AUSTIN, Texas — Free drinks at South by Southwest events is not unusual. But at the WellHaus and MedTerra SXSW event, an unusual ingredient is key on the menu.
"No, you're here, you should get a drink," said the bartender at the bar. "We got CBD oil cocktails."
Cannabidiol, or CBD for short, is a compound extracted out of industrial hemp. It's also being put into drinks you already know, like an old fashioned and mules.
CBD is known for it's anti-inflammatory and anti-anxiety properties, and while it's not normally added to cocktails, it's a way to introduce people to the concept with something they already know.
"CBD cocktails for us really help people who aren't familiar with CBD become accustomed to it," said Jay Hartenbach, an employee for MedTerra.
It's important to note since this CBD is extracted from hemp, it doesn't contain THC – that's the component of marijuana that gets people high. Instead, they're hoping to give people a better cocktail experience.
The event continues on Sunday at the Cedar Street Courtyard located at 208 W. Fourth street. The event goes from 12 to 6 p.m.
SXSW 2019 in photos
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