Traditional “Stoners” are not the only ones to appreciate cannabis these days. An extended demography has been interested in the psychoactive drug, in particular in the form of canned drinks.
Drinks infused by THC or hemp are not new in the cannabis industry, but have taken off in recent years, in particular since the entry into force of the 2018 Bill Farm, which has declassified hemp as medication of annex 1. Now, products derived from hemp, which can contain small doses of THC, are available in the United States, even in states where medical and recreational marijuana is not legal.
New York resident Collin Hadley was a social marijuana smoker for about 10 years before taking a step back, concerning the frequency of inhalation that affected his pulmonary health. When he saw Seltzer cans infused with THC in his local supermarket, he decided to give them a shot.
“It seemed to be the ideal way to obtain the soothing effects of THC without damaging my lungs or diet in any way (sugar -free options),” Hadley told USA Today.
While DOCKs infused with THC continue to become more accessible, here is what you need to know about drinks.
What are the drinks infused by THC?
Drinks infused with THC are said in two categories: drinks made with regulated marijuana and those made with THC derived from hemp. Drinks containing regulated marijuana are only legal in states where medical and / or recreational marijuana is authorized. They can only be purchased in approved marijuana dispensaries.
On the other hand, drinks made with hemp derived THC are more accessible. They are commonly found in convenience stores and convenience stores, supermarkets and can also be purchased online – accessible in certain states where medical and / or recreational marijuana is not even legal.
With the declassification of hemp as medication of Annex 1 as part of the 2018 FARM Bill, hemp products are legal, as long as they contain 0.3% or less of the THC (tetrahydrocannabinol). THC, is the substance which is mainly responsible for the psychoactive effects of marijuana.
Drinks infused with THC tend to reflect alcoholism and popular sparks. For example, the brand of drinks derived from the hemp Happy Flower offers flavors like Margarita and Daiquiri strawberry.
The singer and songwriter Country Willie Nelson has also just entered the Thc drinks game, releasing Willie + remedy in March. Sold in less than a month, Willie’s Remedy + is marketed as a “social tonic”, and the Willie’s Remedy + website encourages consumers to take advantage of a 1.5 ounce alone, sip on ice or a mixture in a cocktail.
Why do ThC infused drinks increase in popularity?
The continuous increase in alcohol prices, the desire of young people for a healthier lifestyle and the increased number of opportunities that can be appreciated in relation to alcohol are some of the reasons why drinks infused by THC are becoming more and more popular.
A survey in 2024 conducted by Loan Marketplace Lendingtree revealed that 64% of alcohol drinkers expressed the desire to reduce because of their physical health, while 41% cited their finances.
Listen: Cannabis drinks increase in popularity | The extract
“Alcohol tends to be quite expensive,” said Matt Schulz, chief analyst in Lendingtree’s consumer finance, in a blog article. “When inflation increases and interest rates increase, there may not be so much space in the alcohol budget.”
In addition, young people turn away from alcohol more frequently. The Lendingtree survey revealed that 53% of the Gen Zers who consume alcohol intended to reduce or stop drinking entirely in 2024.
“Generations seem to have only more and more concerned about health: millennials with their lawyers and their group fitness … Gen Z (walking) far from alcohol,” Hadley told USA Today.
Most of the DOCs infused with THC have little to zero calories, which become greater for consumers, told USA Today, co-founder of KITES infused with Thc. Meanwhile, it can be difficult to find a tasty alcoholic drink with weak calories.
There are also more acceptable moments for consuming a drink infused with THC, unlike alcohol, including for sleep, concentration, relaxation and of course, socialization, added Selix.
How are alcohol and THC drinks different?
From the start, alcohol and drinks infused by THC are different because the effects of alcohol can start between 15 and 45 minutes and the THC consumed because a drink can take between 30 minutes and two hours, reports online Eatingwell.
Regarding long -term effects, frequent and heavy consumption of alcohol can cause serious health problems such as liver disease, heart problems, increased cancer risk and damage to the nervous system. Marijuana, especially edible products, can lead to more mental health problems, such as psychosis, anxiety and memory loss. Largely, there is less research on how marijuana affects the body than alcohol.
But perhaps the most notable difference is the way consumers feel the next day.
“I always want escape, but when I drink … I feel slow the next day,” said Selix. “And these (drinks infused with THC) … do not make me, personally, feel as slow or also tired.”
Try an infused THC drink for the first time? Here are some beginner tips
Do you want to try an infused THC drink in an approved marijuana dispensary or a hemp derived drink in a local alcohol store? Here are some tips for new consumers:
-
Start low and go slowly. If you are new in the THC derived from marijuana or hemp, start with a low dose (no more than 5 milligrams) and wait at least 1 to 2 hours before consuming more.
-
Buy from renowned manufacturers. If you buy a drink derived from hemp from anywhere other than a approved marijuana dispensary, such as an alcohol store or online, do research. Make sure the company you buy is legitimate and according to federal and state law.
This story has been updated to repair a typo.
Greta Cross is a journalist with a national tendency to USA Today. History idea? Send him an email to gcross@usatuday.com.
This article originally appeared on USA Today: why some can choose drinks on alcohol CE 4/20
