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Table of Contents
- What are THC Beverages?
- Are THC Drinks Legal?
- Are THC Drinks Safe?
- How Do THC Drinks Work?
- Why are THC Drinks Popular?
- Dosing Guidelines for THC Drinks
- The Bottom Line
There's no doubt about it... THC drinks are trending. These cannabis-infused drinks are made with tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, and they’re an easy way to enjoy the recreational effects of this psychoactive compound from the cannabis plant.
Fizzy and refreshing, THC seltzers in particular are an increasingly popular alternative to alcohol, especially for folks who are wellness-focused and health-conscious. Plus, with low-potency, low-sugar, low-calorie options and a wide range of flavors available, these beverages are as appealing to cannabis novices as they are to cannabis enthusiasts. But before you take your first sip, let’s take a closer look at the exploding beverage category of cannabis drinks.
What are THC beverages?
You’ve probably already puzzled this out. THC beverages or drinks, also known as cannabis drinks, are infused with THC, arguably the most famous compound in the cannabis plant. This is the cannabinoid that creates the euphoric psychological and physiological effect—the “high” that’s so strongly associated with cannabis. Many people feel happy and relaxed when they consume THC, and that’s the goal with a THC drink.
As an alternative to alcohol, THC drinks work well in social settings. But unlike alcoholic beverages, the goal isn’t intoxication—it’s a lighter, more controlled buzz that’s heavy on relaxation and enjoyment. That’s why THC drinks are generally low potency, with anywhere from 2.5 to 5 milligrams of THC apiece. Legality is another consideration here, a topic we’ll cover below. For now, just know that THC content in beverages is limited by federal and individual state laws alike.
That’s a good thing, because potency is a key player in the experience with THC. The more THC consumed, the greater the likelihood of negative experiences, like anxiety or even panic attacks. The golden rule of cannabis consumption is to start low and take it slow, and THC drinks make it easy since they're so precisely dosed.
What are infused drinks?
Same thing, different name. The terms “infused drinks” or "infused beverages" are generally shorthand for THC-infused drinks, also known as cannabis-infused drinks. Still, there’s some room for interpretation here, so it’s important to approach any cannabis-infused drink as you would cannabis products in general. Read the label carefully, check for a current certificate of analysis, and make a point of buying cannabis-infused drinks from brands you know and trust.
Are THC drinks legal?
Thanks to the 2018 Farm Bill, THC drinks are indeed federally legal. But that’s assuming they meet two requirements. First, they must be derived from hemp, not marijuana. While both hemp and marijuana are varieties of the cannabis sativa plant, hemp naturally contains less than 0.3% THC. Marijuana plants typically have much more than that, which is largely why marijuana remains illegal under federal law. Hemp, however, was legalized under the Farm Bill.
The second requirement is the THC content. To be federally legal, hemp-derived products must contain no more than 0.3% THC by dry weight.
Whether or not cannabis drinks are legal in your state, however, depends on local cannabis laws. Even if a cannabis beverage meets federal standards, every state has its own regulations. That means a specific drink may be legal or illegal depending on a state’s laws relating to THC content and legalized cannabis as a whole. In other words, before you buy a THC drink, make sure it’s legal where you live!
Are THC drinks safe?
THC drinks are like any cannabis product—the brand you buy from matters. As the buzzy new thing in cannabis, more manufacturers are rushing products to market, so you're wise to ask, are cannabis drinks safe? To ensure they are, it's important to look for brands that understand the importance of transparency, quality ingredients, and third-party lab testing.
Why? It's simple. You deserve to know where the hemp in your THC drink comes from and how it’s processed. You deserve easy access to a current certificate of analysis that details the cannabinoid profile, including THC potency, and confirms the drink is free of harmful contaminants and heavy metals. And you deserve cannabis infused beverages that aren't loaded with preservatives or high in sugar.
As a plant, hemp is what’s known as a bioaccumulator. It means it’s wildly efficient at sucking up all of the compounds in the soil in which it’s growing. Conventionally grown hemp is treated with pesticides and fertilizers, which inevitably end up in the raw plant matter and require pretty intensive processing to remove. Certified organic hemp, on the other hand, is grown without exposure to these types of chemicals. It results in a cleaner, safer, and better all-around product (and that's what you'll find here at Cornbread Hemp).
Once you’ve found a hemp brand you can trust, it’s up to you as the consumer to consume THC drinks responsibly. Read the label so you’re clear on serving sizes and THC potency, and remember to sip slowly, allowing plenty of time to feel effects before going back for another can.
How do THC drinks work?
THC drinks are often lumped into the cannabis edibles category, but the differentiators are in how quickly effects become noticeable and how long they last. A cannabis edible, like a THC gummy, is chewed and swallowed so it can make its way through your digestive system. The THC is absorbed in the stomach and metabolized in the liver, and it takes time to feel anything—anywhere from 30 minutes to two hours is pretty typical. Effects are generally longer-lasting than other forms of cannabis consumption. Depending on potency and individual factors, such as your metabolism, they can linger between four and eight hours or so.
As liquids, cannabis drinks are more readily absorbed than solids. Many brands use secret formulation magic—think nanotechnology—that dissolves the THC into the liquid for quicker uptake. It means effects from a THC drink can be detectable fast, between 15 and 30 minutes or so. Effects don’t last quite as long as edibles, but it’s still respectable—around two to four hours. Like edibles, the exact time frame depends on potency and how quickly your body metabolizes THC.
Why are THC drinks popular?
Cannabis drinks are designed to be enjoyable. And with the rise of the sober curious movement, more people are looking for beverages to replace alcoholic beverages. It makes sense. Alcohol may be relaxing in small amounts, but any purported health benefits have been thoroughly debunked. The bottom line is that drinking alcohol, even in moderate amounts, increases your risk for serious health conditions. The inevitable hangover is no fun either.
THC drinks, especially when they’re made with high-quality ingredients and low in sugar and calories, align with the growing trend in health and wellness. They don’t have the same risk of severe intoxication, and there’s no pounding headache the next day. In short, cannabis drinks are a more natural way to relax and unwind.
As more states legalize recreational cannabis, access to lab-tested products like cannabis-infused beverages is increasing. At the same time, perceptions about cannabis use are shifting. It means more people feel comfortable exploring the medicinal and recreational benefits. And with THC drinks in particular, it’s possible to consume cannabis in a social setting without smoking or vaping. That appeals to people looking to indulge in a less conspicuous manner.
Dosing guidelines for THC drinks
Dosing is everything when it comes to a good time, and THC drinks are no exception. At Cornbread Hemp, our THC seltzers have 5mg of pure THC per serving (one can). It’s a low dose for the best experience—a light, enjoyable buzz, minus the hangover.
If you’re new to the psychoactive benefits of THC or to THC drinks specifically, start with 2.5mg to 5mg of THC. That’s actually the best place to begin, no matter how frequently you consume THC. Remember the golden rule of cannabis? Start low and go slow—it’s the best way to assess effects and maintain a positive experience.
If you don’t feel anything in about 30 minutes, finish the can or sip on another one and reassess in another half hour.
The bottom line
THC-infused drinks are popular for good reason. As more people look for alternatives to alcohol, these beverages offer a healthier way to relax, without the intoxication or the hangover. And with Cornbread Hemp THC seltzer, it's a guilt-free indulgence at the same time.
