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Table of Contents
- What are THC drinks and how do they work?
- How long does it take for a THC drink to kick in?
- What factors influence how fast a THC beverage works?
- Do THC seltzers hit faster than weed edibles?
- How long do the effects of THC beverages last?
- Tips for first-time cannabis drink users
- Are fast-acting THC drinks safe?
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Final thoughts: Should you try THC seltzers or beverages?
Key Takeaways
- THC drinks are a fast-acting, controlled way to consume cannabis, with noticeable effects in the first 30 minutes for most people.
- You can chalk that up to nanoemulsion technology, which breaks THC into tiny, stable particles for faster absorption and more consistent dosing.
- Carbonation, food intake, and metabolism all influence how quickly effects appear and how long they last.
- Fast-acting THC drinks are a great alcohol alternative for social settings, relaxation, or gentle unwinding—minus the hangover.
THC drinks are the buzzy new beverage to hit the social scene. Infused with tetrahydrocannabinol, THC drinks impart milder, more controlled effects than other methods of consumption. That makes them really appealing to a wide range of people.
There are other perks to cannabis-infused beverages as well—most notably, onset time, particularly in comparison to traditional edibles. Yes, we’re saying that THC drinks hit faster (one of many reasons they’re so darn popular). Let’s take a closer look at the timeline, including when effects kick in, how long they typically last, and other tips for making the most of this sippable way to consume THC.
What Are THC Drinks and How Do They Work?
THC drinks are exactly what the name implies—a beverage that contains tetrahydrocannabinol, which is the psychoactive compound in hemp and marijuana plants. It’s one of roughly 100 identified cannabinoids in cannabis sativa (1), but it’s probably the most famous (though CBD, or cannabidiol, isn’t far behind). THC is the cannabinoid largely responsible for the signature “high” associated with cannabis—the euphoric psychological effect that makes people feel happy and relaxed.
With cannabis-infused beverages, these effects are designed to be light and controlled. Dosages tend to be low, up to around 5 milligrams of THC. (Seasoned sippers may want an option for a higher dose, so check out Cornbread Hemp THC Seltzers in 10mg!). That’s what makes cannabis beverages increasingly appealing as an alternative to alcohol. The goal isn’t intoxication, just a good time!
THC Beverages vs Traditional Edibles
THC drinks are technically edibles. Whether you’re sipping or chewing, both cannabis drinks and, say, a THC gummy, are ultimately swallowed. But in a beverage, THC is broken down into incredibly small particles courtesy of nanoemulsion technology. That’s the reason effects are so much faster (more on that below) and more predictable.
THC is naturally fat-soluble, so it doesn’t dissolve in water. But nanoemulsion technology means THC can be broken into teeny tiny particles and stabilized to evenly disperse in a liquid. That’s why every sip of your favorite THC drink delivers a consistent dose, with no separation concerns.
Those particles mean more bioavailability. As you sip, you start absorbing the THC particles in the mucous membranes of the mouth and the lining of the stomach, contributing to much faster effects. Traditional edibles have to make their way through your digestive tract, and the THC is ultimately metabolized in the liver. It’s actually converted to a new compound called 11-hydroxy-THC. It’s more potent and longer-lasting, and that’s evident in the effects as well.
What Makes Cannabis Seltzers Unique?
Cannabis seltzers work well in social settings, especially as a non-alcoholic substitute that still offers a mild buzz. Plus, because effects come on quickly, there’s a much lower risk of overindulging, so it’s easier to enjoy cannabis mindfully. Plus, THC seltzers are precisely dosed, so you can keep track of dosage. They’re also designed to be sipped, not chugged, so you stay present and in control. That’s not always easy to do with other forms of cannabis consumption.
While cannabis beverages come in a pretty wide range, THC seltzers in particular are carbonated for a pleasing mouth feel. They tend to be crisp and refreshing, with a sparkling taste that’s reminiscent of certain cocktails.
The best part may be that THC seltzers are virtually guilt-free, without the headache, dehydration, and general regret often associated with the morning after a night of drinking alcohol. Cornbread Hemp THC Seltzers are also low in calories and sugar, so they won’t derail your healthy eating habits.
How Long Does It Take for a THC Drink to Kick In?
Let’s talk timing. How quickly do you feel something when you have a THC drink, and how does it compare to a THC gummy?
