Just a few years ago, the idea of drinking THC would have struck most people as odd. But today, cannabis-infused beverages such as teas, sodas, and hot cocoas are a big part of the overall cannasphere—and likely to only grow exponentially as time goes on. No big mystery why: Refreshing, delicious, and packed with potency, they’re one of the most satisfying ways to absorb THC, CBD, and other important cannabinoids.
Want to crack open a refreshing infused beverage but want all the details first? Start Here! We’ll take you on a guided tour of THC drinks and tackle questions like:
- What are THC drinks?
- THC drinks vs alcohol: What’s the difference?
- Are THC drinks similar to THC edibles?
- How do THC drinks make you feel?
…and so much more! Ready to sip on your first infused beverage? Bottoms up!
What Are THC Drinks, Exactly?
Just as THC and other cannabinoids can be infused into edibles such as brownies, gummies, and mints, they can also be combined with various beverages. Some of the most popular ones you’ll find on dispensary shelves include:
- Sodas: Whether it’s classic formulas such as cola, root beer, ginger ale, or more newfangled options, THC sodas can be a great call on a hot summer’s day.
- Seltzers: In the last few years, flavored seltzers have exploded in popularity—both infused and regular. For those looking for a clean taste and less sugar, these bubbly refreshers might be your best bet.
- Juices: Seeing as cannabis is a plant, it makes sense that enterprising beverage makers would pair it with fruit juices and coolers such as lemonade. Frankly, we’re hard-pressed to disagree!
- Hot Tea and Cocoa: Playing off cannabis’ soothing attributes, these hot drinks are mostly geared toward a relaxing night’s sleep. Plus, they travel well, allowing you to be discreet about taking your cannabis on the go.
Whatever form they take, infused beverages are usually made with a THC and/or CBD distillate, an exceptionally pure form of cannabinoids that mixes well with various liquids. This is especially important, as THC is typically only fat-soluble—good to know if you’re planning on making your own infused, homemade treats.
THC Drinks vs Alcohol
As some studies have shown, cannabis use has been far outpacing alcohol use over the past few decades. And while this hardly spells the end of booze as we know it, it highlights a growing trend. Conscious of emerging science that suggests even moderate alcohol use is associated with serious health risks, an increasing number of us are ditching it in favor of the plant-powered euphoria of cannabis instead.
THC Drinks vs THC Edibles
While drinking THC might seem like a novel idea, it’s not any different from consuming a THC edible, which is already one of the favorite consumption methods we offer at our Illinois and Massachusetts dispensaries. No matter the form, whether through a brownie or infused soda, the body processes the cannabinoids in these products through the digestive system, so they’re broken down in much the same way.
Dosage: How Much Should I Drink?
If you read the label of a THC drink, you’ll notice a wide range of THC contents listed, from about 2.5 mg to as much as 100 mg or even more. How much is right for you? That can be a personal question and is dependent on such factors as your age, prior food consumption, weight—even your prior cannabis experience. So, it can be hard to estimate a “recommended dosage” that’s a one-size-fits-all across the board.
That said, here are some effects you may anticipate based on the most commonly reported effects of these amounts of THC:
- 2.5 – 5 mg: Considered a low starting dose for newer consumers who have a little bit of cannabis experience, the effects of this smaller amount may be discernible but generally mild.
- 10 – 15 mg: The more or less “standard dosages” in edibles, this amount should impart noticeable and long-lasting psychoactivity. Those new to cannabis may want to wait before diving into this full dose amount and possibly halve their product before eating or drinking.
- 20 – 30 mg: At this point, we’re getting into doses that are typically not recommended for those new to THC edibles. You may expect powerful effects in this dosage range, including intense euphoria and deep relaxation.
- 30 – 50 mg: This is a strong dose by any standards, even for those familiar with cannabis. While it can be deeply enjoyable, we urge those who consume to exercise caution with this amount and avoid driving, swimming, or other strenuous or operative activities.
- 50+ mg: This is a very high dose, generally reserved for medical patients who have trouble absorbing THC through their GI tract or those with a very high tolerance and extensive experience with cannabis. These doses have a much higher likelihood of triggering anxiety and uncomfortable experiences.
When it comes to dosing, it’s all up to your preferences, so the next time you reach for a THC drink, just keep yourself and your limits in mind for the best experience possible.
How Long Do Cannabis Drinks Take to Kick In?
If you’ve had cannabis edibles before, then you likely already know that there’s generally a noticeable lag in onset time—typically between 45 minutes to 2 hours. However, since our bodies absorb liquids faster than solid food, the onset time with THC drinks may be somewhat faster.
Another way to speed up the onset is through what’s known as nanotechnology, which makes the cannabinoids even more bioavailable—and come on more rapidly—than they would otherwise. How fast are we talking? According to one article published by Harvard Health, the onset time for THC drinks can be as rapid as 15 – 20 minutes.
How Do THC Drinks Make You Feel?
As anyone who’s been surprised by the strength of an edible knows, they hit differently than inhaled cannabis—a phenomenon that’s true of THC drinks as well. In the digestive system, a greater proportion of the THC is metabolized into a form known as 11-hydroxy-THC.
As some studies suggest, the subjective effects of 11-hydroxy may feel significantly more powerful than regular THC. So, just be prepared the next time you reach for a THC drink—you may feel a bit heavier than you would if you smoked a joint or hit a vape pen.
How Long Do THC Drinks Last?
Edible THC tends to last far longer than inhaled THC; in extreme cases, up to 12 hours, which is a reminder to clear your schedule before guzzling down your desired dose! However, just as THC drinks are absorbed faster than edibles, they also usually dissipate more rapidly. While there aren’t yet any published studies on the duration of THC drink effects, most infused beverage fans have reported that they can last anywhere between 2 and 6 hours.
Stock Up Your Fridge With Tasty THC Drinks at Mission
No wonder cannabis drinks are taking off in popularity—they’re fun, refreshing, and perfect for on-the-go vibes! While they kick in faster than edibles, don’t be too quick to double up—give it a little time to work its magic. And heads up: THC drinks tend to hit harder than smoking the same amount, so sip smart!
Want to level up your cannabis know-how? Visit our guide to how to properly smoke a pre-roll and other in-depth articles on our cannabis blog. And if you’re ready to explore the best THC drinks in Illinois or Massachusetts, start your journey at your nearest Mission dispensary!
