While Coca Cola has made headlines for their rumoured interest in developing a CBD product, a new infused beverage out of upstate New York called Recess just beat them to market. Although skeptics argue that hemp-derived CBD has limited benefits, I was pleasantly surprised to feel quite calm after downing a can of the hemp-infused beverage.

Recess is the brainchild of Benjamin Witte, a partner at Life Capital and the former Head of Mobile at the digital advertisement powerhouse AdRoll. Perhaps inspired by life in the corporate fast lane, his new venture caters—for better or worse—to an audience eager to apply the positive effects of cannabis, as well as various herbal adaptogens, to their work day. It’s not altogether different from the LSD microdose trend sweeping through the tech industry.

“Recess [helps] people feel more balanced in an increasingly stressful world, giving them the opportunity to be their most productive, creative and fulfilled selves,” the company states.

Recess comes in three different flavors: Peach Ginger, Pomegranate Citrus and Blackberry Chai. Each can contains 10 milligrams of hemp-derived CBD (so, no THC), as well as a trio of adaptogens—Ginseng, Schisandra and L-theanie—that are intended to soothe the nerves and improve productivity.

While the Blackberry Chai proved to be a bit overwhelming for the taste buds, the other two flavors effectively walk the line between the richness of soda and the milder taste of a LaCroix (each can contains roughly four grams of sugar). As for the CBD itself, it’s fully masked by the drink’s sweetness.

The cans are priced at roughly five bucks a pop. Consumers will definitely get a better bang for their buck with a high-quality tincture, but for anyone interested in guzzling their hemp, Recess sets the bar high. Watch out, Coke.

Price: $39.99 (8-pack)

Where to find it: drinkrecess.com

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