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Edibles vs Smoking vs THC Drinks

Are you curious about cannabis but not sure what to expect? You’re in the right place! This guide explains how THC drinks work, more about THC drinks’ effects, how to find the right dosage for you, and what makes them a popular alternative to alcohol or other cannabis products.
Jack Sherrie
September 25, 20247 min read

So, you want to get high, but how?

With so many advancements in legislation around cannabis and hemp, it is easier than ever to walk into a store and buy cannabis products or order them online.

The question is what method is best suited to you?

Do you want to eat cannabis gummies, nibble on a brownie, smoke a fatty, or casually sip on a THC seltzer?

Each of these methods has its benefits and drawbacks which we’ll discuss in this article.

Edibles are what we call any kind of cannabis product that you can eat. Be it a brownie, cookie, chocolate bar, gummy, or whatever else they are adding THC to, these products are ingested and usually take between 30 minutes and two hours to feel the full effects.

We consider “legal edibles” to be ones derived from hemp which is now federally legal and available in most US states. So if you want to buy edibles online legally, make sure that they are hemp-derived and check your local state restrictions.

Dosages can vary a lot between different brands. Legal gummies normally have a stated dose on the pack of the combined amount of THC and an individual gummy can contain anything from 10 to 25mg of THC. Cookies can contain anything from 100 to 400mg, a chocolate bar usually contains between 100 and 200mg and a brownie about the same.

Simply put, THC edibles are generally considered to contain a high dose and are tasty, making it easy to get a bit too high because you’ll want to eat more before the sensations really kick in. (Even worse if they are strong edibles!)

THC gummy edibles on a white surface

What is Cannabis Flower?

Let’s face it, we love this thing. The cannabis plant is an immensely diverse and magical plant that can be used to produce commercial and industrial products1—like clothes, shoes, food, paper, bioplastics, and biofuel—and it can also be smoked!

Just to be clear, the cannabis plant is designated into two categories by law. Hemp is cannabis that contains less than 0.3% THC by dry weight, and marijuana contains 0.3% THC or more according to the Farm Bill of 2018. Using hemp is how manufacturers can make THC gummies legal in most US states and the type of THC used creates categories like delta 8 or delta 9 edibles.

When we think of smoking cannabis flower it’s usually marijuana, but there is also a growing culture for THCA flower which is technically legal. That’s because THCA on its own is not a psychoactive compound meaning that it doesn’t abide by the same regulations.

The reason why it has become so popular is because when you heat THCA, it transforms into the psychoactive delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). So if you smoke it or cook it, you can get the same effects as regular old weed – although people claim the high is a bit milder.

What is Cannabis Infused Water?

Cannabis water, THC seltzer, cannabis-infused water, even “weed water” – we don’t like that one much. THC drinks are soft drinks and seltzers that contain delta-9 THC which is normally derived from hemp.

Thanks to the Farm Bill, hemp was effectively legalized meaning that hemp—a source of THC—could be used to make THC beverages. Different products tend to vary in their strength with some being as low as 5mg per can (like our Delta Light flavors) and some with a stronger 20mg dose (like our Delta Cannabis Water.

There could be some upcoming amendments to the Farm Bill2that may see states increasing their regulation of hemp and hemp products, but this isn’t necessarily a bad thing as it should ensure higher quality products for consumers.

The good thing about THC-infused drinks is that they usually contain very little or even no calories and are normally sugar-free. They offer people a great alternative to alcohol and the effects kick in much quicker than edibles. Plus, because it’s a drink, you can easily control your dose by taking one sip at a time.

 

Woman holding a can of delta 9 cannabis water

Are Edibles Cheaper Than Flower?

While we at Drink Delta are working hard to change it, edibles and flower are the two most popular ways to consume cannabis. And for good reason, the cost is a big influencer in how people choose to get high.

Costs do vary from state to state but cannabis is usually available for about 25$ per gram and premium flower can cost up to $250. The average cost of edibles can also vary in price based on factors such as quality and THC concentration but you should be able to get a bag containing 500mg of THC for between $30 and $40. So in a typical 10-pack, the edibles cost about three to four dollars each.

So gram for gram, edibles are normally more expensive than cannabis flower.

But what about THC-infused drinks?

Our Delta Cannabis Water contains 20mg of THC and costs $4.99 each… discounts are available too! We designed this to be a stronger single-dose drink for experienced smokers.

We also have a lighter option for social occasions. Our Delta Light range contains 5mg of THC meaning you can drink more than one in more of a social way throughout the day or night. (similar to drinking Beer)

So yes, while edibles are technically the cheapest per serving out of all the options, they have one small drawback. Because most edibles are white-labeled products, there is little quality control over how much is contained in each THC gummy. So one bite could send you to the moon, and the next do absolutely nothing.

