The Ultimate Guide to THC Drinks | Discovery The New Craze

THC beverages are rapidly redefining our social drinking experiences. At Spindletap, we’ve already produced several unique batches of THC-infused mocktails, and interest has exploded at the brewery since its launch. But alongside that excitement, we’ve also noticed a lot of misconceptions about cannabis drinks. 

Some of the most common questions we’ve received are: “Are THC drinks healthy?” “How fast will I feel the THC buzz?” and “Do THC drinks even taste good?” Let’s dive in.

Wellness and Relaxation

Many THC beverages incorporate natural ingredients like adaptogens, CBD, and botanicals to promote relaxation, sleep, or focus. For those seeking therapeutic benefits, thoughtfully crafted THC drinks are a great way to support your mental well-being.

THC beverages offer additional benefits regarding physical well-being as well. First, they help eliminate the harsh effects that smoking and vaping have on the lungs. They can also help reduce alcohol consumption, which, in excess, can lead to many negative short- and long-term health effects. Considering all this, THC drinks may be the healthiest option when it comes to cannabis consumption and social drinking.

Fast-Acting Effects

How long do THC drinks take to kick in? One of the most notable advantages of cannabis beverages is their rapid onset. This is due to how liquid-based cannabinoids are produced — nano-emulsification — and then absorbed by our digestive systems. 

Precise dosing, in addition to the fast-acting cannabinoids, leads to a more predictable experience with less risk of overconsumption. Like beer, THC drinks are designed for accuracy. Each bottle or can should clearly state the amount of THC it has per serving, allowing you to control your intake. 

Great Flavor + An Elevated Social Experience

Picture yourself at a party, it doesn’t matter if it’s in a backyard or an elegant reception hall. In your hand is a THC-infused beverage — sparkling with citrus, kissed by herbal notes, or layered with rich botanicals. From zesty blends and infusions to fruity mixes with subtle, sophisticated notes, a great THC drink will provide memorable and next-level flavors. 

And best of all, that drink becomes more than just a drink — it’s an experience, an indulgence, no different than a masterfully curated cocktail or the finest glass of wine you’ve ever tasted. But this time, your buzz will be lighter, your mind will stay clear, and there won’t be any hangovers waiting for you on the other side.

While THC beverages offer a modern and enjoyable drinking experience, it's essential to discuss the potential risks as well. Just like with any substance, responsible use is key with cannabis drinks. Understanding the risks will help you make better, more informed decisions.

Some of the most common concerns we hear about THC drinks are: “Can you drink too much THC?” “Can I mix THC drinks with my medication?” and “Will I become addicted to cannabis drinks?” Let’s dive in.

Overconsumption and Prolonged/Delayed Effects

With more cannabis drinks resembling cocktails or soft drinks, yes, it is easy to consume them too quickly. Such overconsumption can become problematic for many reasons, especially if you need to drive, care for loved ones, or return to work before the buzz wears off. It’s important to wait 30-60 minutes between drinks to control and understand your reaction to each drink.

But if I have to wait 30-60 minutes between drinks, then how long do THC drinks take to wear off? Good question. This varies, so remember to pace yourself and monitor your reactions.  Prolonged effects do happen, and you want to stay aware of them to ensure the safest and most enjoyable THC drinking experience possible. 

Speaking of prolonged effects, some THC drinks can also have delayed effects, meaning they take longer than expected to hit. When consumed alongside a heavy meal, for example, cannabis beverages may initially feel weak or ineffective, leading to overconsumption. Because of this, we always recommend sticking to the 30-60 Rule to avoid feeling the THC effects too quickly, too slowly, or for too long. 

THC Interactions with Alcohol, Prescription Medication, and Mental Health 

Mixing THC beverages with alcohol is often known as cross-fading and can intensify your intoxication effects, such as dizziness, sedation, or nausea. This article from GoodRX notes that “over time, consuming cannabis and alcohol together can increase your risk of mental health problems and substance use disorders.” It’s typically not recommended to mix alcohol with THC, as research shows that combining THC and alcohol impairs driving performance, with worse performance during nighttime simulations.

If you’re taking prescription medication, be sure to consult with a doctor before consuming THC products to avoid dangerous interactions. Similarly, those who experience anxiety, panic attacks, or certain mental health conditions are recommended to consult with their healthcare provider before consuming cannabis drinks. It’s possible that even a small amount of THC can trigger unwanted psychological responses, and overconsumption can cause paranoia, confusion, or short-term memory impairment.

Dependency and Accidental Consumption

Though cannabis is generally considered less addictive than, say, alcohol, the possibility remains that regular or excessive use of THC beverages could lead to psychological dependence. If you find yourself believing that you need a THC drink to manage stress, sleep, or social anxiety,  it’s important to seek help. Responsible drinking is something we have to practice every time we pick up or even crave a drink.

The opposite of dependency drinking would be accidental consumption. For example, THC beverages, especially those in sleek, modern packaging, can be mistaken as soda. That means there’s a serious risk of accidental consumption. Please be sure to store your THC drinks completely out of the reach of children and label them for uninformed guests.

• Start with a low dose and wait at least 30–60 minutes before drinking more. These drinks might be fast-acting, but the full effects can sometimes build gradually. 
• Read the labels and check THC content per serving as well as the total in the container to avoid accidental overconsumption.
• Enjoy your drink in a safe setting, especially if you're new to THC beverages.
• Drink water and have a light snack to balance your buzz.
• Arrange for a sober ride or stay put until you’re fully sober.
• Keep THC drinks out of a child’s reach + label them to prevent accidental consumption.
• If you have anxiety or other mental health concerns, consult with a doctor first.
• It’s not a competition. Respect your limits, as everyone’s tolerance level is different.
• Stay informed about local cannabis laws and consumption rules in your area.

THC Beverages Explained

Wow! That was a lot to go over, but we hope you’re feeling more informed about THC-infused drinks. As with any indulgence, balance and mindfulness are essential. Cannabis drinks offer many great social, wellness, and physical health benefits but can also come with risks similar to alcohol consumption. Understanding both will hopefully guide you to make a more informed decision the next time you see a THC-infused drink in a friend’s fridge or on the menu.