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When it comes to drinking, everyone is different. This makes it difficult to foretell how your body might react to different types of beverages. But one thing is for sure, the effects you’re likely to experience with THC drinks are likely to vary from what alcohol might throw at you.
The debate on whether cannabis-infused drinks are better than alcohol is becoming more common than ever. It is a hard one. But it all comes down to several factors. The amount, the ingredients, the mixtures, or your drinking habits may all play a part.
Some users have a better experience with light drinking, while others can easily handle heavy drinking. And for some, even a few sips could be enough to ruin one’s day. Some drinkers experience nausea, vomiting, paranoia, increased heart rate, or higher blood pressure.
But apart from the experience, are THC drinks healthier than alcohol? Here’s what experts want you to know.
Potential Health Benefits of Cannabis Drinks
According to Little Rick drinks and 1906, Cannabis-infused drinks are gaining traction in popularity, even seemingly likely to give alcohol manufacturers a run for their money. How come, then, that THC drinks are becoming increasingly popular despite all the other types of products in the market?
These drinks contain varying amounts of THC, some can have as little as 1mg, others up to 10mg per serving. You’ll be getting the same feeling you would with a glass of wine, but without the side effects of alcohol. But how?
Harm Reduction
As Emily Kyle, MS, RDN, puts it, “It’s all about harm reduction. When we’re talking about alcohol consumption, we know that there are so many unwanted negative side effects associated with it.”
These are well-known effects such as heart issues, liver problems, poor sleep, and negative effects on gut health. Not forgetting, alcohol has also been linked with a higher risk of cancer.
Although no formal studies have been done about the long-term effects of THC yet, it doesn’t seem to affect the body in the same way alcohol does. There can be some risks associated with cannabis use as well. Before trying any THC-infused products, it’s important to schedule a Doctor’s appointment to discuss potential risks and benefits based on your personal health profile.
However, when it comes to mental health and cognitive function, both types of drinks have similar effects. This is more so the case for excessive or frequent users. It is a matter of choosing the lesser evil on this one.
But overall, Kyle notes that the short-term side effects of THC are less toxic. Many users report feeling more refreshed the day after consuming THC drinks compared to alcohol.
How about Weight Loss?
Most people are looking for the best buzz, but they’re still concerned about their weight. If you’re in this category, then you have a better shot with THC-infused drinks.
On average, THC or THC edibles contain fewer calories than you’d find in an alcoholic beverage. A glass of this drink packs around 30 calories, which a glass of wine dwarfs at 158 calories. This stark difference makes it easy to see why weight-conscious individuals might reach for a THC drink over a glass of wine or a cocktail.
Anxiety and Pain Relief
Another aspect that THC drinks beat alcohol at, as far as the health factor is the potential for pain and anxiety relief. Although THC is most rapidly absorbed when inhaled (through smoking or vaping), drinking it is the second fastest way to get it in your system.
Many users report a sense of calm and relaxation after consuming these beverages, with effects that can help ease symptoms of anxiety and tension.
Binge Drinking? What to Expect
Booz or THC, which one would you dare binge on? With alcohol, you risk experiencing adverse effects such as alcohol poisoning, which can be life-threatening. On the contrary, cannabis-infused drinks do not expose you to such lethal effects.
You can get too high, and that will come with its own set of downsides, but mostly you’ll only be faced with nausea and fatigue. Besides, these effects often dissipate within a few hours.
That said, however, do know that ingesting too much cannabis still poses a risk of developing Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS). This condition results from large quantities of high-potency cannabis. It’s pretty much your body becoming allergic to cannabis.
The effects are nausea and prolonged vomiting, often lasting for hours, and sometimes up to a few days. But that is as bad as it gets, as there haven’t been any fatalities linked to cannabis (as the only substance) use.
So, How Much THC Should I Drink?
Well, it appears THC drinks are the clear winner in this ultimate showdown. But how much of it should you drink?
While this is a common question, there’s no rule of thumb for how much you should drink. Doctors mention that all the aspects that play a role in how alcohol affects you also hold true for THC. Factors like your level of hydration, weight, and the food you’ve eaten count as well.
To stay on the safe side, you should consider starting small and waiting for about an hour to see how well your body handles the effects. If the drink is giving you the experience you’re looking for, you can add some more.
You can also vary the experience to your desired level by either drinking faster (to magnify the effects) or taking it slow and steady. This approach ensures you get the experience you want, safely and enjoyably.
