THC Drinks Are Here… But What Do Experts Say & What Should You Know?

THC drinks are everywhere these days—dispensary shelves, upscale bars, even at some backyard gatherings. They’re being touted as a social, smoke-free way to enjoy cannabis, often compared to alcohol in how they’re consumed. But let’s be real—drinking THC isn’t the same as drinking a beer or cocktail, and if you go into it with that mindset, you might be in for a surprise.

Dr. Jon Cole, an emergency physician and medical toxicologist at Hennepin Healthcare, puts it in perspective: “People don’t go to the bar and say, ‘I’m going to have two grams of alcohol.’” With booze, most of us instinctively measure by the drink—one beer, one shot, one cocktail. THC drinks don’t work that way. The effects take longer to show up, so it’s easy to think you need another before the first one fully kicks in. “There is no way to stop the wave once it comes,” Dr. Cole warns. A lot of people feel fine at first, only to realize too late that they’ve overdone it, leading to an uncomfortable, sometimes overwhelming high.

If you’re thinking about trying one, it helps to know what you’re getting into. Let’s break it down.

How Do THC Drinks Work?

THC drinks contain water-soluble THC, which allows for faster absorption than traditional edibles. When you eat a THC-infused gummy, for example, your body processes it through digestion, which can take up to two hours to hit. But with liquid THC—especially nano-emulsified versions—the effects often kick in within 15 to 45 minutes.

That said, it’s not as instant as smoking. With a drink, there’s a delay before you feel the full effects, which can lead some people to think they need another. Dr. Cole explains, “It is less predictable than alcohol because the effects are delayed.” Unlike alcohol, where you feel a gradual buzz with each drink, THC drinks can sneak up on you. One minute you’re fine, the next you’re way higher than you intended.

Where Are THC Drinks Permitted?

The legality of THC drinks depends on where you live. Some states allow them in dispensaries, others have outright bans, and a few have created gray areas where certain forms of THC beverages can be sold legally. The 2018 Farm Bill opened the door for hemp-derived THC products to be sold in places where regular cannabis is still restricted, which is why you might see THC drinks popping up in unexpected places.

For example, Minnesota now allows liquor stores to sell THC-infused beverages, making them widely available. California, on the other hand, limits THC drink sales to licensed dispensaries to prevent easy access by minors. Some states, like Colorado and Oregon, have thriving THC beverage markets, while others are tightening regulations to prevent them from slipping through legal loopholes.

Are THC Drinks a Safe Alternative to Alcohol?

Many people are turning to THC drinks as a way to avoid hangovers and the health risks associated with alcohol. Unlike alcohol, THC doesn’t dehydrate you, and it’s less likely to cause long-term liver damage. Some users even report feeling more clear-headed the next day compared to drinking alcohol.

But that doesn’t mean they’re without risks. Overconsumption can lead to paranoia, dizziness, nausea, and an overall uncomfortable high. Dr. Cole has seen this happen firsthand. “There were patients who thought they were stopping, and then the effects start to continue to increase after they think they have stopped, and it is really unpleasant. They feel pretty miserable.”

The challenge with THC drinks is that people don’t always realize how much they’ve had until it’s too late. With alcohol, you can usually gauge when you’re getting drunk and slow down or stop. But because THC has a delayed onset, by the time you feel it, you might have already had too much.

There’s also the question of impairment. While we have a pretty clear understanding of how alcohol affects driving and motor skills, THC impairment is harder to measure. Laws around THC DUIs are strict, and it’s best to avoid driving if you’ve consumed a THC drink—just as you would with alcohol.

What to Know Before Trying THC-Infused Beverages

If you’re thinking about trying a THC drink, here’s what you should keep in mind:

• Start with a small dose. If you’re new to THC, go for 2–5mg per serving and wait at least an hour before deciding if you need more.
• Read the label carefully. Some drinks contain Delta-9 THC (the type found in marijuana), while others have Delta-8 THC (a milder version derived from hemp). Know what you’re drinking.
• Be mindful of your surroundings. If it’s your first time, don’t try it at a crowded party. Pick a setting where you feel comfortable and can relax.
• Check your state’s laws. THC drink regulations vary, and some states have stricter rules than others.
• Don’t mix with alcohol. Combining THC and alcohol can make the effects more intense and unpredictable, increasing the risk of overconsumption.

How Strong Are THC Drinks & What’s the Right Dose?

THC drinks aren’t one-size-fits-all. They come in a range of strengths, and figuring out the right amount to consume isn’t as straightforward as grabbing a beer or pouring a glass of wine. Everyone’s tolerance is different, and while some people feel just the right buzz after sipping on 2–5mg of THC, others might need 10mg or more to experience the same effect.

Most states that allow THC drinks set a legal limit of 10mg per serving, but some brands go beyond that, offering stronger doses. Just because a drink contains more THC doesn’t mean you should finish it all at once. Taking it slow is key—pay attention to how your body reacts, and remember that the effects can take time to build.