Introduction: Functional, Not Fad
Functional beverages are having a moment — and it’s about time. At Herban Spirits, we stock drinks that don’t just taste great, they’re designed to help you unwind, get focused, feel social, or simply chill. But if you’ve ever flipped a can and wondered, Wait, what is kanna? or Isn’t kratom dangerous? — you’re not alone.
This guide breaks down some of the most common and powerful ingredients found in functional and mood-enhancing drinks today. From cannabinoids to ancient botanicals, we’ll unpack:
- What each ingredient is
- A common myth and the truth behind it
- How it feels at a low dose vs a higher dose (aka starter sip vs full vibe)
We’re here to decode the cooler, one ingredient at a time.
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CBD (Cannabidiol)
WHAT IS IT?
A non-intoxicating compound found in hemp that interacts with your endocannabinoid system to promote balance, reduce anxiety, and ease inflammation.
THE MYTH:
CBD doesn’t do anything.
Reality: Poor-quality CBD or under-dosed products are common, but well-formulated beverages with at least 20–30mg of high-quality hemp-derived CBD can noticeably reduce anxiety, tension, and overthinking.
LOW DOSE EFFECTS (5–15mg):
- Subtle body relaxation
- Reduced mental chatter
- Softened physical tension
HIGHER DOSE EFFECT (25–50mg+):
- Deeper calm
- Mild body heaviness
- Enhanced sleepiness or sedation in some users
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THC (Hemp-Derived Delta-9 THC)
WHAT IS IT?
The primary psychoactive compound in cannabis. When hemp-derived and under 0.3% by dry weight, it’s legal under the 2018 Farm Bill and commonly found in low-dose, legal THC beverages.
THE MYTH:
Legal THC doesn’t get you high.
Reality: It absolutely can—especially in drinks with 5mg+. The “legal” part refers to how it’s derived (from hemp, not marijuana) and its concentration, not its effect.
LOW DOSE EFFECTS (2–5mg):
- Light buzz or mood lift
- Eased social anxiety
- More present, giggly conversations
HIGHER DOSE EFFECT (7.5–10mg+):
- Euphoria, relaxation
- Altered perception of time
- Couch-lock or anxiety if not familiar with THC
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Kava
WHAT IS IT?
A root from the South Pacific traditionally used in social ceremonies. Known for promoting euphoria, calm, and sociability without impairing cognition.
THE MYTH:
Kava damages your liver.
Reality: Liver toxicity is extremely rare and usually linked to extracts made with improper plant parts or alcohol solvents. The kava in modern beverages is typically water-extracted and well-regulated.
LOW DOSE EFFECTS (100–150mg Kavalactones):
- Mild muscle relaxation
- Eased stress
- Light social lubrication
HIGHER DOSE EFFECT (200–300mg+ Kavalactones):
- Euphoria
- Numb mouth or lips (normal!)
- Heavy-limbed relaxation, slower speech
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Kratom
WHAT IS IT?
A tropical plant from Southeast Asia with alkaloids that act on opioid receptors. Known for its dual-action: low doses are energizing, higher doses are calming or sedating.
THE MYTH:
Kratom is basically heroin.
Reality: Kratom can be misused or habit-forming at very high doses, but in small, beverage-friendly doses, it offers effects closer to coffee meets CBD—especially in legal, low-alkaloid formats.
LOW DOSE EFFECTS (1-3g OR 20–50mg Extract):
- Energy boost
- Motivation and light euphoria
- Mild social enhancement
HIGHER DOSE EFFECT (4-6g OR 75–100mg Extract):
- Body warmth
- Heavier, more sedative feeling
- Deep calm or sleepiness (less recommended for beginners)
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Kanna
WHAT IS IT?
A succulent plant native to South Africa, used for centuries to enhance mood, reduce anxiety, and boost empathy. It acts as a serotonin reuptake inhibitor, which can create uplifting, heart-opening effects.
THE MYTH:
Kanna is a psychadelic.
