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Originally Posted On: https://kindmedsaz.com/blog/cannabis-drinks-guide/
The Complete Guide to Cannabis Beverages
The United States remains the largest market for cannabis drinks, with nearly $1.9 billion in sales in 2023. Cannabis beverages are quickly becoming a popular alternative to cocktails and other drinks. Whether you prefer THC-infused drinks for a pleasant buzz or CBD drinks for a uniquely relaxing experience, you can have both without the undesirable effects of alcohol.
While cannabis drinks are a wonderful addition to recreational cannabis options, they are still relatively new to many cannabis enthusiasts. In this guide, we will cover important information about these popular cannabis beverages.
Benefits of Drinking Cannabis
Before exploring the benefits of drinking cannabis, it’s worth reviewing why cannabinoids from any source can have health, therapeutic, and experiential benefits. Primarily, it’s because humans have what’s known as an endocannabinoid system, a natural set of receptors specially designed for the purpose of interacting with cannabinoid compounds. While endogenous cannabinoids (those produced within the body) are the primary target, the cannabinoid compounds in cannabis are also capable of interacting with the ECS.
These CB1 and CB2 receptors are located throughout the central nervous system, organs, and the brain. THC and CBD can either bind with or influence the chemical messages they send to affect sleep, mood, appetite, pain, and more.
Here are several key benefits of consuming the cannabinoids included in cannabis drinks.
Health Benefits
Research on cannabis and cannabinoids has frequently explored cannabis’ health benefits when it comes to sleep, especially in individuals with conditions like multiple sclerosis, PTSD, or chronic pain. These studies often show improvements in sleep quality, reduced sleep disturbances, and shorter time to fall asleep for those using cannabis-based treatments.
The positive impact on sleep is attributed to cannabis’s interaction with the body’s endocannabinoid system, which regulates various bodily functions, including sleep cycles. Individuals who suffer from anxiety, PTSD, and depression may also benefit from cannabis consumption through cannabis drinks.
Quick Absorption
New production techniques atomize cannabis, allowing it to be quickly absorbed into the bloodstream. This has benefits, both for people using cannabis for recreational reasons and for people who rely on cannabis for medicinal purposes. In addition, cannabis beverages are ingested, meaning that the body needs to metabolize the CBD or THC before it can be accessed by the ECS, breaking it down into smaller compounds that may also harbor benefits.
For this reason, many users report that the effects of cannabis beverages last longer than vaping or smoking.
CBD Infusion Potential
Cannabis drinks are often infused with CBD, a non-psychoactive cannabinoid shown to relieve stress, induce relaxation, and enhance focus. Unlike THC, CBD does not lead users to feel “high.” For people seeking the therapeutic benefits of CBD with the psychoactive side effects, CBD drinks offer clear health benefits.
Discreet Consumption
Compared to smoking or vaping, consuming a cannabis beverage is far more discreet. The cans are portable and look like a soda – they can even resemble an alcoholic beverage, which can be beneficial in some social settings where you wish to abstain from alcohol. You can also use a cannabis spirit infused with THC or even a distillate or tincture product to add cannabinoids to any drink available at social gatherings.
Precise Dosage Control
Readymade cannabis drinks come in doses that are pre-measured for convenience and safety. This allows users to control their consumption and the resulting high. If you’re someone who is looking for consistency or the ability to manage symptoms, this can be particularly useful. Cannabis beverages are required to disclose the dosage contained within the product clearly.
Variety of Flavors
Cannabis beverages offer a diverse range of flavors, making them a potentially more enjoyable and versatile option compared to smoking or vaping. Many flavors completely hide the cannabis plant flavor profile, while others highlight its distinctive taste. Whether you enjoy fruity, herbal, or earthy notes, there’s a flavor to suit your palate.
How Are Cannabis Drinks Made?
The process of making cannabis beverages is intricate and often involves several steps to ensure effectiveness and quality.
Extraction and Distillation
First, cannabis manufacturers must extract and activate the cannabinoids from the cannabis flower. Some methods use propane, butane, or carbon dioxide to strip the resinous oil glands from the cannabis plant material. These solvents create a cannabis concentrate that is rich in the desired compounds. After extraction, the concentrate undergoes a distillation process to eliminate any remaining compounds. The resulting product is a potent oil known as cannabis distillate.
