How CBD Became the USA's Most Popular Food and Drink Trend

CBD, or cannabidiol, is the latest 'it' ingredient popping up on menus across the country. It's one of over 60 cannabinoids found in the cannabis sativa plant (more commonly known as marijuana).

Unlike THC, the most famous cannabinoid, CBD doesn't produce any psychoactive effects. While it won't get you high, its reported health benefits have contributed to its rising popularity in the wellness industry.

Although research is still ongoing, some studies suggest that CBD may help alleviate inflammation, pain, anxiety, and seizures.

The debate over this superfood is fueled by inconsistent cannabis regulations at both the federal and state levels. Even with growing legalization, the DEA still classifies cannabis, including CBD (unless derived from industrial hemp), as an illegal substance.

As of now, the FDA has only approved one CBD product, an epilepsy treatment called Epidiolex. Meanwhile, state regulations are constantly changing.

Take California, for example, a state with legalized recreational cannabis and a thriving cannabis food scene. Just this summer, the California Department of Public Health halted the sale of CBD additives in food and drink until the FDA grants full approval.

This left popular spots like Gracias Madre and Superba Food + Bread scrambling to adjust their menus to comply with the new regulations.

With California stepping back from the cannabis culinary spotlight for now, let’s shine a light on other lesser-known places where you can still find CBD-infused treats.

From a chic wellness hub in Miami to a Portland dive bar serving late-night hot dogs, here are the coolest places to find CBD on the menu (at least for now).

Adriaen Block, Queens, NY

This recently opened cocktail bar and restaurant in Queens is a CBD haven, placing the ingredient front and center in its offerings.

For those unfamiliar, the menu includes a helpful note: 'CBD won't get you high, but you may feel a soothing sense of calm.'

The drink menu features CBD-infused creations like the Stoney Negroni, Rolled Fashioned, and the Bakin’ & Eggs, a unique cocktail made with Pineau des Charente, Lillet Blanc, blood orange bitters, egg white, and topped with crispy bacon.

Non-drinkers can join the fun too with a curated selection of CBD mocktails made with Seedlip, an upscale, non-alcoholic distilled spirit. Not in the mood for a drink? Try entrees paired with AB CBD sauce or a dollop of CBD-infused whipped cream to finish off your dessert.

Adriaen Block, 19-33 Ditmars Blvd, Astoria, NY 11105, +1 (718) 686-1391

Broomwagon, Lexington, KY

A local hub for bike enthusiasts, this bicycle shop doubles as a beer garden and café, offering locally-sourced coffee, inventive comfort food, and a rotating selection of craft beers and drafts.

Bike repair customers can relax with a snack by the mechanic's station while they wait, or browse the latest selection of wheels and accessories. (How about a new pannier bag?)

Broomwagon Coffee + Bikes, 800 N. Limestone St., Lexington, KY 40505, +1 (859) 554-6938

Koku, Brooklyn, NY

Think of the Zen Bowl as a health-conscious ice cream sundae – dairy-free, probiotic coconut soft-serve topped with vibrant superfoods like antioxidant-rich blueberries, wholesome black sesame granola, and a CBD-infused cacao magic shell.

Available from April to October at Brooklyn’s Smorgasburg, Saturdays in Williamsburg and Sundays in Prospect Park, it’s allergy-friendly and perfect for your Instagram feed.

The frozen treat also appears at occasional pop-ups (check their website for dates), but stay tuned for an exciting development: a permanent location is coming next year.

Koku, multiple locations

Donnie Vegas, Portland, OR

The coolest dive bar in downtown Las Vegas is actually tucked away in Northeast Portland, serving on-tap cocktails and inventive, budget-friendly hot dogs like the Seoul Dog (kimchi, sambal aioli, scallions) and Tijuana Dog (cream cheese, pico de gallo, jalapeño) until 2:30 a.m.

They serve Jell-O shots and canned wine, along with a slushee featuring a hemp-derived twist – the Prickly Pear CBD Margaweeda, made with fresh lime juice, triple sec, silver tequila, and prickly pear puree.

Donnie Vegas, 1203 NE Alberta St, Portland, OR 97211, +1 (503) 477-7244

Green Goddess Cafe, Stowe, VT

This cozy neighborhood café, known for fresh-pressed juices and delicious breakfast scrambles, was one of the first in Vermont to add CBD to their menu after owner Athena Scheidet saw its benefits firsthand with their son, who has autism and a tumor disorder.

One of their most popular drinks is the Jamaican Me Shake, a CBD-infused smoothie blending tropical fruits, spinach, avocado, organic apple juice, and topped with whipped cream.

Green Goddess Cafe, 618 S Main St, Stowe, VT 05672, +1 (802) 253-5255

The James New York NoMad, New York City

Travelers looking to escape the hustle of Manhattan can unwind without leaving their boutique hotel room, thanks to CBD-infused room service curated by renowned cannabis chef Annabel Drummer.

