THC-Infused Drinks: The New Way to Get High
Could you ever imagine the possibility of consuming weed through a drink? It might sound impossible to you, but it’s true. The cannabis market has introduced yet another exciting product, which is cannabis drinks.
While smoking has been the trendiest form of consuming weed, you might’ve already been tired of the lingering smell, judgy eyes, and the cloud of smoke that forms in front of your face. You can now replace that for a chilled beverage with an amazing taste. To this date, 17% of U.S. cannabis consumers drink cannabis beverages, and the numbers are only going to go higher now.
Now, you might have so many questions like ‘Does drinking weed have the same effects as smoking?’ or ‘Is it just as enjoyable as gummies?’ And all your questions will be answered in this article. So keep reading to find out all about cannabis-infused drinks and make it your new favorite.
What Are Cannabis Infused Beverages?
Cannabis-infused beverages are drinks that contain a blend of cannabinoids, allowing the convenience of consuming cannabis in a bottle. Cannabis drinks can come in various forms, such as tea, soda, tinctures, coffee, juice, energy drinks, etc.
The key ingredients that you will find in these drinks are THC(tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD(cannabidiol). While THC will produce the high, CBD will provide therapeutic benefits like relaxation or pain relief. Moreover, these beverages also include agave nectar, cane sweetener, flavorings, tartaric acid, and other such ingredients.
The global cannabis market reached $400 million in 2022 and is projected to reach $8.7 billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 37.8%. This shows the consumer demand for beverages for a discreet experience with convenience.
How Do Cannabis Beverages Work?
When you consume cannabis-infused beverages, the cannabinoids from the drink get absorbed into your bloodstream through your digestive system. These cannabinoids then bind receptors in your brain and body, which then produce effects like relaxation, euphoria, pain relief, etc.
Comparing Drinking Weed to Other Consumption Methods
There are several ways to consume weed, and each of them has its own benefits. Here is a comparison between a few of these methods:
| Features | Cannabis drinks | Smoking/Vaping | Edibles |
| Onset time | Due to the digestive process, their onset time is typically from 15 to 20 minutes. | Quick onset time, effects felt within minutes. | Delayed onset ranges from 30 minutes to 2 hours. |
| Duration of Effects | Their duration may last from 8 to 10 hours. | Their effects may last up to 4 hours. | Their effects can last up to 12 hours. |
| Taste | They have many flavors and natural sweeteners which can be appealing to everyone’s taste. | It might not be appealing due to the taste of smoke or vapor. | Edibles, too, have a variety of flavors that are appealing to many. |
| Consumption Experience | Its discreet consumption is very convenient and might seem like an everyday task. | It is not very discreet and can have a noticeable odor. | This, too, is discreet. However, this might not be convenient for people who don’t like chewy things. |
| Dosage Control | They have more consistent dosing if they are sold in single-serve containers. | Easier to control dosage since the effects are felt immediately. | Due to its delayed onset, the dosage of control might be difficult. |
What Are The Factors That Influence the High?
There are certain factors that can possibly influence the onset, duration, and intensity of the high. Here are a few of those factors:
1. THC concentration in the beverage
The concentration of THC is directly responsible for the intensity of the high. With higher THC levels, you can experience stronger psychoactive effects, whereas with lower concentrations, you will have a milder experience.
2. Individual metabolism and body weight
The metabolism and body weight of an individual plays an important role in influencing the high. If you have a faster metabolism, then you can feel these effects sooner, but the duration will be short. Moreover, people with higher body weights will require higher doses than people with lower body weights to feel the same effects.
3. Empty stomach vs. full stomach
Consuming cannabis drinks on an empty stomach will lead to faster absorption of THC, thus resulting in a quicker onset of effects. The high will also be much more intense. However, with a full stomach, there will be delayed onset and less intense effects.
4. Tolerance levels and prior cannabis experience
If you’ve had prior cannabis experience or if you have been using it regularly, then you might’ve built a tolerance. With higher tolerance, you might need to take a higher dosage of this THC-infused drink. While if you’re not that experienced, even a small amount of THC can produce significant effects.
Potential Benefits of Drinking Weed
Drinking weed can offer several benefits, which can not only be convenient but also improve your health. Here are a few of those benefits:
1. Discreet consumption option
THC-infused drinks can be discreetly consumed. They do not have a noticeable odor or contain any smoke, which makes them easier to consume in public or social settings. Drinking beverages is also seen as an everyday task.
