With the recent widespread interest in wellness trends pushing people to explore the benefits of plant medicines, cannabis drinks have been a welcome swap.

You may have noticed CBD drinks popping up everywhere from craft coffee shops to gas stations. The first thing that comes to mind when someone mentions a cannabis edible is probably a sour gummy or a sweet-infused chocolate, but the category on the rise is beverages.

Available in both THC and CBD varieties, some of these drinks have no psychoactive (intoxicating) effects, while others provide a socially-dosed buzz. The drinks are often tailored to specific effects like relaxation, pain relief or energy, which makes cannabis beverages a healthy addition to a wellness regimen, or a suitable swap for a five o’clock cocktail.

The market is predicted to grow 500% in the next ten years. There is now a wide variety of cannabis drinks on the market, from the familiar six-pack to powdered hot chocolate mix to powdered tea mix. For people who prefer cannabis to alcohol, or for those who are still searching for the the perfect THC/CBD experience, the cannabis beverage may just be what you’re looking for. And Farnsworth is your place to find them.

The Science Behind Cannabis Drinks

Depending on the brand, some cannabis beverages contain no THC, which is great for people who do not want to consume anything intoxicating, or for those who are still unsure that they would enjoy the effects of THC. The state of Massachusetts limits the sale of edibles to 5mg per serving, so all drinks at Farnsworth are low-THC.

Beverages also onset faster than the typical gummy because they bypass the stomach and the effects can be felt in fifteen minutes or less. Brands at Farnsworth, such as Cann, are also conscious of the ingredients they use in the drink, they are naturally sweetened and not from concentrate, and come in refined flavors like yuzu elderflower.

Cannabis Beverage Dosage Recommendations

Just like any other edible category, the recommendation if you have never tried before is to start with one and wait to feel the effects before deciding to drink more. There are always potential risks to over-indulging. But even a first time user can feel comfortable drinking one or two cannabis beverages in an evening since these drinks tend to be dosed for social consumption (rather than say, pain relief or sleep, which would not be conducive to a lively conversation).

While there is not nearly enough scientific research available for us to claim that cannabis drinks are healthier than alcohol, they do tend to have far fewer calories (and cause less accidents). But keep in mind it is illegal to drive after drinking beverages with THC!

The Future of Cannabis Beverages

As the market evolves, the options will continue to expand. Cannabis cocktail guides and infused drinks at restaurants are becoming increasingly commonplace. The market is expected to be valued at over 8 billion in the next ten years, and we aren’t surprised! Cannabis beverages fill an urgent white space in the market for people interested in cannabis and also for people who are looking for an alternative to alcoholic beverages.

Choosing the Right Cannabis Beverage for You

As with any edible, it is important to know what you want before you make a selection of what to buy. You will not feel noticeable psychoactive qualities from a CBD drink, but the compound has subtle relaxing and anti-inflammatory benefits. THC will have some psychoactive effects, depending on the dose of the particular beverage. Anything under 5mg is considered a micro-dose, and safe for first-timers.

With any new product, it is best to start slow and in a controlled environment if you are worried about having an adverse reaction. But rest assured, most cannabis beverages are designed to be consumed in social settings, and won’t leave you locked in your couch.

Farnsworth Recommends: Cannabis Beverages

Packaged Drinks- generally canned beverages sold either individually or as a pack. They are designed to taste like and resemble your favorite sparkling water.

Cann Social Tonic is a great introduction to cannabis beverages. Each drink contains only 2mg of THC and 4mg of CBD, so you can be sure you won’t be over-indulging.
Levia Celebrate Seltzer is also intended for social use, but with 5mg of THC per can, this drink will have you feeling more of a buzz.

Powdered Drinks- these drink packets are perfect for on-the-go consumption or for people who want more control over their drink, both in regards to THC dosage and flavor.

Bubby’s Baked Hot Cocoa Drink Mix can be brewed with water or milk for a traditional hot chocolate, or mixed with your coffee for a DIY THC mocha latte.
Happy Valley Stir Stix contain 5mg of THC per serving and their powdered format makes them ideal to take on an adventure. Or, mix with your favorite electrolyte drink for added muscle recovery after a workout.

Tinctures- most tinctures are oil-based, but these Levia tinctures are designed to be water soluble so that they can seamlessly blend into any beverage.

Levia’s Achieve Tincture uses a water-soluble format to provide the greatest control over dosage and as flavor, since it can be mixed with any beverage of your choice.

What Are Cannabis-Infused Beverages?