We’re kicking off a three-part primer on imbibing your cannabis by answering a timely question: What exactly are cannabis beverages?
If you’ve ever been curious about cannabis beverages that have popped up at your authorized cannabis retailer, we hear you. We were just getting used to all the new flower options and vaping apparatus, and now we have sparkling libations to potentially add to how we sip and chill during our leisure time.
Not to fear. Here’s our handy guide to get to know cannabis beverages.
First, the basics. A smoke-free way to consume cannabis, beverages include sparkling liquids and flavoured waters. Insider note: Because THC (a cannabinoid found in the cannabis plant that is known to produce the psychoactive, “high” affect) and CBD (the cannabinoid not associated with the “high” effect) are not water-soluble, brands must mix these elements with an emulsifier to blend them properly into liquid form.
What’s really great about these bevvies is that they range in the amount of CBD or THC — or both, as the case may be — that they contain. If you’re a newbie, best to start low and sip slow. Lower THC options include CBD dominant Veryvell sparkling water or beverages with just 2.5 mg of THC and CBD, such as the Little Victory sparkling beverages. Little Victory has a range of options including Dry Grapefruit and Dry Lemon, which have a more tannic mouthfeel, or Dark Cherry and Blood Orange, beverages that are more flavour forward.
For a medium dose, opt for an expertly made concoction with 5 mg of THC and 5mg of CBD, such as Mollo 5 — a crisp, lightly hopped beverage that’s great for backyard barbecues or post-game chilling. And if you are feeling adventurous, you could consider a brand that’s built on flavour: House of Terpenes consists of two sparkling tonics that celebrate the flavours of cannabis, which pair nicely with gourmet dinners.
Finally, some guidance on the effects. Unlike smoking flower or vaping, the onset time for cannabis beverages is not immediate — expect to wait about 15 to 30 minutes to two hours for the full effects to take hold.
At the end of the day, the adage that always holds is that one drink does not fit all. Every consumer experiences flavours, onset times and duration of effects that are unique to them. Remember to start low, sip slow and adjust along the way, as you see fit. Welcome to the world of cannabis beverages. Cin cin.
Up next in part two: What on earth are terpenes? We break down these and other ingredients in cannabis-infused beverages.
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