Because they contain delta 9 THC, which is psychoactive, THC drinks may create euphoria, relaxation, and the other effects commonly associated with cannabis consumption. Research suggests THC has therapeutic potential for both mental and physical uses.
In this article, we’ll answer questions related to the effects and benefits of THC drinks.
What Are THC Drinks?
THC-infused drinks are beverages that have been infused with tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), a naturally-occurring cannabinoid in the cannabis sativa plant.
While cannabis is federally illegal, hemp, a variant of cannabis that contains less than 0.3% THC, is legal on the federal level. This means hemp-derived THC drinks are federally legal.
THC drinks come in many forms, including teas, sodas, seltzers, sparkling waters, and more. Compared to THC edibles, THC drinks are faster-acting.
The relaxing, euphoric effects of THC makes these beverages a great alternative to alcohol. Unlike alcohol, THC drinks don’t create a hangover the next morning, and next-day effects are uncommon – especially with low-dose THC drinks.
What Are The Effects of THC Drinks?
The primary effects THC drinks offer are euphoria and relaxation, as well as slight sedation in some cases. THC drinks generally begin working in 15-20 minutes, and their effects last for 4-6 hours after kicking in.
THC is known for its soothing effects on the mind and body, and THC drinks create these feelings just as other THC products do.
However, the specific effects of a THC beverage are dependent on its potency and whether it contains other cannabinoids.
THC Drink Effects Based on Strength
THC drinks come in many different potencies. Here’s a bit about what you can expect from a few of the most common beverage strengths.
5mg THC Drink Effects
Low dose THC drinks containing 2, 3, or 5 milligrams of THC are designed to create a very mild relaxing feeling, akin to a slight alcohol buzz.
5mg THC drinks are a popular choice among people looking for a healthier alternative to alcohol. They promote mild relaxation without inducing a powerful head high, making them great for social occasions.
10mg THC Drink Effects
10mg THC drinks are the step up from low-dose strings, perfect if you’re looking for a noticeable head effect.
These beverages will provide a strong enough head high to create strong relaxation and euphoria, but not so much that you experience the couchlock or drowsines associated with much larger doses.
25mg THC Drink Effects
If you’re an experienced THC connoisseur or you’re looking to use THC drinks for therapeutic use, 25mg THC drinks and other drinks containing larger doses will provide you with the effects you’re looking for.
25mg THC drinks will render a deeply relaxing head and body high, making them ideal for evening use.
Side Effects of THC Drinks
Delta 9 THC, the primary ingredient in cannabis-infused beverages, is generally safe and well-tolerated.
However, THC drinks have the potential to create the following side effects:
- Dizziness & lightheadedness
- Paranoia & anxiety
- An increase in heart rate
- Drowsiness
- Dry mouth
- Dry eyes
- Inability to concentrate
- Nausea
To avoid these side effects, opt for low-dose beverages if you’re not used to THC. Or, if your beverage is stronger, split it with a friend or save the rest for later (THC drinks maintain their potency for 2-3 days in the fridge).
How Do THC Drinks Work?
THC drinks and other cannabis and hemp products work by interacting with your endocannabinoid system (ECS), a receptor system in your body responsible for regulating your vital functions, including mood, sleep, inflammatory response, and more.
The purpose of the ECS is to keep your mind and body balanced. However, during times of mental or physical unbalance (e.g. stress, pain, etc.), introducing outside cannabinoids can support this system in its function.
Delta 9 THC binds strongly to the CB1 receptors within your ECS, which are associated with mental effects. This is how THC drinks create a euphoric, relaxing head high and all of the associated therapeutic benefits.
Why THC drinks work faster than edibles
THC drinks begin working in just 15-20 minutes, while THC edibles take 45 minutes to 1 hour to kick in.
The reason for this is that THC drinks are made with a process known as nanoemulsion. In this process, THC is broken up into very small particles and enclosed in small “capsules” that are water-soluble, or able to dissolve in water.
Because the THC is water-soluble, it’s absorbed by your body’s tissues immediately and passed to the bloodstream quickly.
