It’s February and love is in the air thanks to Gibson’s Goodology and their tasty CBD drinks. We caught up with Jenn Hartzler, Chief Culture Officer at Gibson’s Goodology. She gave us such a great insight into the world of CBD, the benefits it can offer and why Gibson’s is a cut above the rest and we couldn’t think of a more perfect time to share this piece than in our month of love. One of the three flavours Gibson’s have available, the Shiso Tea and Blueberry is even labelled as ‘Pure Love’ and trust me, it felt like this when we tried it! - lockdown 3 has been a long one guys, so share some love this Valentines by treating someone you love to these delicious drinks (rose petals ARE included).

I am relatively new to CBD and see it popping up in so many products these days yet I’m still a novice in understanding the actual benefits, could you explain exactly how it works?

CBD, or 'Cannabidiol', is part of the hemp plant. (It should not be confused with THC, which is an entirely separate ingredient which has the psychoactive and addictive qualities that people often associate with cannabis.) In addition to having incredibly high levels of antioxidants, CBD unlocks the body’s natural processes to regulate certain functions like fighting inflammation, seizures, muscle spasms and generalized anxiety. CBD attaches to the receptors involved in these processes to help the body more efficiently regulate itself and thus CBD promotes homeostasis. This is why CBD is believed to aid with sleep and relaxation, and why we say that Gibson's Goodology helps restore the body's natural harmony. By putting nothing but the best, triple-tested CBD and quality natural ingredients into our drinks, we believe we can help people feel a bit better, which helps them show up better and in turn, make the world a little bit better too.

Is there such a thing as too much CBD?

No. While the advised daily limit is around 70mg a day, everyone is unique and so is their optimal daily dose of CBD. While it is impossible to overdose on CBD, CBD affects some people more than others so it is important to figure out the right dosage for the particular individual.

Our drinks contain the highest level of CBD on the premium market at 25mg per serving. So, for some, one Gibson’s a day will be enough to see improvement in sleep regularity or chronic pain, but for others, two cans might be more beneficial; it's very personal. Our recommendation is to keep trying until you find your perfect dosage.

Can you please fill us in about the name behind Gibson’s Goodology?

The name Gibson is after our founder, who’s the inspiration for an embodiment of 'Goodology’: the irrepressible, almost religious, belief in human goodness and positivity. Our drinks seek to bring this Goodology out in each person who drinks them.

When is the best time to drink Gibson’s?

The short answer is, whenever you're thirsty and want a delicious drink. Our drinks are hugely versatile: they can replace your morning coffee (especially our Green Tea and Passionfruit which contains caffeine), they can be a post-workout boost (we recommend our zingy Jasmine Tea and Rhubarb) or an evening tipple (our Shiso Tea and Blueberry contains blueberry puree which gives it a viscosity similar to wine; it's hugely popular with those that have gone tee-total or are looking for a healthier option to interchange with their glass of wine in the evening).

Our drinks have received various awards in the CBD and no/low space, and this is in part because they are category-busting: they're indulgent mocktails, ready-to-drink beverages, mixers, sports recovery drinks and wellness teas in one.

Do you have a favourite flavour from your drinks?

Choosing a favourite is like choosing a favourite child! Our Shiso Tea and Blueberry, which won the IndyBest, is really special. I have a particular soft spot for blueberries because they’re antioxidant powerhouses and remind me of summers picking blueberries in New England. The shiso leaf is a new flavour introduced to me by our Michelin-starred mixologist, Oskar Kinberg. Also, the subtlety of our Jasmine Tea and Rhubarb, which won the Spirits Business Gold, wows me with each sip!

I actually mixed the Jasmine Tea and Rhubarb flavour with a bit of gin and it was so delicious. What is your favourite alcoholic blend with Gibson’s?

While we don't recommend mixing our CBD drink with alcohol, it is perfectly safe to do so, and our drinks work well as a mixer – I'm so glad you enjoyed it! We always refer to our drinks as stand-alone because Oskar created them with flavour & wellness in mind, with just five all-natural ingredients. This, however, creates a very clean base for any alcohol mix-in you choose! My favourite mix is tequila with Green Tea and Passionfruit. 

What is the best piece of advice you have ever received in business? 

Authenticity is everything, so stay true to yourself and be who you are. Also, it’s all about relationships.

What obstacles have you overcome during the initial growth and birth of the business?

Launching a premium product during Covid has been challenging, especially because our drinks belong in London’s best bars and restaurants, which obviously have been really impacted by the lockdowns and closures. CBD is also super costly and time-consuming to get right in a drink. Notwithstanding these challenges, we’ve been able to pivot and succeed because these tough times call for inspiring, feel-good products like Gibson’s Goodology.

What does the future hold for Gibson's?

There is so much exciting stuff on the horizon for Gibson’s! First, we're looking forward to the Standardisation of Novel Foods that is happening this April; it essentially means all CBD products in the UK will be expected to meet international standards for their ingredients, which will ensure more transparency, quality, and consistency in the CBD category. This can only be a good thing for consumers, and we look forward to the industry demanding the high standards that we’ve held for ourselves since day one. Next, we’re looking forward to launching new products. Obviously, there’s so much exciting stuff we’re doing and still need to do with our three gorgeous flavours. However, we already have new products in the works which we are thrilled to bring to market in 2021.

Finally, we are working to build our Gibson’s Goodology community by developing exciting partnerships with brands and people that align with our ethos. We’ve always said that we are more than a drinks brand, and developing this community will help us realise that vision.