2. Health benefits compared to smoking
Drinking weed does not have the risks that are associated with smoking. Smoking can irritate your lungs and can cause several respiratory problems. However, with these beverages, you can have a smoke-free alternative that protects your lung health as well.
3. Customizable dosing
Most cannabis beverages come in pre-measured servings. However, you can always start with a small dose and gradually increase the dosage. This control is beneficial, especially for those people who are new to such beverages.
4. Potential for combined effects with other ingredients
Cannabis beverages can be infused with other ingredients like CBD to reduce the intensity of THC high. These beverages may also include adaptogens, herbs, vitamins, etc., to provide additional benefits like stress relief, improved focus, etc.
Some Possible Downsides of Drinking Weed
While drinking weed can be extremely beneficial and convenient, it also has some possible downsides to it. Here are some of those downsides:
1. Unpredictable onset and duration
Cannabis drinks often have a delayed onset compared to smoking or vaping. Such unpredictable onset can lead to potential overconsumption since people may drink more before the initial effects are felt.
2. Risk of overconsumption
Due to the unpredictable onset of cannabis drinks, people may accidentally consume more than intended since their effects are delayed. This overconsumption can cause unpleasant effects like anxiety, paranoia, etc.
3. Limited availability and variety
Cannabis-infused drinks are still newer to the market, which is why they might not be widely available in all areas, which might also depend on locality. Moreover, with lesser availability, the variety of these drinks is also limited.
4. Legal and regulatory considerations
The legality of cannabis varies by region and locality. Only 22 states in the US have legalized recreational marijuana, which also includes cannabis-infused drinks. Some of these states are Alaska, Colorado, and Massachusetts.
Top 5 Tips for Safely Drinking Cannabis Beverages
In order to consume cannabis beverages safely, you need to follow some instructions or tips. Here are five tips to help you have a safe cannabis consumption:
1. Start with a small dose
You should always begin with a small dose, even if you are an experienced user. In this way, you can understand your level of tolerance and gradually increase its dosage to reach your ideal intensity. This will help you avoid overconsumption.
2. Be Patient
Cannabis beverages can take from 15 to 20 minutes to produce any noticeable effects. Sometimes, it might also take up to 2 hours. In this case, you must always remain patient and avoid consuming anything more than required.
3. Understand the potency
Different brands sell different beverages with different potency levels. Before buying any cannabis product, you should check the label and its ingredients to make an informed decision about consuming and managing your intake.
4. Avoid mixing it with other substances
Combining cannabis beverages with alcohol and other such substances can increase the initial psychoactive effects. This might lead to several issues like nausea or coordination issues. It is better not to mix them together or do it in a cautious way.
5. Be in a comfortable environment
It is very important to have a comfortable environment while taking cannabis beverages or any other cannabis products. If you have a comfortable and relaxed environment, then you can benefit the most from your experience.
Conclusion
Now that you have learned all about this exciting new cannabinoid product, hopefully, you can have a wonderful experience the next time you consume it. This smoke-free, discreet alternative to weed consumption can be extremely beneficial when taken in a proper way.
If you are looking to buy cannabis beverages that will be suitable to your preferences, then we have just the place for you. The best cannabis-infused drinks can be found on Elyxr. They have a variety of cannabis beverages like Kulam Can Kratom Infused Seltzer, Delta-9 drinks, and other cannabis products as well for you to choose from. Moreover, they prioritize their customers’ well-being by providing lab-tested products, thus ensuring a safe and reliable experience.
Most Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Can you drink weed?
Yes, you can definitely consume weed in the form of infused beverages. These beverages have cannabis extract or concentrate and are mixed with other ingredients like flavorings, etc., to enhance the drink.
Q2. Can you drink weed like tea?
Yes, you can drink weed like tea. You can infuse it into hot water and add it with other ingredients like herbs or spices such as cardamom, etc. You can also add sweeteners, lemon or other such flavorings to enhance its taste.
Q3. How long do THC-infused drinks last?
THC-infused drinks can last up to one year if they are sealed. However, different brands have different shelf life periods or expiry dates. You can store your drink in a cool and dark place to slow its degradation.
Q4. How long do THC drinks take to feel?
It can take from 15 to 20 minutes after consumption to feel the effects of THC-infused drinks. Depending on the brand, dosage, and other such factors, it might also take hours before you can feel its effects.
