On a quest for better relaxation – Team Localhood CBD tasting😉?

People in big cities are statistically more stressed than those living in a countryside. Looking for work-life balance and the constant buzz of the city cause a lot of tension. There is no magic remedy for all that. But definitely there are ways to ease a bit of the constant pressure.

CBD or cannabidiol, which is the second most prevalent of the active ingredients of cannabis, or marijuana. CBD is derived directly from the hemp plant. A few drops of CBD essential oil is added in the preparation of various food items, like coffee, chocolate, tea, beer to name a few.

In Hong Kong, pure cannabidiol is not considered a dangerous drug provided it is imported by a company licensed to do so. On the other hand, THC, or tetrahydrocannabiol and its derivatives are banned and so CBD products coming into HK via proper channels would contain no traces of THC.

CBD is non-psychoactive, or doesn’t give you a “high”. It has a wide range of therapeutic properties including anti-inflammation, anti-oxidant, neuroprotective, pain management, sleep disorders, anxiety and depression. Extensive scientific research also show that CBD can benefit patients who are suffering from Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, epilepsy and cancer.

Those calming, stress-relieving purposes of CBD sounded very appealing to us. Therefore, our team of Localhood volunteers – Fiona, Ania, Shobhana, Winnie and Alex – went on a quest to experiment and try out various joints that dole out CBD goodies in and around the neighbourhood.

Found café

Fiona, Ania and Shobhana had their maiden venture at Found, a tiny café located in the tree-shaded lanes of Sheung Wan. Found hosts an array of CBD products, from locally crafted CBD essential oil, cookies and chocolates, to tea and coffee as well as CBD infused pet treats and cosmetics (they also have home delivery). The ladies tried some cookies and chocolate bars, along with tea, cappuccino and mocha. Found lets you customize the level of CBD that you want in your drink, so you can have the standard 30mg, or spike it up to 60mg or even 90mg.

While the coffees were perfectly ordinary, in terms of taste and flavour, the cookies were a definite treat. Found cookies have gluten and sugar free options too, while the coffees can be had with soy and oat milk too.

After an indulgent afternoon of tea, chocolates and cookies, Fiona was more than ready for a relaxing nap. Shobhana felt that while the coffee and the cookies do not give an instant high, she did feel that they gave her a calm when she needed it the most. Ania, on the other hand, felt absolutely no effects post her coffee date!

Address:

Unit A, G/F, 8 Tai On Terrace, Sheung Wan

Feather and Bone

Winnie tried CBD infused dark chocolate at Feather and Bone. She found the chocolate bar tasting much the same as high quality dark chocolate. The pairing was good –the feel-good factor of chocolate with the relaxing quality of CBD. As CBD oil has no flavour or smell, it was difficult to tell if the CBD infused chocolate helped more or the chocolate helped more or both in elevating her mood. Sleeping quality was the same as weekend-usual—slept like a log after an exhausting fun day out.

Address:

Shop 1, G/F Bohemian House, 321 Des Voeux Road West, Sai Ying Pun

City super – CBD beer

Alex was trying out some Youngmaster CBD pale ale, easily available at Citysuper. He felt that the aromatic flavours of this CBD infused beer entices one to try a bit more each time. He found the “hoppy” taste a bit strong but was unable to decide if it was the CBD or the alcohol that had him so relaxed!

This fun treat was definitely up his alley and he is more than game for more such experiments!

Address:

Central - ifc

ifc mall Level 1, Shops 1041-1049, Central

Winstons coffee

Bolstered by this first experience, the team, Ania, Fiona, Alex, Shobhana and Winnie decided to meet up at Winston’s, a quaint coffee shop right outside the Sai Ying Pun MTR exit on Queen’s Road East. Winston’s also offers a choice of soy and oats milk to be added to their coffees and milk teas. They also boast of a range of CBD cocktails in addition.

However, they add a very very small amount of CBD to their items – only 18 mg. Shobhana, Ania and Fiona tried out delicious coffees, which had the barest hint of CBD in it. However, the delicate merge of chocolate and coffee flavours gives you enough reason to excuse the barely there CBD. Winnie took a yummy CBD infused cocktail and Alex a CBD infused beer.

Trying out those goodies together was a pure pleasure, even though nobody felt the effects of CBD afterwards 😊

Address:

Shop 4, 213 Queen’s Road West, Sai Ying Pun

Shop 8, 11 Davis Street, Kennedy Town