When exploring the world of THC beverages, new consumers typically have many questions about how these products will make them feel. One of the most common is, how long will it take for them to feel the effects of THC drinks. Many people have likely tried traditional edibles in the past, which can typically take 30 mins - 2 hours to kick in. While early cannabis beverages had similar performance to this, thanks to technological breakthroughs, the effects are now usually felt within a similar period that one might feel from drinking an alcoholic beverage.
Brief History of Cannabis-Infused Beverages
THC-infused beverages have made huge strides since first being conceived. While many have thought that they would lead the charge for the future of drinking, there were a number of hurdles to overcome before they could reach their current state.
When cannabis beverages were first developed it was hard to make them an effective cannabis delivery system. This is because cannabis extract is an oil, which is not very water-soluble. This caused the THC to stick to the sides of the cans or collect at the bottom, making the drinks not very potent at all.
Eventually, a breakthrough happened, and manufacturers figured out how to nano-emulsify cannabis extract. This broke the cannabis extract into tiny particles, allowing it to be water soluble, stable, and homogenous. So not only is the THC dosage accurate and equivalent with each sip, but the delivery is much more effective and fast because the tiny molecules can be absorbed by your stomach and into your bloodstream within minutes.
How Long Does it Take for Cannabis Drinks to Hit?
It can depend on the brand, but THC-infused drinks like BRĒZ have a rapid onset and are typically felt between 5 and 10 minutes. The molecules are first absorbed by the mouth and under the tongue, and then the rest is absorbed through the stomach. The effects will typically last for about 45-60 minutes, but this can depend on the dosage.
This is one of the many reasons that a THC drink is one of the most approachable and effective consumption methods for new consumers to try cannabis. Most people are familiar with alcohol, a substance that has a fairly rapid onset. Now that there are products like weed drinks, it gives consumers an effective alcohol alternative that can be enjoyed discreetly and conveniently.
How long Does it take for Cannabis Edibles to Hit?
Traditional cannabis edibles are infused with cannabis oil or cannabis butter and typically have to travel through your digestive system for your body to process the THC. This means that the effects often take 1 - 2 hours to be felt, which means a lot of ambiguity and waiting around.
Factors Affecting Onset Time & Length of the Experience
There are a few factors at play here:
Emulsification Technology
This is what allows the cannabis to be broken up into tiny, soluble particles, creating a more stable product that is felt much quicker. But, not all emulsification technology is the same. Some brands leverage food science companies that white label their tech to many companies, while some brands choose to develop their own in-house emulsion. Since the testing, research, and level of scientific expertise can vary a lot, the performance of these emulsions is not always the same.
Existing Tolerance
For consumers that have an existing tolerance to cannabis, a low-dose THC beverage at 2mg or 5mg THC might not make them feel much; they may need a product with a higher dosage like 10mg of THC. On the contrary, someone with little to no cannabis tolerance might have a 5mg cannabis drink and
Biological Factors
Depending on the genetic makeup or age of the consumer, they may naturally have a high or low cannabis tolerance or may feel effects quicker or slower than others. That's why it is always important to start low and go slow when trying THC-infused beverages for the first time.
THC Drinks vs Cannabis Edibles
THC-infused drinks and cannabis edibles have several differences.
Onset Time
Cannabis-infused beverages typically offer a rapid onset time, since they do not have to pass through the entire digestive system and are absorbed through the body's soft tissues like the tongue, mouth, and then in the stomach. This allows cannabis-infused drinks to typically be felt within 5-10 minutes. THC edibles differ in that they typically need to pass through your entire digestive tract, and it can take up to two hours to feel the effects.
Sociability
Drinking cannabis is inherently a much more social experience because it offers the same drink-in-hand experience as alcohol. Many people have given up or are considering giving up alcohol, but always have a hard time at social gatherings because they feel excluded from the drinking experience. Infused beverages are a perfect way to consume cannabis in social settings and blend right in with the beverages that everyone else is enjoying.
On the contrary, while edibles are highly portable and convenient, they do not offer a very social experience. Once you eat one, there is nothing that you can continue enjoying or hold in your hand.
How Long Do THC Drinks Last?
The duration can vary based on different factors, but generally, the quicker you feel the effects, the faster they will wear off. With BRĒZ, most consumers experience the effects for approximately 45 to 60 minutes before they diminish. This is because of the micronized and nano-emulsified technology used to break down the hemp extract into tiny particles, which allows for quicker onset of effects and faster dissipation.
How much THC should I consume?
When trying cannabis-infused beverages, especially for the first time, it's important to follow the "start low, go slow" approach. When trying BRĒZ for the first time, we recommend starting with our 2.5mg THC can. If you try one and feel the effects, that's great! If it's been 30 minutes and you still don't feel much, you can try another one. Once you're comfortable with your cannabis drink dose, you can consider trying higher doses. BRĒZ also offers a 5mg THC can for those looking for a stronger effect!
