The Rise of Cannabis-Infused Beverages: What You Need to Know
It all started on a Saturday night when you were enjoying yourself with your friends. Among the fun, someone handed you a bottle of sparkling liquid. You were unsure what it was, but you still took a sip.
What seemed like a sparkling drink tasted like a fruity seltzer and gave you a cerebral buzz you had never experienced before.
It wasn’t vodka, beer, or a cocktail, so what was it? While you were wondering about the mysterious drink, someone told you that it was a cannabis-infused drink.
At that moment, you were struck with curiosity about what these buzz-worthy drinks were really and why everyone in recreational and wellness spaces was talking about them.
But worry no more, as we will answer your questions today. Let’s dive in!
What are Cannabis-Infused Drinks?
As the name implies, cannabis-infused drinks contain cannabinoids such as THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) or CBD (cannabidiol). These are the compounds that are otherwise present in the cannabis plant.
There is a wide array of beverages that can be infused with cannabis, including sodas, sparkling water, tea, coffee, juices, seltzers, and energy drinks. Thus, you can choose the infused drink of your liking to enjoy the much-needed “high” after a long day of work.
Moreover, the best part of these cannabis-infused beverages is that you can even enjoy them at a social gathering. Thus, they are a discreet way of consuming cannabis, and that too without any smoke or lingering odor, making them ideal in settings where smoking is not permitted.
Rise of Cannabis-Infused Drinks
For a long time, cannabis consumption was only associated with smoking or edibles, but now, cannabis drinks are changing the game.
The global cannabis beverages market has boomed in recent years and is still expanding rapidly. While the data varies from source to source, according to Euromonitor International, the industry can potentially reach targets of $4 billion by 2028.
On the other hand, according to Prohibition Partners, the cannabis beverage industry is projected to reach $5.8 billion by 2024.
Now, let’s take a look at the factors owing to which we have witnessed the rise in popularity of cannabis-infused drinks in the past few years:
Smoke-Free Alternative
Cannabis beverages offer a smoke-free method of consuming cannabis, making them more socially acceptable and discreet.
Thus, you can enjoy a THC cannabis-infused drink at social gatherings or parties without the stigma and strong odor associated with smoking or vaping.
Moreover, people with respiratory conditions or asthma can also enjoy the buzz with these THC drinks.
Product Variety
THC CBD drinks come in various shapes and forms, including sodas, sparkling drinks, seltzers, juices, tea, coffee, and energy drinks. Thus, you can easily choose the one that suits you.
Fast-Acting
Cannabis-infused drinks are fast-acting. They are quickly absorbed through the soft tissues of the mouth, throat, and stomach, and you can experience the onset of their effects within 15-20 minutes.
This fast onset gives them an edge over the edibles, which take longer to digest and show their effect.
If you are still craving edibles, it’s best to go for the best edibles online offered by Smokeland. They offer premium, high-quality products right at your doorstep without any hassle. Moreover, it is smart to learn about the legal limits for edibles in California if you plan on trying them in the Golden State.
Healthier Alternative to Alcohol
Cannabis-infused drinks serve as the best alternative to alcohol. Thus, anyone who wants to experience the “high” without the side effects of a hangover and excessive calories can go for the cannabis beverages.
Thus, you can enjoy cerebral buzz, physical relaxation, and ease anxiety by consuming THC drinks without the side effects of alcohol.
THC vs CBD Options
Now, with cannabis-infused beverages, it is totally up to you whether you want to go for ones containing THC, the psychoactive compound responsible for euphoria and buzz. Or you can go for CBD drinks that offer calming therapeutic effects without inducing any “high.”
If you want to learn more about the different weed strains, their total cannabinoid content, and their potential benefits, our guide will be helpful.
Technological Advancements
Nano-emulsion technology has made it possible to create water-soluble cannabis extracts. Owing to this, it has become possible to make fast-acting and smooth cannabis beverages that offer better bioavailability and an improved flavor profile.
Types of Cannabis-Infused Drinks
Right now, the market is filled with different types of cannabis beverages, and you can easily choose the one that suits your needs the best.
THC Infused Drinks
THC drinks have the psychoactive compound tetrahydrocannabinol that is responsible for the “high” or euphoria.
They vary in potency and come in both microdoses (having 2.5 to 5mg of THC) that are best suited for beginners and offer mild buzz, as well as higher THC doses (10 mg or above) that require careful and responsible dosing.
CBD Infused Drinks
CBD is a non-psychoactive compound that does not interfere with the cognitive function of the brain, making it ideal for daytime use.
These CBD drinks are well known for their calming effects and are consumed to ease anxiety, alleviate pain, and induce relaxation.
Balanced CBD and THC Drinks
These balanced CBD and THC drinks combine the best of the two worlds. They not only offer calming effects but also provide mild “high”. Thus, they are perfect for anyone looking to enjoy social gatherings without feeling overly intoxicated.
Functional and Specialty Drinks
Functional drinks are the game-changer because they contain additional ingredients like vitamins, adaptogens, or herbal extracts.
These functional drinks offer additional wellness benefits, like the ones that have ginseng in their formulation, which provides energy, and the ones that have melatonin, which helps improve sleep.
It is worth mentioning that it depends upon personal preference, individual needs, and tolerance level, which type of cannabis-infused drink you should go for. But if you are a beginner, it is best to first opt for a low-dose cannabis beverage (2.5 to 5mg of THC).
Conclusion
All in all, cannabis-infused drinks are here to stay. They offer a more discreet, socially acceptable, and flavorful way to consume cannabis.
With their fast-acting effects, wide product variety, smoke-free nature, and low caloric content, they have gained popularity, and their growth isn’t stopping anytime soon.
Remember to sip, don’t chug. And like every other cannabis product, start low, go slow, and consume these cannabis-infused drinks responsibly.
FAQs
Are THC drinks legal in Florida?
Yes, drinks infused with hemp-derived THC are legal in Florida, provided that they contain 0.3% D9 THC or less on a dry weight basis. Moreover, medical marijuana patients can get THC-infused drinks through licensed dispensaries.
How to make cannabis-infused drinks?
You can combine the cannabis-infused syrup or tincture with the beverage of your choice, like juice, sodas, etc., and stir well. Moreover, you can adjust the dosage depending on your tolerance level.
Where to buy cannabis-infused drinks?
You should buy cannabis-infused drinks from a reliable and licensed dispensary or online source. Moreover, it is best to check out the high-quality, safe, and premium cannabis-infused drinks offered by Smokeland.
How much cannabis-infused drink should I take?
It is best to start with low doses like 2.5–5mg of THC. Moreover, you should wait at least 30-60 minutes before increasing your dosage.