Onset Time of Weed-Infused Drinks
Part of the appeal of cannabis drinks is how quickly they kick in. For most people, that’s typically in the first 30 minutes or so. Cornbread Hemp THC Seltzers tend to start working 10 to 15 minutes after you start sipping, which is comparable to a cocktail or beer (though effects are more gradual, so it’s not as overwhelming as an alcohol-induced buzz). It’s much faster than a traditional edible, and again, you can thank the nanoemulsion technology for this bit of wizardry.
Do Seltzers with THC Work Faster Than Gummies?
Definitely! Gummies and other edibles that are chewed, swallowed, and digested can take up to two hours or longer, depending on variables like dosage, metabolism, and consumption habits, before you notice any effects. And because the THC is converted into a much more potent compound, those effects tend to be a lot heavier than what you experience with a THC beverage.
What Factors Influence How Fast a THC Beverage Works?
Here’s the thing about cannabis in any form—it affects everyone a little differently. That means timelines vary somewhat from person to person, and you can chalk those differences up to largely individual factors. Let’s review.
Stomach Contents and Hydration
Surprise—sipping a THC drink on an empty stomach tends to mean even faster effects, since there’s no food competing for absorption. Pairing a THC drink with food or drinking one after a meal can delay the effects a little, but it may also mean an even smoother, steadier high.
Matching your THC drink with a glass of water is also wise, because being well hydrated helps the body function properly—and that includes processing cannabinoids. Plus, it can keep a lid on typical side effects of THC consumption, like dry mouth.
THC Dosage and Type of Drink
Higher doses mean more noticeable effects, but don’t assume that more is automatically better. THC beverages tend to be in the low-dose range (2.5 to 5mg) on purpose, because the idea is to consume the least amount of THC for desired effects. If you’re well acquainted with THC, you may need a higher dose (like 10mg), in which case, effects may take a little longer but will also linger longer.
Whether or not your THC drink is carbonated also plays a role. It’s not just a mouthfeel thing. Carbonated beverages may actually hit a little faster because those bubbles could mean more efficient absorption. If you’re drinking a still beverage sans bubbles, effects are usually more gradual and mellow in onset and could last a bit longer as well.
Body Weight and Metabolism
This is where things get really personal. If you naturally have a speedy metabolism, you’ll probably notice effects even quicker, but there’s a good chance they’ll fade faster. Folks with more body fat usually take a little longer for the effects to kick in. That’s because THC is fat-soluble, as we’ve covered. Since these variables are, well, variable, starting with a low dose and paying close attention to how you respond to a particular THC drink is always the best approach.
Do THC Seltzers Hit Faster Than Weed Edibles?
Yep, and we’ve already covered why. Calling them “weed edibles” is the very same thing as calling them cannabis edibles! Still, to recap: Yes, THC seltzers hit faster than edibles because of how they’re absorbed. But let’s take a closer look at digestion versus sublingual.
Comparing Absorption Methods: Sublingual vs Digestive
When you think about fast-acting cannabis consumption methods, sublinguals are pretty high on the list. And that’s because they’re designed to be held under the tongue (or sublingually) for around 60 seconds. That gives the THC time to absorb into the mucous membranes and straight into the bloodstream, which is much faster than the meandering route of digestion.
Why Cannabis Drinks May Hit Quicker
THC drinks aren’t sublinguals like classic THC oils and tinctures, but sipping slowly means you benefit from the same route of absorption. The THC is so minuscule that it actually starts absorbing immediately through the soft tissues in your mouth and stomach lining, which means most of it bypasses the digestive process that slows down traditional edibles. Plus, you really feel the effect of delta-9-THC, not 11-hydroxy-THC, which is why effects are usually smoother and lighter (but also shorter).
And speaking of effect duration…
How Long Do the Effects of THC Beverages Last?
THC drinks hit faster but fade faster than traditional edibles.
Duration of a THC Seltzer High
Most people can expect the mild buzz of a THC seltzer to last two to four hours, with a peak anywhere from one to two hours after your first sip. Again, individual factors play a big role here, so dosage, beverage type, body composition, metabolism, and the timing of your last meal can all influence the length of the experience.
Can You Control the Intensity and Length of Effects?