Emulsification
Once the distillate is prepared, the next step involves emulsification. This process evenly distributes the cannabinoids throughout the liquid base (the main beverage). Proper emulsification ensures consumers receive a consistent dose of cannabinoids with each serving. This enhances both safety and enjoyment.
Flavoring and Testing
Flavors are added to improve the taste of the drink and add individual character to the product for branding purposes. Cannabis beverages are then tested to ensure quality, safety, and potency standards are met.
Some manufacturers employ further refinement techniques to reduce nanoscale particles and allow for more efficient absorption by the body, thus resulting in quicker onset times compared to traditional edibles.
Overall, the art and science of crafting cannabis beverages reflect a blend of traditional manufacturing practices and modern technological advancements aimed at delivering a pleasurable and effective consumption experience.
Top Four Things to Consider When Shopping for Cannabis Beverages
If you are new to shopping for cannabis drinks, you are not alone. Here are four tips to keep in mind when looking for the perfect cannabis beverage.
Consider the THC and CBD Content
Pay attention to both the THC and CBD levels. THC is the psychoactive compound that delivers the pleasurable “high” that makes cannabis beverages popular. CBD offers more calming effects without any intoxication. The ratio of the two compounds determines the resulting effects. A drink that is balanced with a 1:1 ratio will deliver many of the health benefits of cannabis, along with pleasurable relaxation.
If you are looking for something that doesn’t alter your state of mind but can deliver the health benefits of consuming cannabinoids, opt for CBD drinks. However, even if you’re looking for a high, understanding the ratio of CBD to THC can help you find the right product.
Understand the Difference Between Delta-9 and Delta-8 THC
Depending on which state you live in, you may notice that there are two types of THC cannabinoids available: Delta-9 THC and Delta-8 THC. Delta-9, as we’ve mentioned, is the primary psychoactive compound found in cannabis and is known for its strong “high.” Delta-8 may be less familiar to many consumers because it is only present in minuscule amounts in the cannabis plant and must be artificially enhanced.
Delta-8 is generally considered a milder version of THC that offers a more subdued and less intense psychoactive experience. Delta-8 may appeal to those seeking relaxation without the potent effects typically associated with traditional THC.
Because it is derived from hemp and not marijuana in many cases, it can be legally sold in many states that have not approved recreational cannabis. Just remember that Delta-8 may lead you to test positive for THC even if you do not consume Delta-9, and most reputable cannabis dispensaries – including those here in Arizona – choose to sell authentic Delta-9 THC drinks.
Determine Whether It’s an Indica, Sativa, or Hybrid Drink
Different cannabis strains affect the body differently. Knowing whether your beverage is based on a sativa-forward, indica-forward, or a hybrid cannabis strain is important because each will interact with your endocannabinoid system uniquely.
Sativa-heavy strains are often more stimulating and offer an energizing effect. This may make them more suitable for daytime activities. Indica-forward strains typically lead to a more relaxing sedative effect that makes them useful for nighttime unwinding or relaxing in general. Hybrid drinks, as one would expect, combine elements of both and deliver harmonious effects that can be altered based on the ratio of sativa to India.
Consider the Flavor and Type of Drink
Once you’ve established which cannabinoids you are looking for, you can consider the type of drink you may prefer and the flavor profile that works best for your palate. The flavor profile is an important component in the overall experience when enjoying cannabis beverages, so don’t discount its importance. You’ll often find infused tea, ginger, and fruit flavors.
Also important are the types of beverages available. Many cannabis beverages are seltzers and sparkling waters in a variety of fruity flavors. Kombuchas are becoming a popular medium for cannabis drinks as well, especially because the fermented drinks come with additional health benefits. You can also find sodas, mocktails, cocktails, and even energy drinks infused with cannabis.
Popular Cannabis Drink Options
The cannabis drink options at Kind Meds are continually rotating, so follow our online store to see what we currently offer. To give you a better idea about the potential drink options out there, here are a few of our favorite options you can find on the menu:
SIP Elixir
Each bottle of Sip is infused with pure THC distillate and naturally-derived terpenes, delivering a flavorful cannabis experience. With tropical-inspired flavors, the liquid cannabis drinks provide a potent alternative to smoking or vaping. Effects may take up to two hours to kick in, especially if you’ve eaten beforehand.
