Last time I was at Total Wine, I was surprised to see an entire aisle filled with THC drinks, which have also been popping up at breweries and on social media. "There's no shortage of options," says Dr. Staci Gruber, director of the MIND Program at McLean Hospital and associate professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School. "We just need to do a better job explaining what they are and what they aren't."
For those cutting back on alcohol for Dry January or any other reason, you may have considered trying out this alternative. Are they healthier than alcohol? Are they worth trying as a nonalcoholic drink? This is what the experts want you to know.
Please note: This article is for informational purposes only and doesn't constitute medical advice. Readers should talk to their doctor before trying THC products, especially if they're taking certain medications or have underlying health conditions.
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What are THC drinks?
THC beverages are infused with tetrahydrocannabinol, the psychoactive compound in cannabis that causes a high and intoxication. These drinks come in a variety of forms, such as zero-calorie seltzers and tropical lemonades. They're often marketed as a way to get a buzz without the booze. Some contain only THC, while others blend in cannabidiol, or CBD, a nonintoxicating compound, to help balance the effects.
THC is the the psychoactive compound in cannabis that causes a high. Marina113/Getty Images
THC beverages vs. alcohol
Alcohol -- specifically ethanol -- is a single molecule, not a mixture of many. After you learn your alcohol drinking habits, you typically know more about your limits. However, other ingredients like sugar and additives can impact your intoxication and hangovers. Also, they vary by person. While I might be buzzed after three alcoholic seltzers, my friend needs only one to feel the same way.
THC drinks are different. They come in many strengths and combinations. so predicting and standardizing the effects is harder.
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