CBD beverages are booming. Now a staple in the wellness world, the global CBD beverages market was valued at $2.8 billion in 2023 and is expected to reach $8.7 billion by 2030 — as per research conducted by Fortune Business Insights. 

As CBD becomes better understood and the widespread benefits become increasingly well known, many people are trying to inject a little wellness into their drink choices. This is also partly a sober movement; more and more people are looking for alternatives to alcohol, and the calming effects of CBD seem to be doing the trick (or Trip!).

Trip Drinks is the most well-known CBD beverage on the market, at least in the UK. It’s likely the only cannabinoid-infused beverage with any real brand recognition; if you tell a mate you’re drinking Trip, they will likely know you’re referring to the CBD. 

But if you’re a regular Trip drinker, do you need to know any rules? Are you helping your health, or could you even be harming it if you drink too many tins? This guide covers everything you need to know about how many Trip Drinks you can have, including general rules around CBD dosing and personal tolerance.

What are Trip Drinks made of? 

Trip Drinks are full of the good stuff! They are essentially flavoured sparkling water infused with 15mg of cannabidiol (CBD) per can. Just as a quick reminder — CBD is not psychoactive, so unlike its often maligned cousin THC, Trip Drinks (or anything else infused with the cannabinoid) will not make you feel “high.” However, the compound is known for promoting calmness and relaxation, as well as supporting general wellness. 

Trip Drinks also include lots of lovely supporting adaptogens, such as L-theanine. This compound is thought to help improve sleep, relaxation, and mental focus. Also featured in the ingredient lineup is chamomile (shown clinically to reduce anxiety and improve sleep), ginseng (which has been shown to stimulate physical and mental activity in people who feel weak and tired and help those with chronic fatigue), and lemon balm. 

How many Trip Drinks can you have?

So, now you know what’s in your can. But how many Trip Drinks should you actually drink? While there’s no one-size-fits-all answer, these are some general guidelines we recommend you follow, depending on your experience with cannabinoid consumption. 

If you’ve never had CBD before, we recommend starting with 1 can (15mg CBD) to see how your body responds. Unless you’ve been recommended a specific dose by a medical professional (in which case, we’d recommend taking something more pure, such as CBD oil, instead of consuming the supplement via a beverage like Trip), taking 10 to 20 mg daily is more than enough.

By keeping your dose low at first, you can ensure that you tolerate the cannabinoids well and don’t experience any unwanted effects or an allergic reaction.

If you’re a moderate CBD user (you’ve tried it before but do not regularly consume the cannabinoid), up to 1-2 cans per day (so 30mg of CBD) should be fine. This will likely provide you with a noticeable calming effect without causing unwanted side effects or overwhelming your system. 

If you’re an experienced CBD user and are well-accustomed to the cannabinoid, we’d say that up to 3-4 cans per day would be safe (so up to 60mg of CBD). 

However, you should pace your consumption (don’t down four cans in one go!) and watch how you feel. It’s also important to point out that if you already take a CBD supplement (such as an oil or a capsule) or even smoke CBD, it’s not at all wise to also throw in numerous Trip Drinks each day on top of that. Consider your overall CBD consumption, and if in doubt, err on the side of caution.

Notably, CBD consumption guidelines set out by regulatory bodies have changed significantly in the last few years. While previously, the UK’s Food Standards Agency (FSA) advised adults to consume no more than 70 milligrams of CBD a day (a guideline established in 2020), that recommendation has now been reduced to just 10mg per day. So, if we’re going by these new guidelines, it’s perhaps best to stick to just one Trip Drink per day (or, in fact, ¾ of a can!). 

Ultimately, while the FSA did reduce its recommendation significantly, the regulatory body also notes that there appears to be no "acute safety risk" from consuming more than 10 milligrams of CBD a day. Be smart, and use your intuition above all. If in doubt, consult a health professional.

Should you have Trip Drinks when you are on medication?

In short, it’s important to check with a medical professional regarding your specific situation. Certain groups of people — including pregnant women, minors, and those who are prescribed certain medications — should avoid using CBD and thus should not consume Trip Drinks. 

CBD may interfere with some medications and limit their efficacy. Furanocoumarins, a type of chemical in grapefruit, can inhibit the CYP3A4 enzyme, which is crucial in breaking down drugs and supplements and allowing your body to ingest them. 

Just like grapefruit, CBD is thought to inhibit this enzyme. So, if any of your medications carry a “grapefruit warning,” a quick rule of thumb is you should also avoid CBD. If you’re unsure, it’s important to speak to a medical professional, as is advised before you start taking any form of supplement. 

Does CBD have any side effects?

While CBD is generally well-tolerated, you may experience some side effects. While this is rare, documented side effects that people experience when taking CBD include:

• Appetite changes

• Dizziness

• Nausea

• Diarrhea

• Stomach upset

• Weight changes

If you experience any of these side effects, we recommend ceasing consumption of all CBD, including Trip Drinks. 

What might affect your CBD tolerance?

Your ideal intake depends on several personal factors. These include your body weight and metabolism (if you’re heavier, you may require a higher dose), your CBD experience (you can build up a level of tolerance to CBD), and your overall sensitivity to ingredients (as with everything in life, there’s no one size fits all! We all react differently, to some extent). 

For a more detailed breakdown of recommended dosages, check out our CBD dosage guide.

Can you have a Trip Drink daily?

Many people enjoy a Trip Drink daily and consider it part of their general wellness routine, much like you might have a morning smoothie or herbal tea before bed. Unless you experience any side effects, a Trip Drink per day should not harm you and is likely to offer calming and relaxing benefits. However, you should always listen to your body and take occasional breaks if needed. If you take any prescribed medication, ensure you have a doctor’s permission to consume any CBD, including Trip.