WYLD CBD Mocktail
Wyld CBD creates delicious edibles and drinks infused with real fruit and broad-spectrum hemp extract, offering high-quality products crafted in Oregon. As a Climate Neutral Certified brand, Wyld CBD is committed to providing consumers with effective, nature-inspired CBD options that reflect the region’s natural bounty. Sip on this mocktail whether you’re abstaining from alcohol or just want to relax.
Aloha Tyme Machine
Aloha offers a signature line of craft iced teas and lemonade, expertly crafted from the finest ingredients and infused with premium medical-grade, full-extract cannabis oil. Using locally harvested citrus, house-made lemonade, and organic agave nectar, these refreshing beverages deliver incredible flavor and take effect in just ten minutes.
Keef Cola
Inspired by traditional cola flavors, Keef Cola is packed with high-quality THC. The potent drink is perfect for experienced cannabis enthusiasts. Or, share one with a friend!
Cannabis Beverages FAQs:
Cannabis beverages are becoming a popular alternative for those looking to enjoy the effects of cannabis without smoking or vaping. We’ve addressed common questions about how these drinks work, their benefits, and what to expect.
What Are Cannabis Beverages?
Cannabis beverages are drinks infused with cannabis compounds like THC or CBD. These beverages offer an alternative to smoking or edibles, providing a discreet, flavorful, and convenient way to consume cannabis.
What Are the Main Benefits of Cannabis Drinks?
There are many benefits to consuming cannabis drinks. If smoking is a health concern, consuming cannabis beverages can afford a safe alternative. Cannabis drinks are also discreet, unlike a smoking device that can be seen and smelled. Advances in technology allow the active ingredients in cannabis drinks to enter the bloodstream much faster than traditional edibles.
Do Cannabis Drinks Get You High?
If a cannabis drink contains THC, the psychoactive compound in cannabis, it can produce a high. However, CBD-infused drinks, which don’t contain THC, provide relaxation and stress relief without psychoactive effects. For that reason, not all cannabis drinks get you high. In fact, there are many CBD drinks that will not alter your mental state but can offer health benefits.
How Do Cannabis Drinks Differ From Edibles or Smoking?
Unlike traditional edibles, cannabis drinks may be absorbed faster through the stomach lining, leading to quicker effects. Additionally, compared to smoking, they offer a longer-lasting and more controlled experience without the need for inhaling smoke or vapor.
Are Cannabis Beverages Safe to Consume?
Yes, cannabis beverages are generally safe when consumed responsibly. However, just like any cannabis product, it’s important to know your tolerance, start with a low dose, and be aware of the drink’s potency.
How Long Does It Take for Cannabis Drinks to Take Effect?
Cannabis beverages typically take effect within 15-45 minutes, faster than traditional edibles but slower than smoking or vaping. The effects can last anywhere from 2 to 6 hours, depending on the dosage and individual metabolism.
Can I Customize the Flavors of Cannabis Beverages?
Yes, many cannabis drinks come in a variety of flavors, including fruity, herbal, and other blends. This allows users to choose beverages that suit their taste preferences, making them a more enjoyable and customizable option for cannabis consumption. Alternatively, you might choose to add your own cannabis distillate to your beverage of choice.
Shop for Quality Cannabis Drinks in Mesa
Cannabis beverages are here to stay, and new products are released often. Customer education is very important to the team at Kind Meds. We hope this information both informs and excites you!
Our website menu features many varieties of cannabis products, and we’re always available to answer any questions you have! We hope you’ll continue to trust Kind Meds to be your trusted source for information and high-quality cannabis products.
Sources:
- Fortune Business Insights. (n.d.). Cannabis beverages market size, share & COVID-19 impact analysis, by type (alcoholic, non-alcoholic), distribution channel (mass merchandisers, specialty stores, online retail), and regional forecast, 2021-2028. Fortune Business Insights. Retrieved [date you accessed], from https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/industry-reports/cannabis-beverages-market-100738
- Pava-Ripoll, N., Blackman, M. R., Carey, G. B., Chatzistamoulou, A., Hausman, C., Karimi, R., … & Khan, N. (2021). Impact of cannabis on the cardiovascular system. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 18(9), 4783. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18094783
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. (2021, April 22). Cannabis (marijuana) and cannabinoids: What you need to know. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Retrieved [date you accessed], from https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/cannabis-marijuana-and-cannabinoids-what-you-need-to-know