To some degree, you actually can control the intensity and duration of effects. THC drinks are among the easiest ways to pace your consumption, since the idea is to sip slowly and savor the experience. In doing so, you can actually feel the effects building in real time. It’s a nice alternative to something like a THC gummy, where it’s really just a waiting game until effects hit all of a sudden.
Tips for First-Time Cannabis Drink Users
Before cracking that first can, a little planning can help ensure a positive experience. Here’s how to keep things fun, comfortable, and predictable.
Ideal Starting Dose for THC Beverages
If you’re new to THC drinks, start with a low-dose option like Cornbread Hemp THC Seltzers with 5mg of pure THC. Sip half a can slowly and see how you feel. If you’re enjoying the experience when effects come on, you can stop there. If you want to experience a little more, savor the rest of the can.
Remember to drink water and consider a small snack alongside your drink for a smoother ride. Be mindful of the setting, too. You should be in a place that makes you feel comfortable with people you trust—it has a surprising effect on the overall experience.
How to Pace Yourself with Weed Drinks
The idea is to savor your drink, not pound it. Effects build gradually over the first 30 minutes, and drinking too much too fast is how you get into trouble. Too much THC is associated with a higher risk of unpleasant side effects, like anxiety, paranoia, and stomach upset.
Are Fast-Acting THC Drinks Safe?
Whenever you buy cannabis products, it’s really important to shop with trustworthy brands that embrace transparency and third-party testing. You should be able to easily learn where the hemp extract comes from and how it’s extracted, and current certificates of analysis should be readily accessible. That COA should clearly highlight the cannabinoid profile, including THC potency, and state that your beverage is free and clear of heavy metals and other contaminants.
Pro tip: Organic hemp is best. Even if you aren’t particularly concerned with keeping things organic elsewhere in your life, hemp is different. It’s a bioaccumulator, which basically means it sucks up all of the compounds in the soil around it as it grows. Since conventionally grown hemp is treated with fertilizers and pesticides, guess what ends up in the raw plant matter? Certified organic hemp sidesteps this issue entirely, which makes for a cleaner, safer starting material (and that’s why Cornbread Hemp prides itself on being USDA certified organic!).
The other safety consideration boils down to personal responsibility. It’s up to you to consume mindfully, so be aware of potency and serving size to avoid overdoing it.
What to Expect from High-Potency Beverages
High-potency THC beverages aren’t a good place for cannabis novices to begin, but they can work well for experienced cannabis consumers. A high-potency beverage is anything above 10mg of THC, which means stronger, longer-lasting effects. If you aren’t used to it, it can be overwhelming. The same nanoemulsion technology that gives THC beverages their rapid onset of effects also boosts efficiency. In other words, more THC reaches the bloodstream, which is why higher doses hit so much harder.
It’s always a good idea to build up to stronger THC drinks. Start with half a can and see how it goes.
Mixing Cannabis Drinks with Alcohol or Other Substances
It’s not a great idea to mix cannabis drinks with alcohol or other substances. It’s called “cross-fading,” and like cannabis in general, there are a lot of variables that can turn a good time into no fun at all. In most cases, the combination results in impairment, a greater likelihood of overconsumption, dehydration, headaches, dizziness, and other unpleasant side effects. Over the long term, you’re also looking at an increased risk of mental health and cognitive function problems.
The good news is that cannabis drinks really do deliver all on their own. So sip and enjoy, without the lengthy list of drawbacks associated with alcohol.
Final Thoughts: Should You Try THC Seltzers or Beverages?
There are a lot of reasons you might consider trying a THC seltzer, and at this point, you should have a clear idea of how to do so responsibly. Between precise dosing, a smooth, steady experience, and a quick onset, THC shelters can be a good option for relaxing, winding down, or socializing.
When Fast Onset May Be a Benefit
With THC beverages, effects are quick, but the onset of those effects is pretty gentle. That makes them well-suited for social events, relaxing nights at home, and even microdosing.
Choosing the Right THC Beverage for Your Needs
It's best to choose a THC drink with the same care as you would any cannabis product, so consider potency, hemp source, ingredients, and nutritional facts. Always check for a current COA, and only purchase from brands you know and trust.
Some infused drinks can be surprisingly high in sugar or loaded with preservatives and other suspicious ingredients. If sipping on a cannabis drink is a wellness choice, reach for one that’s low in calories and sugar, with minimal ingredients.