At Drink Delta, all our cans are 3rd party batch-tested for quality and consistency. That means each can contains the stated dose and each delicious sip is a perfectly measured dose of THC and CBD.

Weed gummies and cannabis buds on a purple surface

Is Smoking Weed Bad For Your Health?

We can’t talk about cannabis flower without mentioning the elephant in the room – smoking.

We all understand that smoking any substance will inflame and damage your lungs and airways. The chemicals in smoke come into direct contact with your lung tissue which is not as tough as you might think.

Even if you’re smoking a pure cannabis joint, it can still cause damage to your lungs. Why? Because of how you smoke a joint.

That usually means holding the smoke deep in your lungs longer than a cigarette, increasing your lung’s exposure to smoke and the toxins it contains.

The complicated part about this question is that it is hard to research as many weed smokers—between 40% and 54%—also smoke cigarettes. It also takes a very long time to conduct a study into lung cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) because it normally takes decades to develop in people.

One 2022 study into long-term cannabis use on the lungs states that it may even be more damaging than tobacco smoke for your lungs. Considering that many people are now turning to cannabis to improve their health and well-being, we would suggest it’s healthier to sip a delta THC drink or eat an edible vs smoking.

Are Edibles Better Than Smoking?

Legal THC gummies are a huge step forward from smoking cannabis in terms of being good for your health as well as the potential mental health benefits, but they often contain high amounts of sugar and are heavily processed.

THC infused beverages take things one step further because they are normally sugar-free and contain little or no calories making it a great addition to your wellness routine. Plus, they are significantly easier to dose than edibles because the effects are felt quicker (like smoking) and you can take them one sip at a time.

Feeling curious? Why not try out our Delta Light range which contains a lower dose of 5mg THC and is ideal for people starting out with cannabis or if you want to have more than one can per session.



The statements made in this article have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The efficacy of said products has not been confirmed by FDA-approved research. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. All information presented here is not a substitute for or alternative to information from health care practitioners. Please consult your healthcare professional about potential interactions or other possible complications before using any products. This notice is required by the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act.
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What is Delta 9 THC?

Delta 9 THC is the chemical in cannabis plants that makes it so much fun. It’s the reason we have cultural icons like The Grateful Dead, Bob Marley, or Pineapple Express, and why you get the munchies. Every one of our seltzers is infused with the perfect dose of THC, so whether you want to elevate your night out or park it on the couch with a pizza for 8 hours, There’s a Delta for That.™

How is this Legal?

Full transparency? We found a loophole. In 2018, Congress passed the Farm Bill. This legalized hemp-derived products containing less than 0.3% Delta-9 THC by dry weight. By carefully crafting our seltzers and ensuring every can is precisely dosed, we adhere to these guidelines.

Will this show up on a drug test?

Yes. No way around it. While our products are 100% legal, culture is still catching up. Most commercial and over-the-counter drug tests still test for THC. So, enjoy with caution and ensure you’re partaking with any future drug tests in mind. If your job, sports team, or that one really strict relative requires you to pass a THC screening, you might want to save Delta for your retirement party.

How much should I drink to start?

Canna-curious? Welcome. Our products are totally safe, but as with any psychoactive drink, there’s no harm in being cautious. For first-time users, we recommend starting with slow sips at our 5mg level. Gauge your tolerance every 10 minutes and drink until you’re comfortable. When it comes to Delta, be the tortoise, not the hare.

Delta Drinks vs. edibles – how do they compare?

It’s not a competition. But if it were, we would win in every category. More consistent dose. Quicker onset. A more curated experience. Have you ever eaten half a gummy before a movie only for it to hit you in the last 15 minutes so hard you’re drooling by the time the credits roll (yes, speaking from experience here)? Well, with our consistent, fast-hitting doses, you’ll feel the effects 10-15 minutes from your first sip, so you’re always in control.

What does it taste like?

While our products break the mold, we ran out of creative juices when naming them. So, if you want to know what they taste like, just read the label. Crisp. Refreshing. And whatever flavor note it says on the can. Plain and simple.

What is the difference between hemp and marijuana?

Hemp and marijuana are both cannabis plants, just with different THC concentrations. Legally, hemp contains 0.3% or less THC by dry weight, while marijuana contains more. We focus on premium hemp-derived THC that delivers a reliable, controlled experience while meeting regulatory standards.

How can I trust this?

We were founded on not blowing smoke. So, every seltzer undergoes multiple rounds of testing at certified labs, ensuring they are precisely dosed at 5, 10, or 20mg, every time. All our Certificates of Analysis are readily available on our website here.