CBD Work

Does CBD beer get you high? Is CBD beer an alcoholic drink? These are the first questions that come to everyone's mind when they hear about CBD-infused beer.

To rapidly address your question, no, CBD-infused beer is not intoxicating or alcoholic.

CBD beer will not turn you into a cannabis addict or alcoholic. Many people who have used this product have reported sensations of relaxation and happiness. Brewing THC-infused beer would provide you with a satisfying high that most people associate with cannabis in general.

However, it's important to be cautious about the proper dosage and usage. This isn't your typical drink or alcoholic beverage.

Additionally, you might be shocked to learn that CBD-infused beer has very little to no alcohol.

Mixing CBD and Alcohol

Many people who don't drink alcohol seek out CBD beer as a substitute. It's a terrific option if you're trying to cut down on your alcohol usage or if you have an alcohol allergy. However, due to some lack of research regarding what the negative effects may be or whether or not it is legal, it has made some people skeptical about trying it.

Mixing CBD and alcohol has proven to be beneficial for the consumer in several ways. Below, we’ve explained the benefits it has to offer.

CBD and Alcohol Benefits

CBD beer brings various benefits to the table, so many people are interested in trying it out. A few significant benefits of CBD and alcohol have been summarised below. These are some of the facts we know about CBD and alcohol:

    CBD may protect against cell damage and disease caused by alcohol, such as inflammation, pancreatitis, liver disease, and possibly certain types of cancer. Reduce blood alcohol levels: More research is needed, although there may be a link between CBD and BAC reduction. Acting as a treatment for alcoholism: while it may seem counterintuitive, CBD may aid in the reduction of addictive behaviors such as smoking and binge drinking. Reduce anxiety: CBD can help you sleep better while also lowering your anxiety levels. Alcohol is a depressant that can also cause depression. Combining these substances may amplify these effects.

CBD for Hangover

"Hangover" is a one-word rebuttal to anyone who enjoys drinking. Even seasoned drinkers are aware that this is a foregone conclusion. Hangovers are unpleasant and can linger for a long time, with prevalent symptoms such as weariness, dry mouth, nausea, and headache.

If you've had a few too many shots, having some CBD tincture on hand could come in handy. Whether you were sick the night before or feel queasy the next day, CBD can help you manage your hangover by reducing or eliminating the sensation.

CBD for Nausea

Because of its interaction with serotonin receptors, a study from 2011 on animals suggests that CBD may aid with nausea. Serotonin is a hormone that influences mood, behavior, and well-being.

Researchers also found that THC is more likely to alleviate nausea and vomiting when compared with CBD.

CBD for Headaches

Cannabidiol (CBD) oil has been shown to ease pain and inflammation, and some study suggests it may also aid with migraines.

According to a growing body of research, CBD has made signs of being useful when it comes to reducing pain, particularly neurological pain, connected to a variety of diseases.

CBD for Hangixety

After a night of drinking, CBD can help you deal with anxiety as part of a hangover. As most people know, CBD is a naturally occurring substance found in the cannabis plant. Studies have demonstrated it to aid with anxiety, hangovers, and other medical issues.

CBD interacts with brain receptors to make a person feel calmer. It provides a relaxing impact that might help you relax after a night of drinking. It also aids in the reduction of other hangover symptoms, allowing you to feel more normal sooner.

Brewing CBD Beer

How is CBD Infused Beer Made?

The development of CBD-infused beer is quite identical to that of its non-alcohol version. It all starts with the formulation of a taste basis that isn't alcoholic. This pleases the taste buds of beer fans who don't want to drink alcohol.

Once the brewer removes the alcohol, they infused the liquid with a cannabis nano emulsification. This method ensures that the CBD is adequately suspended in the beer. It also has a faster uptake time and enhances the absorption rate. As a result, consumers benefit from the significantly higher bioavailability rate compared to many competing CBD products.

The approach for brewers who want to make CBD beers with alcohol is essentially the same as it is for regular beers. While the brewing procedure remains almost the same as traditional brewing methods, the CBD is included in the drink via nano emulsification. As a result, CBD beers should taste just as wonderful as their non-CBD counterparts.

On a federal level, the 2018 Farm Bill made hemp and CBD legal. Infusing food or drinks with cannabis, on the other hand, is still considered illegal by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)

While CBD-infused alcoholic beverages are still banned, the TPP has approved some hemp-based alcoholic beverages. If you ever consider trying this drink out, make sure to check out the legal requirements in your state.

Where to Buy CBD Beer?

This article has surely spiked your interest in wanting to know where you can purchase the best CBD beer. Below, we’ve listed our top 5 picks.

General Washington’s Secret Stash

This is the number one go-to CBD drink we've put up for you. The brand was inspired by the fact that some of the country's most powerful leaders grew hemp and advocated for it.

While many groups continue to oppose THC, CBD has been approved for usage in a variety of consumer items. Each pint of General Washington's Secret Stash contains 4mg of CBD.

Despite the hurdles that hampered its production, it has rebounded to become the greatest on the market today.

This Dads and Dudes invention has a big market share and is popular among many people. With a low ABV of 6.5 percent, you may enjoy the drink without worrying about your health or the other negative consequences that alcohol-based beers can cause.

Two Flowers IPA

The Two Flowers IPA is ranked #2 on our list of the top 5 CBD beers. This Oregon-brewed CBD beverage has 5mg of CBD per pint and has a low alcohol content of only 6% ABV.

Coalition Brewing Company took advantage of the legalization of hemp in this state with this product.

Two Flowers IPA is a citrus-flavored IPA with a light, crisp finish and a mouthwatering scent. It comes with enticing local pride being one of the drinks from Portland, Oregon. Furthermore, it is processed by one of the most respected businesses in the area.

If you're from Oregon, the temptation to try a swig of this CBD beer is too strong to refuse.

High-Flyer

High Flyer is a CBD beer that may be dated back to the United Kingdom. Despite this, it has gained a competitive advantage in the US market.

This CBD beer has the highest percentage of CBD, and the least amount of THC of the three CBD beers examined. It has a CBD content of 10 mg per bottle and a THC content of less than 0.2 percent each tint. The amount of THC in this beer isn't enough to get you high as alcohol would.

The flavor of High Flyer is tropical and citrusy. This is the flavor that will linger in your mouth after you've swallowed it, as opposed to the bitterness seen in other CBD beers. It only has 4.3 percent alcohol by volume (ABV) on the plus side.

Outbound Brewing

People are becoming more aware of the need for a healthy lifestyle and are gradually but steadily avoiding alcoholic beverages. Outbound Brewing offers a non-alcoholic alternative to alcoholic beverages. The company has introduced a new non-alcoholic CBD-infused beer that contains only 30 calories per bottle.

The CBD-infused, low-calorie beer from Outbound Brewing comes in three different flavors and tastes. Hence, consumers can choose from a variety of options based on their tastes and preferences.

Outbound CBD beer has 20 mg of broad-spectrum CBD per bottle, with a second version containing both 20 mg of CBD and 10 mg of THC. As a consumer, you must choose what to take, keeping in mind that THC is the active ingredient in marijuana that causes sleepiness.

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