As the name implies, THC-infused beverages are infused with tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the compound responsible for cannabis’ psychoactive properties. Unlike hemp or CBD drinks, THC-infused beverages have THC added to them. As a result, consumers can expect to “feel” effects that fall in line with consuming a cannabis edible or smoking flower. In this blog, we’ll discuss the growth of the THC-infused beverage industry and what it means for consumers.
The THC beverage market is growing
You can find THC-infused tonics, waters, sodas, and even teas or coffees. Basically, anything you can drink can be infused with THC. Even the alcohol industry has started to invest in the space. Right now, big names like Lagunitas Brewing Company and Pabst Blue Ribbon have released their own versions of canna-beverages, and other major brands are expected to follow suit. One important note, though: it is illegal in most states to mix cannabis with alcohol so although the beverages are released by alcohol companies they do not actually contain any alcohol.
Their popularity (and subsequently, their market share) is growing, too. According to some predictions, the cannabis-infused beverage market will be worth $2.8 billion by the end of 2025. And that’s considered a conservative estimate.
Why the popularity?
At this point, determining why consumers are turning to THC-infused beverages in droves is purely speculation (and will remain so until more data is gathered.) But, there are a few theories we’ve seen floating around, which we’ll briefly touch on below.
Theory #1: Alternative to smoking. THC-infused beverages are an alternative for those who prefer not to smoke or vape. Whether for health issues or personal preference, some cannabis users seek out other intake methods, and beverages are simply one of those options.
Theory #2: Easier to dose. When it comes to traditional edibles, finding the right dose can be incredibly difficult; we’ve all heard the horror stories. Fortunately, cannabis beverages are easier to dose, so patients can incorporate cannabis into their wellness routine without having to stress about accidentally over-indulging.
Theory #3: Lower dosage. The dosages of cannabis drinks are typically much lower than they would be with edibles, flower, vapes, etc. We’ll discuss microdosing more in-depth in the next section, but many users find that they prefer canna-drinks for their microdosing properties.
Theory #4: More convenient. Everyone knows how to open a beverage and drink it, but not everyone knows how to grind flower, use wax, or bake their own cannabis brownies. Plus, beverages can be consumed more discreetly and don’t leave behind a lingering odor or residue.
More about microdosing
Microdosing involves taking a small amount of a substance — just enough for it to have some effect — but not enough to produce the drug’s full effect. In the cannabis industry, microdosing is traditionally discussed in a medical context since patients who use THC for medical purposes often don’t want to feel the euphoric effects of cannabis. And there’s data to back its efficacy.
In a 2012 study, patients with advanced cancer that wasn’t responding to traditional painkillers were given a THC/CBD compound at low, medium, and high doses. In that study, patients who received the lowest dose experienced the greatest reduction in pain, while participants who took the highest dose actually experienced more pain.
Are they “healthier” than alcohol?
Since cannabis isn’t regulated or legalized on a federal level, there isn’t enough data to determine if the long-term effects of cannabis are better for your body and brain than alcohol. But, what we can do is compare the nutritional breakdown of THC-infused beverages to a can of beer or a glass of wine for a more “apples-to-apples” comparison. For the sake of this example, we used the Blood Orange & Cardamom Cann beverage and a standard can of beer or glass of white wine.
8 oz Cann | 12 oz can of beer | 5 oz of white wine | |
Calories | 30 | 150 | 140 |
Sodium | 0g | 13mg | 7mg |
Carbs | 8g | 13g | 4g |
Sugar | 8g | 0g | 2g |
It’s worth mentioning that alcohol is responsible for approximately 95,000 deaths every year, according to the CDC — about half of those deaths can be directly attributed to binge drinking. In comparison, the number of annual deaths attributed to cannabis overdoses is zero. According to one study, a person would have to smoke approximately 1,500 pounds of cannabis in 15 minutes to die from a THC overdose.
This isn’t to say that cannabis isn’t linked to car crash fatalities or other accidents, but the direct link between lives lost and cannabis vs alcohol is clear.
A note about legal restrictions
Finally, it’s worth noting that there are currently legal restrictions on the sale (and consumption) of THC-infused beverages. If you live in a state where cannabis is legal for recreational use, you’ll be able to purchase these beverages as long as you can verify your age. If you live in a medicinal-only state you’ll need a medical card before you can enter a dispensary and purchase any cannabis products, beverages included. Finally, if you live in a state where only CBD is medically legal you’ll only have access to CBD-infused beverages.
Please check your state laws for more information on the legality of cannabis in your area, and always consume cannabis beverages responsibly.
Cannabis beverages: FAQs
What do they taste like?
While CBD and THC-infused beverages contain cannabinoids, they typically are water-soluble, so you won’t “taste” any cannabis. Always refer to the product label and ingredients for an idea of the taste of the product, as this will provide the most accurate info.
How will they make me feel?
This ultimately depends on the CBD and/or THC content of the beverage you’re drinking. Since many cannabis beverages contain 10+mg of THC, the effects you feel will be very similar to consuming cannabis in other forms, like vapes or edibles. Per Mayo Clinic, cannabis is generally considered safe, and common side effects include headaches, dry mouth and dry eyes, dizziness, drowsiness, and fatigue. If you experience any of these side effects and prefer not to experience them again, your dosage and intake method may need to be tweaked.
Do they expire?
Yes, like all food and drinks, cannabis beverages will eventually expire. The expiration date will be printed on the bottle — typically one year after testing. If you can’t find the date on the bottle, contact the manufacturer for more information. Or, use the smell and taste test — if it smells weird or tastes off, toss it down the drain. Just don’t forget to recycle the bottle.
How long will it take me to feel the effects?
Cannabis drinks typically take 15-20 minutes to start producing noticeable effects, though the exact timing depends on several factors, including the type of infusion, your metabolism, the dosage, and your personal tolerance. Here’s more tips for dosing.
Where can I purchase THC-infused beverages?
You can purchase THC-infused beverages wherever you would buy cannabis. Head to our Baltimore, Urbana, and Columbia dispensaries to see our selection of high-quality beverages, edibles, shots, and drinks.