CBD oil is popping up in local craft cocktails

The new trend in cocktails is officially here. CBD, short for cannabidiol, is making a splash in the drinks of Project Bar & Grill in Hillcrest. Popular with the locals for Sunday hangovers, happy hour experimentation and evening nightcaps, CBD cocktails are opening to rave reviews.

Crafted with PlusCBD Oil, which is made here in San Diego, the cocktails are comprised of a range of lemonades and a spirit-forward drink for fans of the sipping experience.

PACIFIC sat down with PlusCBD Oil’s own Jesse Karagianes and Chanse McMillan along with cocktail crafter Nick Adams to find out more about the marriage of CBD and spirits.

PACIFIC: For those who don’t know, what is CBD?

JESSE KARAGIANES: It is short for cannabidiol, one of over 100 cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant (hemp and marijuana). For people who are nervous about trying cannabis, hemp CBD is a good option for them. It’s important to note that CBD oil isn’t psychoactive, so it won’t get you high.

So if you aren’t getting high, what are the effects?

JK: It’s definitely a wellness supplement. People often take hemp CBD for mood, recovery, inflammation and stress. I take it for mental balance and stress resilience. Other people often report that it takes the edge off without a high, and brings you back to center. When you are stressed and cortisol is flowing, you aren’t making good decisions. With CBD oil, your response is more metered and balanced. Also, it helps for a more restful sleep, less stress and keeping healthy people healthy.

What are some of the proven benefits of CBD?

JK: The research is just coming out in real time. Obviously hemp has been under prohibition for over 70 years, so research on hemp CBD and cannabinoids have a long way to go in order to prove its efficacy. But our customers are finding that hemp-derived CBD products are helping with anxiety, pain, inflammation, IBS, sleeplessness and migraines through its effect on the Endocannabinoid System (ECS).

What is a recommended dose?

JK: CBD will have different effects at different serving sizes. So, a person’s experience will change if taken at a small, medium and large dose. And because everyone’s bodies are and ECS’s are unique, it may take different amounts for different people to find their sweet spot. Dosing protocol can vary from person to person and from day to day. PlusCBD Oil products range from 1 to 17 mg per serving.

What would you recommend for someone starting out with CBD oil?

JK: Low and slow is our motto. If you are new to it, take it slow. Our most popular products are 15mg per serving.

Why CBD cocktails?

NICK ADAMS: Our crowd likes to have fun at night. We wanted to provide recovery. And these three cocktails have a good diversity. A lot of people go to it for the “Sunday help.”

How much CBD is in the cocktails?

NA: It ranges from 10 to 15 mg per cocktail.

Who came up with the idea for these cocktails?

NA: Drew Murphy and I worked together.

What has been the customer response?

NA: I am constantly batching the drinks. (Customers) think it’s awesome and a great idea. They haven’t seen it anywhere else. People have come in and said, “Wow that was a great night of sleep. (Those that had them at night).” They don’t feel like garbage in the morning.

For a first timer, what should they try?

NA: CBD Lemonade with vodka. It’s refreshing.

What’s your favorite cocktail with PlusCBD Oil?

NA: The CBD Fernet lemonade, it gives an earth-to-earth balance. During a hot day I can crush it.

Chanse McMillan: The Tropical for a brunch beverage. Who doesn’t love tiki in the morning? That would pack the punch I would need. And I like Fernet.

JK: The CBSD for the evening crowd. It’s a cool blind date cocktail. Because if you are nervous, the CBSD helps takes the edge off.

3683 Fifth Ave., Hillcrest, 619.795.7890, projectbarandgrill.com