Intro to Cannabis Beverages

Last updated September 16, 2024 | Published on February 28, 2021

What are cannabis drinks?

Discreet, convenient and smoke-free, cannabis drinks are a unique format. ​​Learn what cannabis drinks are, how they’re made, and what to consider before purchasing and consuming them.  

Cannabis drinks are beverages that contain THC, CBD or other cannabinoids. They come in a variety of flavours and formats, including:  

• sparkling and still waters 
• ready-made iced teas  
• tea bags 
• flavoured concentrates 
• flavoured carbonated beverages, sodas and seltzers 
• powder mixes 
• coffee mixes and pods  
• juices, lemonades and punches 
• malt beverages 
• ciders 

How are cannabis drinks made?

To make cannabis beverages, Licensed Producers blend cannabis extract with an emulsifier, transforming oil into a water-soluble concoction. The emulsified extract is then infused into pre-mixed waters, juices, teas and other beverages. It can also be processed into liquid drops or powders that consumers can add to their own drinks (or to foods if they prefer).  

What are the pros and cons of consuming cannabis beverages?​ 

​​Like all forms of cannabis consumption, infused beverages have their upsides and downsides. Here are some of the top ones:​​​ 

The pros 

• They’re smoke-free. Since they are ingested, not inhaled, cannabis drinks do not present the same lung health risks as other methods, such as smoking or vaping. 
• They’re precisely dosed. Compared to inhaling, drinking THC or CBD allows more control over dosage. 
• They’re familiar. From bong hits to dabbing, there’s no shortage of cannabis consumption methods requiring various levels of equipment and expertise. But sipping a drink is as achievable for most adults as it is familiar to onlookers. For some, cannabis drinks serve as an alternative to alcohol in social settings. 

The cons 

• The effects can take a while to set in. Cannabinoids (such as THC and other active ingredients) in cannabis beverages are absorbed through the digestive tract, which means initial effects can be felt as early as 30 minutes, and as late as two hours or more after consuming— much longer than the almost immediate effects from smoking. 

What are the effects of drinking THC- and CBD-infused drinks? 

Consuming any product that contains cannabinoids like THC and CBD can produce effects on your body and mind. 

The potential short-term effects of consuming cannabis include: 

• feelings of relaxation 
• sleepiness 
• loss of coordination 
• time and perception distortion 
• impaired concentration 
• anxiety and paranoia 
• increased heart rate 

How long do the effects of cannabis-infused drinks last?

​​Cannabis drinks can deliver effects that last much longer than some other modes of consumption. The full effects of THC- and CBD-infused drinks tend to peak at around four hours after consuming. Some effects, like drowsiness, can last for up to 24 hours. ​​​ 

How you'll feel after a cannabis-infused drink depends on several factors​,​ like how much THC or other cannabinoids it contains, your tolerance, and how your body processes it. If it's a high-THC drink, the effects are likely to be stronger and stick around longer. 

To minimize the risk of overconsumption, Health Canada recommends starting with a small amount (2.5 mg of THC or less), especially if you are trying a new product, and waiting to see how it affects your body before consuming more. Wait at least six to eight hours before driving, and don’t drive if you feel impaired, regardless of how long it’s been.

What should I consider when shopping for cannabis beverages?

Canada’s Cannabis Regulations allow a maximum of 10 mg THC per cannabis beverage or per unit of beverage mix (i.e. infused tea bags, powder drink mixes, etc.).  

The most cannabis an Ontario consumer can purchase in one transaction is 30 g of dried flower or its equivalent. When you purchase through OCS.ca, your total grams will be calculated for you, which is particularly handy when buying cannabis in multiple formats.  

Any tips I should know? 

• Read the product label carefully so you know how much THC and CBD it contains. If you are trying edibles for the first time, choose a product with a low level of THC or a high amount of CBD. 

• Avoid consuming cannabis and alcohol at the same time. Mixing substances may lead to extreme intoxication, dizziness and nausea, and can reduce concentration and reaction times even more than consuming cannabis or alcohol separately. Combining cannabis with alcohol can also increase the risk of psychotic symptoms in people vulnerable to them (those with a family or personal history, for instance).  

• Store your cannabis drinks safely. All cannabis products — especially edibles that look like other common food products — can be appealing to children and pets, and should be kept in a secure spot, such as a lockable container. 

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