The company claims to be the first in Asia to produce CBD beer and launched its first batch of OH CBD Beer in January.
The 330ml 3.5% ABV IPA-beer contains 20mg of CBD. OH5 Company partnered with a local craft beer brewery, One Kick Brewery to produce the beer. The CBD is sourced from local supplier Heavens Please.
According to the firm’s founder, Henry Leung, the Hong Kong population is not as knowledgeable about cannabidiol (CBD), compared to Canada and United States, “where they have many CBD products in the form of chocolate, candies, coffee, vape etc.”
Leung told FoodNavigator-Asia that he believes CBD beer will eventually become a trend in Hong Kong, and hopefully in other Asian countries.
CBD and health
There are claims that CBD is anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, promotes cardiovascular health and reduce withdrawal symptoms.
“Although more research is still needed to be done by scientists to look into the effects of combining CBD and alcohol, we believe there is certain therapeutic value that can be present,” Leung said.
Some reports suggest that CBD can help lower blood alcohol levels and some of its toxic effects on the liver. “The way our body takes in and metabolise CBD and alcohol is complex, and everybody is different, an individual’s response to a CBD infused beer is largely dependent on genetics,” he explained.
Leung said feedback from consumers of the first batch have been largely positive, with many people claiming to not feel the hangover effects as they do with regular beer.
Small and exclusive
OH5 Company brewed its first batch of 2000 bottles (one tank) in January for a launch party, which Leung told us these was sold out in 10 days.
The company has brewed its second tank, with the first bottles released at the end of February.
The company is not upscaling its production at the moment, instead, it is focusing on promotion and creating awareness of its products.
Leung added: “Each batch will be hand brewed and we are making it in small batches exclusively because we carefully select the hops we use to create an atmosphere we want you to experience, from the taste and aroma, the balance of alcohol percentage, to CBD content.”
The beer is available in alcohol retail stores such as Alien Bottle, as well as various bars and pubs across the country in Hong Kong Island, Kowloon, and New Territories.
Leung told us there are plans to export to other Asian countries in the future where regulations permit.
In Hong Kong, cannabis and any products containing tetrahydro-cannabinol (THC) are prohibited.
However, CBD is a cannabinoid present in cannabis plants, and is not regulated.