The in-room dining menu features items like spicy meatballs, a gorgonzola salad with walnuts and pear, and crispy house tater tots. Alternatively, you can opt for prepackaged CBD-infused goodies like Chef For Higher Gummies, Grön Chocolate bars, and even Bark Avenue dog treats to soothe stressed pets.

The James NoMad, 22 E 29th St, New York, NY 10016, +1 (212) 532-4100

VegeNation, Las Vegas

Fremont East in downtown Las Vegas has transformed into an artistic hub for plant-based cuisine and health-conscious cocktails, providing a stark contrast to the indulgent bottle service and Champagne-spraying parties of the Strip.

At VegeNation, enjoy affordable global street food made from locally grown, plant-based ingredients. The cocktails, including The Changemaker, offer a healthy twist – a cool whiskey tea infusion crafted with locally distilled liquor and a special tea blend from Bloomin’ Desert Herb Farm, featuring rosemary, ginger, holy basil, red clover, nettle, peppermint, clove, and raw CBD oil.

VegeNation, 616 Carson Ave #120, Las Vegas, NV 89101, +1 (702) 366-8515

Plant Miami, Miami

Miami isn't all flashing lights and booming bass. When the South Beach party scene becomes overwhelming, retreat to Sacred Space Miami for a more serene experience.

This minimalist sanctuary, located in the once-industrial Wynwood area, offers a lush meditation garden, wellness classes, yoga, and Plant Miami, an organic, vegan, farm-to-table restaurant.

The tropical Plant Medicine cocktail, featuring fresh pineapple, house-made coconut milk, dark rum, and a dose of CBD oil, perfectly captures both Miami's vibrant energy and its wellness culture.

Plant Miami, 105 Northeast 24th St, Miami, FL, 33137, +1 786 621 5006

River and Woods, Boulder

This cozy cottage serves up comforting, community-inspired dishes like Aunt Penny's creamy mac & cheese with mushrooms and a crispy onion-potato topping, and John's gnocchi verde with spinach, Reggiano cream, and zesty lemon.

Out back, you'll find family-friendly picnic tables and an adult-only Airstream bar, where you can enhance your cocktails with a splash of CBD, like the Sloe Descent, a mix of Luxardo amaretto, Spirit Works sloe gin, and citrusy juices.

(They’re also working on crafting a dedicated wellness cocktail infused with CBD.)

River and Woods, 2328 Pearl St, Boulder, CO 80302, (303) 993-6301

Coalition Brewing, Portland, OR

This brewery made history with Oregon's first CBD-infused beer, Two Flowers IPA, which combines the fresh, grassy notes of hops with the soothing properties of cannabis for a unique, aromatic flavor.

The beer has gained such a following that it's now available at popular spots like EastBurn Public House and Dot’s Café. However, for a true experience, it's worth heading to the brewery’s newly opened patio where you can enjoy it in the place it was first brewed.

Coalition Brewing, 2705 SE Ankeny St, Portland, OR 97214, +1 (503) 894-8080

Zenbarn, Waterbury, VT 05676

You haven't truly experienced Vermont until you’ve attended one of Zenbarn's renowned “Hemp and Hops” dinners. These special events feature a five-course meal infused with CBD, all perfectly paired with local craft beers.

This community-driven venue features a yoga studio on the upper level and live music in the evenings. (Get ready for plenty of Grateful Dead tunes.)

The menu offers a range of CBD-infused items, like their signature aioli for burgers. Try the Zen Burger, a local black bean patty topped with cheddar, chipotle crema, avocado, lettuce, and crispy onions.

You’ll also find CBD honey vinaigrette to drizzle over your salad, a CBD brownie sundae with house-made CBD caramel, and a creative mix of CBD cocktails with playful names such as Gin and Chronic, Le Verde, and Up in Smoke.

Zenbarn, 179 Guptil Rd, Waterbury Center, VT 05677, +1 (802) 244-8134

Grön Cafe, Portland, OR

If anyone could be called the Willy Wonka of CBD, it would be Christine Smith, the founder of GrönCBD, a craft chocolate company.

Grön's confections feature CBD derived from a unique hemp alternative—evergreen tree bark mixed with citrus peels.

The front area serves as a cozy café, offering CBD Drinking Chocolate topped with whipped cream and a shortbread cookie, along with CBD chocolate lattes, steamers, iced chocolate beverages, chocolate-filled croissants, and decadent truffles.

Satisfy both your curiosity and your sweet cravings—visitors are encouraged to sample the CBD-infused caramel and chocolate sauces, bars, tinctures, and even body products.

Grön, 960 SE Madison St, Portland, OR 97214, +1 (971) 279-4754