Editor's 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.
I was surprised to see an entire aisle filled with THC-infused drinks during my trip to Total Wine. "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." Nowadays, you can find cannabis beverages everywhere, even at your local brewery.
As sobriety and the sober-curious movement become increasingly popular amid concerns about the health impacts of alcohol, you may be tempted to swap your alcoholic -- or even nonalcoholic drink -- for one infused with THC. But is it actually healthier for you?
What are THC drinks?
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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 non-intoxicating compound, to help balance the effects.
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.
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THC drinks are different. They come in many strengths and combinations so predicting and standardizing the effects is harder.
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