Changing Attitudes Toward Alcohol
Unless you didn’t already know, alcohol is a drug, and like most drugs, its effects can vary wildly in the short and long term depending on how much you consume.
In recent years, there has been a shift in attitudes towards alcohol throughout society. This shift is driven by an increasing awareness of alcohol’s health risks and a growing wellness culture that prioritizes self-care over social boozing. This is especially true for Millennials and Gen Z, who are leading the charge in re-evaluating the role of alcohol in their lives.
As getting high becomes more normalized and cannabis legislation continues to improve, THC beverages are fast gaining popularity.
How Alcohol Interacts With Your Body
Alcohol impacts the body in numerous ways 1. After consumption, alcohol is rapidly absorbed into the bloodstream through the stomach and small intestine. From there, it travels to the liver, where it is metabolized. The liver can process only a certain amount of alcohol per hour, which means that excess alcohol circulates throughout the body, affecting various organs and systems.
The short-term effects of alcohol consumption can include impaired judgment, coordination, and reaction time, making activities like driving extremely dangerous. And that’s not to mention the soul-crushing hangover after even a couple of drinks.
(Don’t worry, all our Drink Delta THC drinks are 100% alcohol and hangover-free!)
Heavy alcohol use can lead to a broad range of long-term health issues, including liver disease, heart problems, and an increased risk of certain cancers.
So with all of these terrible health issues in mind, it begs the question. Is THC healthier than alcohol?
What Happens When You Consume THC
THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) is the primary psychoactive component in the cannabis plant. The amount of THC present in cannabis is what designates it as either hemp or marijuana under US federal law. Depending on what state you live in, a THC beverage can be made from hemp or it is a marijuana drink.
When consumed, THC interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system. This is a network of receptors that play a key role in regulating mood, appetite, pain sensation, and memory.
The effects of THC can vary a lot depending on the dose, individual tolerance, method of consumption, and body composition. People who smoke weed, eat gummies, or consume THC-infused beverages feel a range of sensations that include relaxation, euphoria, altered perception of time, and increased appetite.
What Are Infused Drinks?
An infused drink is a bit like a soft drink with THC and some CBD added to it. These drinks provide a convenient and social way to consume cannabis, offering an alternative to traditional methods like smoking, edibles, or vaping.
Unlike alcohol, THC does not typically cause the same level of impairment in motor skills and judgment, although it can still affect cognitive function and reaction time. When you drink THC, the effects are felt relatively quickly (within 30 minutes) and should last around two hours depending on the dose strength.
Weed vs Beer: How Strong is Alcohol Compared to THC Infused Drinks
The strength of alcohol and THC can be difficult to compare directly because they affect the body in different ways. But because THC dosage is not the easiest thing to quantify for people who have never gotten high, it’s helpful to explain cannabis beverages compared with alcoholic ones.
Microdose
A microdose of alcohol might be a single sip of beer or wine, just enough to cause a slight relaxation without much noticeable impairment. For THC-infused drinks, a microdose might be a sip of a can (around 1-2 mg) providing mild effects without intoxication.
Normal dose
A standard drink 2 (such as a 12-ounce beer, 5-ounce glass of wine, or 1.5-ounce shot of liquor) represents a typical alcohol dose for social drinking. A “normal dose” of THC can be between five and ten milligrams. 5mg THC drink effects are pretty light, producing a noticeable high that is very manageable, even for a canna newbie. That is equivalent to one or two cans of Delta Light at 5mg each.
Strong dose
Consuming multiple alcoholic drinks in a short period leads to significant impairment of coordination, judgment, reaction time, and emotional control. A THC beverage with more than 20mg is considered a strong dose and is more suited to people used to getting high. As a THC equivalent to alcohol, it’s like taking a double shot of bourbon for your first-ever drink… probably not the best idea!
Our Delta Cannabis Water is designed for canna connoisseurs with its bold 20mg THC dose combined with the perfect balance of CBD for a premium but manageable high.
If you’re not sure what strength of THC drink is right for you, check out our article on what kind of cannabis water should you choose.
Using THC Drinks to Quit Alcohol
Many of our customers have shared testimonials of how they turned to cannabis infused drinks to help them reduce or quit alcohol consumption. The reasons for quitting can vary, from family history and health issues to an increased alcohol dependence caused by the pandemic.
Now, in 2024, customers can pick from a wide array of legal THC drinks available in-store and online with delivery to most US states. With some cannabis drinks, like our Delta Light range, costing about the same as a beer, they present a viable alternative that has the potential to enhance mental health and overall well-being.
Benefits and Precautions
While there are many advantages to consuming THC drinks instead of alcohol, there is always a suggested limit. Whether you choose alcohol or cannabis infused beverages, consuming either of these excessively should be a cause for concern.
Using cannabis drinks to cut down on drinking alcohol is a great way to reduce alcohol dependence, as long as it doesn’t flip the other way.
Moderation is key. Take it one sip at a time.
For more information, you can read our previous article on how THC drinks are replacing alcohol.
