Do THC-Infused Drinks Get You High?

Heard the buzz about THC drinks and wondering what all the fuss is about? We break down how they work, what to expect, and where to get them so you can cut straight to the good part.

Key Takeaways

• THC-infused drinks can get you high because THC is a psychoactive compound.
• The effects of THC drinks are often described as mild euphoria, relaxation, and altered sensory perception.
• The effects often kick in faster than with traditional edibles, but often aren't as intense or long-lasting.
• Taking a higher dose generally causes more intense effects, as does having a lower tolerance.
• It's generally advised to start with a low dose, as you can always take more if you need.

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Consuming THC Beverages

Meredith Farrow, founder of Clean Remedies, says:

"THC drinks can get you high. However, the exact effects can vary based on several factors, including the dose and your tolerance to THC."

THC drinks are having a moment. A decade ago, you'd have been hard-pressed to find a THC drink. Today, millions of people are enjoying them across the country.

People consume THC beverages for all kinds of reasons. Some people take THC for things like pain, relaxation, or sleep.

One of the most common reasons people drink THC drinks, though, is for the plain fun of it. In other words, people drink THC drinks to get high.

That's right. THC-infused drinks can get you high.

However, the specific effects of a particular THC beverage may vary based on several factors. Some of those factors concern the drink itself, such as any other ingredients it may contain and the THC dosage. Others involve you, such as your tolerance, body weight, and metabolism.

If you're considering trying THC drinks, it's worth knowing exactly how they work and what to expect.

How THC Drinks Work

THC's full name is tetrahydrocannabinol. It's the primary psychoactive compound produced by cannabis plants or hemp plants.

THC has psychoactive effects. In other words, it can get you high.

When you consume THC, your body sends it to the liver. There, it's converted into 11-hydroxy-THC, a metabolite that's even more potent than the THC itself.

Delta-9 THC vs Delta-8 THC

There are actually a few different kinds of THC. The most common type, and the one most people are referring to when they say "THC," is Delta-9 THC. Delta-9 THC is also the most-studied form of THC.

Another increasingly popular variant is called Delta-8 THC. It's structurally very similar to Delta-9 THC, and has very similar effects. Many users find Delta-8 THC's effects to be milder, which is why it's sometimes called "diet weed."

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The Effects of THC Drinks

So what are the effects of THC, exactly? We've repeatedly noted that it is psychoactive and can get you high. But what does that mean?

What to Expect

Well, it's actually quite hard to give a solid answer. THC's effects can vary quite widely. One of many different factors, from the food you ate that day to your mood in the moment, can influence the effects you feel after drinking a THC drink.

Still, there are some common throughlines. Things you can generally expect.

Many people describe sensations of euphoria, relaxation, and altered perception. Remember, THC is intoxicating.

If you've tried THC before, you have a good idea what to expect. But THC drinks aren't the same as other forms of THC.

For instance, many people find that THC beverages provide a lighter, more social high compared to traditional edibles. That's one of the reasons THC drinks are becoming so popular as a recreational drink.

THC drinks also often produce effects faster than other edibles, because your stomach can absorb the liquid faster than a solid edible. If you consume a THC drink on an empty stomach, that process generally happens even faster.

Some THC drinks use special nanoemulsification technology to help mix the THC with water. This can help deliver the THC more quickly than traditional edibles.

Most people begin to feel the effects of a THC drink 15-30 minutes after taking it. You should allow up to 60 minutes to feel the full effects of your THC drink.

Those effects usually last between 2-6 hours. However, that can vary.

What Can Influence the Effects

Many factors can influence the effects of THC drinks, including how quickly they manifest and how long they last. For example, we already noted how an empty stomach can speed up the onset of your high.

Another important factor is tolerance. As you use THC more frequently, you develop a tolerance. Generally, people with a higher tolerance require higher doses of THC to feel the effects.

If you're new to THC drinks, it's a good idea to start with a low dose. Something like 2.5-5 mg is often a good starting place for beginners.

