The “buzz” about cannabis-infused drinks (Safer than alcohol?)

With all the recent health warnings about alcohol, many people are choosing to drink less—or drop the habit completely.

However, many still chase that familiar “buzz.” And cannabis-infused beverages are the newest enticing option…

From THC sodas and sparkling tonics to cannabis cocktails and shots, these drinks are trending fast as an alcohol-free alternative. (“California sober,” anyone?)

But before you make the swap, remember: just because they’re alcohol-free doesn’t mean they’re risk-free.

Let’s talk about it…

A slower hit, but a stronger punch

The cannabis plant contains more than 100 naturally active compounds called cannabinoids. The two most well-known are THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol).

THC is psychoactive and produces the classic cannabis “high,” whereas CBD is non-intoxicating.

Of course, unlike smoking or vaping cannabis—which delivers effects almost immediately—cannabis-infused beverages take some time, similar to edibles and capsules.

Effects typically take 30 minutes to 2 hours to set in—though this varies by person.

And honestly, this delayed “buzz” can make it easy to ingest too much—especially when it comes to THC—until suddenly, you’re hit with more than you bargained for.

(Arguably, this is similar to drinking alcohol—the difference being that most people don’t know how much cannabis they can consume before they feel unwanted effects.)

Some people report feeling relaxed and euphoric with cannabis, but others might experience anxiety, paranoia, dizziness, or nausea. Frequent use may also affect memory, mood, and motivation—or increase risk of dependency.

While cannabis addiction is far less common than alcohol dependence, research shows that up to 3 in 10 users struggle with cannabis-use disorder. And we still don’t know how regular consumption of cannabis-infused drinks might change those numbers.

The can isn’t always clear

Since cannabis laws vary by state, the beverage industry is like the Wild West when it comes to regulations. Some states enforce strict testing and labeling requirements, whereas others don’t.

If you’re trying a cannabis-infused beverage, stick with a reputable brand with transparent labeling. Otherwise, you might be unknowingly consuming unlisted ingredients like pesticides, solvents, or other chemical residues.

I also encourage you to be mindful of the dose.

I suggest taking it slow—look for a product with 2.5 to 5 mg of cannabis per serving. Then, be sure to give your body time to respond before you drink more. Simply relax and see how it hits you.

Remember, the effect you get from alcohol will be different from how your body metabolizes THC or CBD. But similar to alcohol—or food—your body only speaks up after you’ve overdone it.

So, be cautious—and enjoy responsibly.

To learn more about the benefits of cannabis, how to find what cannabinoid may be right for you, and the many different delivery methods, check out the current issue of my monthly newsletter, Logical Health Alternatives (“New science confirms: This once-taboo plant is changing lives”). Click here to gain access!

Source:

“Your patients think THC drinks are healthier than alcohol. Are they?” MDLinx, 04/28/2025. (mdlinx.com/article/your-patients-think-thc-drinks-are-healthier-than-alcohol-are-they/7pY42IOZpWs2D5BDVOL7Zf)