Reality: It’s not. Kanna is mood-enhancing, not mind-altering. It won’t make you hallucinate, though you may feel more emotionally open or connected.
LOW DOSE EFFECTS (25–50mg Extract):
- Improved mood
- Sense of connection or empathy
- Reduced anxiety
HIGHER DOSE EFFECT (75–100mg+ Extract):
- Emotional warmth
- Deep relaxation or introspection
- Possible mild nausea or jaw tension if overdone
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Blue Lotus (yes, that's a pink flower)
WHAT IS IT?
A sacred flower used in ancient Egypt and across Asia for spiritual rituals. Known for its mild euphoria, dreaminess, and sensual energy.
THE MYTH:
Blue lotus is just a placebo.
Reality: When properly extracted, it has gentle psychoactive effects—especially when blended with THC or kanna. It’s not strong, but the feeling is definitely real.
LOW DOSE EFFECTS (100–200mg Extract):
- Light body warmth
- Subtle uplift in mood
- Enhanced sensory perception
HIGHER DOSE EFFECT (300–500mg+ Extract):
- Dreamy, floaty body feel
- Meditative or sensual vibe
- Possible drowsiness or yawning
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Passionflower
WHAT IS IT?
A flowering vine used traditionally for calming the nervous system, reducing anxiety, and improving sleep. Common in adaptogenic teas and calming blends.
THE MYTH:
It’s just a sleepy time herb.
Reality: Passionflower doesn’t sedate like a drug — it gently tones down the nervous system, making it ideal for anxious minds during the day or as a sleep aid at night.
LOW DOSE EFFECTS (100–200mg Extract):
- Reduced overthinking
- Lowered heart rate
- Sense of groundedness
HIGHER DOSE EFFECT (300–500mg+ Extract):
- Deeper physical relaxation
- Sleep readiness
- May cause grogginess if taken during the day
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Functional Mushrooms
Let’s break down three of the most effective and widely used mushrooms in functional drinks:
LION’S MANE
- Supports brain function, memory, and clarity
- Often used in focus drinks or “smart” tonics
- Low Dose: Mental alertness without jitters
- High Dose: Deep mental flow and sharper memory recall
REISHI
- Known as the “mushroom of immortality”
- Balances stress hormones, supports sleep and immunity
- Low Dose: Stress resilience
- High Dose: Full body calm, sometimes drowsiness
CORDYCEPS
- Boosts cellular energy, endurance, and stamina
- Popular in pre-workout or energy blends
- Low Dose: Clean, subtle energy
- High Dose: Athletic performance and respiratory support
THE MYTH:
These mushrooms are psychadellics.
Reality: Nope. These are legal, non-psychoactive, and completely different from psilocybin mushrooms. They work with your body, not against your mind.
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Other Power Adaptogens to Know
Here are a few other heavy-hitters we carry often:
ASHWAGANDHA
- Lowers cortisol, eases stress
- In higher doses, may feel like a natural anti-anxiety agent
- Low dose = clarity; high dose = calm or sleepy
RHODIOLA
- Enhances physical and mental performance under stress
- Great for avoiding burnout
- Low dose = focus; high dose = potential jitter reduction
L-THEANINE
- Found in green tea, helps balance caffeine
- Calms the brain without making you sleepy
- Works beautifully in combination drinks (especially with CBD or caffeine)
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Final Thoughts:
KNOW YOUR INGREDIENTS, OWN YOUR RITUAL.
This new wave of non-alcoholic and functional drinks isn’t about being trendier or cleaner. It’s about intention — about picking something that works with your body instead of numbing it out.
Whether you’re sipping a 5mg THC spritz to unwind, a kava-kanna blend to ease social jitters, or a reishi-rooted elixir to finally relax—understanding the ingredients is the first step to finding your perfect ritual.
Because around here, it’s not about what you’re missing.
It’s about what you’re choosing.
WHAT TO LEARN MORE?
Check out our in-store ingredient cards or browse our Spirited Reads blog for deep dives on everything from THC legality to mushroom rituals.