Most THC drinks contain 5-10 mg of THC. 10 mg is a pretty standard dose, but might be considered high for an inexperienced user.

However, THC drinks can vary widely in terms of dosage. Some might contain as little as 2.5 mg. Others might contain as much as 100 mg.

It's really important to carefully evaluate your personal experience with THC before you consume THC beverages. Remember, you can always drink more if needed. Starting low and going slow is a key tenet of responsible consumption.

Other factors can influence the effects of your THC drink, too. People with faster metabolisms, for example, may metabolize THC faster.

Another example is what you combine the THC with.

Some THC beverages include other cannabinoids. CBD, or cannabidiol, is one common example.

Adding CBD to a THC drink provides various potential benefits. For one thing, you get all the potential benefits of CBD itself, which range from promoting relaxation to supporting quality sleep and more.

THC Drinks vs. Alcohol

Mixing THC drinks with alcohol can increase the risks of intoxication. Many people use THC drinks as an alternative to alcohol, rather than something to be used in conjunction with alcoholic beverages.

In fact, THC drinks are often seen as healthier than alcohol. In one survey, almost three-quarters of people who use THC said they believe it's a healthier option than drinking alcohol.

Are Hemp-Derived THC Drinks Federally Legal?

We already distinguished between different types of THC. It's also important to distinguish between THC based on its origin.

You might hear some people refer to THC drinks as "hemp beverages." Others might refer to them as "cannabis drinks," "cannabis beverages," or "cannabis-infused drinks."

Each drink has the same THC. The difference is where that THC came from.

Cannabis-infused beverages derive their THC from cannabis plants. Hemp-derived drinks get their THC from, well, hemp.

Many states have legalized recreational cannabis. But under federal law, cannabis remains a controlled substance.

That's not the case with hemp. Ever since the 2018 Farm Bill, hemp has been federally legal. However, under federal law, hemp must contain less than 0.3% THC.

You can still create THC drinks from hemp, though. All manufacturers need to do is collect the CBD from hemp and convert it to THC. The resulting THC is considered hemp-derived and, therefore, federally legal.

That said, states have varying laws on the legality of THC drinks. Some states restrict certain hemp products, too. Make sure to check your local laws before purchasing THC drinks.

Where to Get High-Quality THC Drinks

Today, there are all kinds of THC drinks to choose from. You can get sodas, teas, mocktails, THC seltzers, and more.

Those are all great. But what if you want to make them all?

That's where a drink mix comes in. With a THC drink mix, you can make your own THC-infused drinks. Sodas, teas, mocktails... Whatever your heart desires. (And the kitchen can accommodate.)

Clean Remedies' Delta-9 THC Drink Mix is a carefully formulated blend of THC and CBD. All you need to do is mix three scoops with 4-6 oz of water for a delicious ritual of balance without the buzz. If you want a lower dose, simply add less of the mix.

"The unique ratio of CBD to THC delivers a nice cushion, allowing the THC to work with a softer feeling," explains Clean Remedies founder Meredith Farrow. "I like to get about an 8 oz cup of water. Take the desired amount based on the directions, scoop it into my drink, mix it up, and drink it throughout the day. This provides me with an overall calming sensation."

Conclusion

THC drinks can get you high. The exact effects depend on a number of factors, including the dose and your tolerance. It's always best to start low and drink more if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do THC Drinks Give You a Buzz Like Alcohol?

No, THC drinks don't give you a buzz like alcohol. The effects are different. Many THC drink users report sensations of euphoria, relaxation, and altered perception.

Are THC Drinks As Strong As Edibles?

THC drinks are a kind of edible. However, they're generally not as intense or long-lasting as traditional edibles.

Do THC Drinks Get You Stoned?

Yes, THC drinks can get you stoned. THC is a psychoactive compound and can get you high.

Keep Reading: Is 100mg THC a Lot? Breaking Down Dosage

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