THC Drinks vs Edibles

Cannabis can be consumed in many different ways. While some people prefer the traditional method of smoking, others gravitate toward oral consumption. If you want to start ingesting cannabis, you have two basic options: edibles and drinks. Take a look at our comprehensive comparison to determine which method is right for you.

Understanding THC Drinks and Edibles

Edibles and drinks containing tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the main psychoactive ingredient of cannabis, are becoming an increasingly popular way to consume cannabis for several reasons. Besides being convenient and discreet, they’re also less harmful to your lungs than smoking or vaping. What’s more, they make it easier to control your dosage.

Like smoking, edibles and THC drinks both let you tap into the potential therapeutic effects of cannabis. Still, there are a number of things you need to consider when choosing between the two, such as uptake time, dosage control, and overall consumption experience.

What Are THC Drinks?

THC drinks are beverages infused with THC, which is usually nano-emulsified. In other words, they’re made by breaking down THC into tiny particles so that it can blend easily with water. This means it can be absorbed quickly into the bloodstream. So, how long for THC drinks to kick in? While results can vary, it usually takes about 15 to 35 minutes.

THC-infused beverages come in many different forms, including sodas, coffees, teas, cocktails, and wellness shots. These drinks typically have a low or moderate dose of THC, which means they give you more control over your cannabis experience than edibles and smoking tend to do. They’re a wonderful way to combine the medical benefits of cannabis with the social aspect of drinking.

What Are Cannabis Edibles?

Basically, edibles are foods that contain cannabis. There’s a myriad of edibles out there, including gummies, cookies, chocolate bars, and brownies.

Edibles are infused with THC extracted from cannabis plants. When you eat them, this THC travels through your digestive tract and is metabolized in the liver before being absorbed into the bloodstream. For this reason, it can take a while before you start to feel the effects, somewhere from 45 to 90 minutes. Do THC drinks hit harder than edibles, though? It doesn’t seem like it — the effects of edibles tend to be much more intense compared to THC drink effects.

Evaluating the Experience: Flavor, Dosage, and Convenience

Drinking THC versus eating edibles is a common dilemma among people who prefer to ingest cannabis rather than smoke it. Both options have their upsides and downsides. Here are a few factors to consider when you’re choosing.

Flavor

In general, THC drinks taste like their non-THC versions. For example, THC soda tastes like soda, while THC tea tastes like tea. These beverages are usually smooth, mellow, and refreshing, making them a popular choice if you’re new to using cannabis. Like regular soda and juice, THC beverages come in different flavors to cater to varying tastes.

If you have a sweet tooth or enjoy munching on snacks, you may find cannabis edibles more appealing. While they also taste like their regular counterparts, edibles tend to have an earthy flavor that comes from the cannabis plant. However, some products do a pretty good job of covering up that earthiness with something sweet or savory.

Dosage

When we compare THC drinks and gummies or other edibles in terms of dosage control, drinks come out on top. You can sip a THC drink slowly, drink half a shot, or finish a whole bottle, depending on your preference. Whether you’re winding down after a long day or seeking a gentle lift, you’re in control of how you feel.

It’s also possible to dose cannabis edibles with precision, but it can sometimes be a little tricky. For example, most people should start out with a THC dose of 2.5 mg. If you have an edible that contains 10 mg of THC, you need to split it into four to get to that typical starting dose. With a THC beverage, you can simply take half a shot.

Duration

THC beverages kick in much more quickly than edibles, but their effects also tend to fade more quickly. So, how long do THC drinks last? Usually, the window is between two and four hours. In contrast, the effects of edibles can last for six to eight hours. This makes edibles a great choice if you’re using cannabis to ease chronic pain, but the long-lasting effects can be too much for some users.

Convenience

THC drinks and edibles are the most convenient and discreet cannabis consumption methods. They don’t leave any lingering smell or require you to roll a joint or find a flame. While they’re both easy to use, though, they’re better suited to different situations.

THC beverages are perfect for parties and social gatherings where everybody’s enjoying a few drinks. They blend in effortlessly in such settings, and they can be consumed without any special tools. Edibles are even more compact and portable, so you can easily bring them along when you’re traveling, hiking, or camping. They’re also shelf-stable and easy to tuck away.

Final Thoughts

Ultimately, the choice between THC beverages and edibles comes down to your personal needs and preferences. THC drinks are more suitable for functional, everyday use, as they make it easier to control your dosage and take effect more quickly. Since they’re more potent and longer-lasting, edibles are often a preferred choice for those managing pain or otherwise seeking a longer experience.

Get Expert Advice in Cincinnati, Ohio

If you’re still unsure whether you should choose THC drinks or edibles, speak to our devoted cannabis experts at UpLift, who can help you explore different cannabis consumption options and find which suits you best. As a leading cannabis dispensary in the Cincinnati area, we also offer a great selection of top-quality cannabis products, from edibles to tinctures. Browse our online menus or get in touch online, by phone, or by email and see what we have to offer.

CBD and THC Gummies by Elsa Olofsson is licensed with CC BY 2.0