TL;DR:
THC drinks are generally safe for most people when made by reputable manufacturers and used in moderation. They offer quicker onset than edibles and fewer long-term health risks than alcohol but can cause side effects if overused.
- Effects include relaxation, mood boost, and altered perception
- Kick in faster than edibles but last for hours
- Common side effects: dry mouth, anxiety, sluggishness
- Safer alternative to alcohol for some users
- Always check dosage and avoid overconsumption
Are THC drinks bad for you? The short answer is no, not for most people. The slightly longer answer is: No, as long as they’re made by a reputable manufacturer that follows best practices, go through third-party lab testing, and are consumed in moderation.
Of course, there can be drawbacks to some THC drinks, just like there are drawbacks with alcoholic beverages and many other substances. However, many THC drinks are safe and offer unique benefits when compared to alcohol and even other types of cannabinoid products.
Let’s take a closer look at THC drinks and the reasons so many users enjoy them. Then, we’ll dive into a more detailed answer to the question “Are THC drinks bad for you?”
Key Info on THC Drinks
THC drinks are one of many ways to consume cannabinoids, the major active chemicals found in cannabis and hemp plants. You can think of THC drinks as a delivery system for cannabinoids. They have the same big-picture effects as other cannabinoid products, although the experience can be a little different than with vaping or edibles.
Cannabinoids interact with the body’s natural endocannabinoid system to produce desirable psychoactive effects like:
- Relaxation
- Elevated mood
- Enhanced sense of creativity
- Altered senses, like a perception of brighter colors or stronger flavors in food
THC technically refers to Delta 9 THC, the most prevalent cannabinoid in cannabis plants. In more casual conversations, THC may be used to refer to a wide range of cannabinoids. That includes chemicals that are very similar to Delta 9 THC but chemically and legally distinct from it, like Delta 8 and HHC.
That distinction is important because cannabis (defined as containing more than 0.3% Delta 9 THC by dry weight) is illegal federally but legal on the state level, for medical and/or recreational use, in about half of all US states.
Hemp, which is a common source for Delta 8 and many other cannabinoids, is legal federally and in many states, but illegal on the state or local level in a handful of states.
What Makes THC Drinks Unique?
THC drinks stand out because they act faster than edibles, but offer a longer-lasting experience and a more gradual onset and end of effects than smoking or vaping. Because the active ingredients are contained in liquid, the body has less work to do to deliver those ingredients to the bloodstream and cannabinoid receptors as compared to edibles.
As Harvard Health Publishing points out, THC drinks can kick in as fast as 15-20 minutes for some users. On the other hand, edibles usually take 30-90 minutes to start working. In both cases, the effects last for several hours. You can think of THC drinks as standing in the middle ground between edibles and smoking or vaping.
THC drinks can also be a more social option than edibles. While everyone taking an edible together can be a fun group experience, it’s over quickly. Sitting back and relaxing with THC drinks among a group of friends often leads to interesting conversations and a cheerful atmosphere.
Finally, it can be easier to pace yourself with a THC drink than with edibles because drinks have a much larger volume. It’s all too easy to eat an edible right away or take several puffs from a vape or pipe. You can chug a THC drink, of course, but it’s also easy to sip slowly and let the effects start to wash over you.
THC Drinks Bad For You? Not Usually
Are drinks like THC seltzers safe?
THC and similar cannabinoids are normally well tolerated by generally healthy people. That’s usually the case when users don’t take too high a dose and don’t drive, operate heavy machinery, or take on any other potentially dangerous tasks after imbibing.
A standard THC drink contains about 5 mg of THC per serving. However, some beverages designed for seasoned users are much more potent. These go up to 100 mg of cannabinoids per serving and even higher.
Always check the label to see how potent a specific drink is, and think of a 5 mg serving as mildly strong. For the most control, make your own THC drinks to precisely monitor your dosage.
THC Drink Side Effects
THC drink side effects are similar to those of cannabinoids in general, and can include:
- Anxiety
- Sluggishness
- Paranoia
- Dry mouth
- Red or itchy eyes
These side effects tend to be more common at higher doses in general and especially when people who are not used to cannabinoids take too high a dose. One of the most common ways drinks like THC seltzers can be bad for you is when too much of the active ingredient is consumed, and the side effects become too intense.
Our advice is to moderate your intake and get comfortable with how you react to THC before reaching for a second or third drink, or mixing THC drinks with edibles, vaping, or smoking.
THC Drinks as a Less-Harmful Alternative
Alcohol is incredibly popular and well-tolerated by generally healthy people in moderate doses. However, excessive alcohol use can lead to serious impairment in the short term, hangovers the day after, alcohol poisoning, and even serious health issues in the long term when consumed often.
One way to consider whether THC-infused drinks are bad for you is from a harm-reduction perspective. As USA Today points out, THC and similar cannabinoids are popular among some users because they don’t lead to the same health issues as alcohol. While they present their own risks, especially with excessive consumption, these drinks do not cause hangovers, for example.
FAQs About THC Drinks
Is THC Liquid Good for You?
THC drinks and liquids may help with pain relief, relaxation, and generally elevate mood. In these ways, it can be seen as good for the users who feel these effects.
Are THC Drinks Healthier Than Alcohol?
THC drinks can cause negative side effects like anxiety or sluggishness, but do not present the same health issues as alcohol.
Do THC Drinks Affect the Liver?
THC is metabolized by the liver. Excessive, frequent use may lead to liver issues, although moderate use by generally healthy people does not appear to be a major cause for concern.
The Best THC Drinks From Delta 8 Resellers
Delta 8 Resellers is proud to offer hemp-based, THC-infused beverages and other cannabinoid products, along with the independent lab test results for these products whenever available. That means you can look into their potency, contents, and purity before choosing whether to purchase and enjoy them.
Make an informed choice about THC drinks and shop our selection of infused beverages!
