A relaxing and delicious experience
A cannabis compound named cannabidiol (CBD) is currently taking the world by storm as a wellness product and relaxation aid. In contrast to the ‘stoner’ image of recreational cannabis, CBD is sophisticated, well-packaged, and steadily building a following among working professionals for its purported ability to relieve anxiety and stress.
I tried CBD for the first time at the Lify x LIFE CBD Experience Event, in a herbal tea infusion collaboratively developed by Lify, a wellness tech startup, and LIFE CBD, a supplier of CBD ingredients for the Hong Kong market. The event was held at Found, Hong Kong’s first CBD cafe.
I tried the Night Formula, infused with rosehip, hibiscus, and pear. After inserting a fully-compostable pod containing the ingredients into the IoT brewer, a steaming cup of perfectly-steeped tea poured out within 30 seconds.
Lify’s Chief Revenue Officer Adrian Ng explains that Lify, which uses herbal science and Traditional Chinese Medicine in formulating its range of wellness remedies, was “actively looking for a kind of superfood or herbal ingredient to aid stress relief” when it came across LIFE CBD.
“One of the reasons why we came up with this collaboration idea was, we believe that there must be better, more approachable ways for people to enjoy CBD,” he adds.
The tea itself has no discernable flavor of cannabis, infused as it is with so many stronger flavors. And while there was no ‘high’, since CBD is not a psychoactive compound, 20-30 minutes after drinking the tea, I felt that my stress was locked away–I didn’t experience negative emotions or work pressure as sharply as I normally would, which was absolutely a welcome respite.
This vague, almost illusory absence of sensation or emotion is what makes it hard to identify whether CBD actually has a tangible effect on stress or whether it’s a placebo of sorts. Knowing for sure may only come with regular use. But at the end of the day, if nothing else, the Lify x Life CBD Night Formula was a fantastic cup of tea, and I can never say no to that. –NB