So while THC drinks and THC edibles both have to pass through your digestive system, THC drinks can pass throughout your body more quickly, thereby rendering effects sooner.
THC drinks also tend to be more potent than THC edibles due to this more efficient circulation.
For more, check out our article on the differences between THC drinks vs edibles.
Potential Benefits of THC Drinks
While many people love THC drinks for recreational and social use, research suggests they bring many therapeutic benefits to the table, too:
- Stress & Anxiety: Research on THC for anxiety shows that it may either be beneficial or detrimental, depending on how much you take. A Yale School of Medicine study found that THC may exert anxiety-reducing effects at smaller doses [1]. Larger doses may cause anxiety.
- Pain: Several studies have indicated that THC has potential analgesic (pain-reducing) properties, which may be due in part to its psychoactive effects [2].
- Nausea: In a 2010 study from a major research institute in Barcelona, Spain, a THC:CBD mix exerted antiemetic (anti-nausea and vomiting) effects [3].
- Sleep: Anecdotally, THC may promote restful sleep through its euphoric, relaxing effects. In a 2022 study by three Australian researchers, medical cannabis improved both duration and quality of sleep [4].
- Appetite: THC’s ability to stimulate appetite is the origin of the term “munchies,” which refers to the feeling of hunger you get after smoking cannabis. However, researchers also have investigated this effect for therapeutic applications. A 1994 study by the Cleveland Clinic found that THC may have appetite-stimulating properties [5].
Where to Buy The Best THC Drinks
If you’re looking for the best THC drinks, our selection of hemp-derived delta 8 and delta 9 beverages is the place to start.
We carry THC teas, seltzers, and waters from brands like 8th Wonder, 3Chi, Third Coast Blends, and Stoned, and each and every product is 3rd-party lab tested and made with American-grown hemp.
Every product we select and sell brings great flavors, potent cannabinoid blends, and consistent quality to the table.
Conclusion: How Do THC Drinks Make You Feel?
In short, THC drinks make you feel amazing. They offer the relaxation of alcohol without all of the downsides, making them great for social settings, and they pack a whole host of therapeutic benefits, too.
Whether you’re trying to party healthier or promote mental and physical comfort, THC drinks are a potent and fast-acting way to get the feelings you crave.
THC Drink Effects: Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some questions our customers frequently ask us about the effects of THC drinks.
What are the benefits of drinking THC drinks?
THC drinks may promote feelings of relaxation and euphoria, and research suggests THC has therapeutic potential for sleep, pain, and more.
What effect does THC seltzer have?
THC seltzers promote euphoria and relaxation – effects similar to THC edibles and other THC products.
Is THC syrup stronger than edibles?
THC syrup may be stronger than THC edibles is it is made with nanoemulsion, a process that makes THC soluble in water, rather than fat, which makes it able to circulate more easily throughout your body.
What is the shelf life of THC drinks?
If stored in a cool, dry place away from sunlight, shelf-stable THC drinks can last for up to 1 year.
Sources
[1] Lichenstein, Sarah D. “THC, CBD, and Anxiety: A review of recent findings on the anxiolytic and anxiogenic effects of cannabis’ primary cannabinoids.” Current addiction reports vol. 9,4 (2022): 473-485. doi:10.1007/s40429-022-00450-7
[2] Bains S, Mukhdomi T. Medicinal Cannabis for Treatment of Chronic Pain. [Updated 2022 Dec 12]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK574562/
[3] Duran, Marta et al. “Preliminary efficacy and safety of an oromucosal standardized cannabis extract in chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting.” British journal of clinical pharmacology vol. 70,5 (2010): 656-63. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2125.2010.03743.x
[4] Ried, Karin et al. “Medicinal cannabis improves sleep in adults with insomnia: a randomised double-blind placebo-controlled crossover study.” Journal of sleep research vol. 32,3 (2023): e13793. doi:10.1111/jsr.13793
[5] Nelson, K et al. “A phase II study of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol for appetite stimulation in cancer-associated anorexia.” Journal of palliative care vol. 10,1 (1994): 14-8.
