Cannabis drinks are one of the most quickly growing product factors in the regulated cannabis industry. It could be due to various factors like the praised mainstream advertising from Cann, the rising popularity of the Cali sober lifestyle, or how you can discreetly sip a weed bevvy at a social function alongside guests enjoying seltzers and cocktails.
Now that cannabis-infused beverages are more accepted as an alternative to alcohol in legal states, do you know how to buy cannabis drinks for any occasion?
Here are some things to check when heading to the dispensary for a cannabis-infused drink.
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What’s the dose?
It is of the utmost importance to understand the dose of a cannabis drink before buying one or taking it to an event. For example, some soda bottles at the dispensary can contain up to 100 mg of THC, which is more than enough for most people.
If you’re buying the drink for a party, look for a product that contains 5 mg of THC or less. Micro-dosing is a great way to enjoy a weed drink at a party without getting overly high. This advice comes with the understanding that most people will want to sip on more than one drink per party, so fewer milligrams means more active socializing.
What is the input?
There are several different ways to get cannabis into your drink, the vehicle used to do so is called an input. Back in 2011, there was a California medical cannabis powdered drink mix company that just put bubble hash into drink powder. It was delicious, and, oh man, did it work. But in the modern market, you’re apt to find weed drinks made with different inputs, but many use nanoemulsions.
Without federal legalization, there is no FDA guidance on nanoemulsions, so companies that manufacture them aren’t required to share the ingredients. Because of this, it’s not always easy to know what’s in your cannabis drinks. Keep track of the beverages you enjoy to start honing in on which brands your system agrees with. And more importantly, pay attention to the brands or inputs that you don’t like. At this point in cannabis regulation, that is the best way to find a product that works for you.
How much sugar?
Something that I learned the hard way is that many cannabis drinks contain lots of sugar. I’m talking upwards of 20 grams of sugar per bottle. When I drink too much sugar, I tend to get a headache. If I forget to check the label on my weed drink, I could have a migraine at a party– no fun. So, if it’s meaningful to you, check the sugar content before buying a six-pack of weed drinks at the dispensary.
What will it taste like?
This obviously seems like a given, but ask the budtender about the flavor. Cannabis drinks don’t always match the flavor profile of your favorite mainstream soda. Beverage companies are newer to the space and still formulating their perfectly palatable recipes, so just check in with the budtender. Ask if they’ve tried the drink and if they have any feedback on the flavor profile.
Where can I drink it?
Compliance should be a concern even when legality isn’t. This is no problem if you’re planning to bring home a 100 mg soda to sip on while relaxing on the couch. But if you want to socialize at an event with a bubbly can of cannabis you should be aware of public consumption laws. Most people are fine to enjoy cannabis at a private party at a residence, but if the event is in a venue, then check with the host and or event managers before consuming.
Novel edibles can be fun to pick up for an event or game night in, and drinks are no exception. Cannabis drinks are becoming more readily available, and these tips may help steer you toward your ideal beverage experience.