CBD VS. THC Drinks

What’s the Difference Between CBD vs. THC Drinks?

While CBD and THC have some overlap in their medical application use, they differ when it comes to:

• Chemical composition
• Legal status
• Effects
• Side effects
• Availability; and
• Ability to intoxicate.

Perhaps the biggest differences lie in the fact that CBD does not intoxicate while THC can — depending on how much you ingest. Generally speaking, CBD drinks are more widely available, whereas THC drinks must be purchased at a licensed dispensary.

Read on for a more in-depth look at CBD vs. THC drinks and their expected effects.

What Is a CBD Drink?

A CBD drink is a beverage infused with cannabidiol (CBD), which is a non-intoxicating compound derived from cannabis plants. You can drink CBD in a variety of forms, including:

• Water-soluble CBD powders
• CBD-infused sodas, teas, coffees, and juices
• Alcoholic beverages

These drinks are designed to provide a convenient and enjoyable way to consume CBD, and offer an alternative method of consumption to:

• Tinctures
• Capsules; or
• Edibles

CBD drinks provide a discreet and easy way to incorporate CBD into your daily routine, allowing you to experience its potential therapeutic benefits.

What Are the Expected Effects of a CBD Drink?

As with all cannabis derivatives, the expected effects of a CBD drink can vary depending on factors such as the dosage, individual metabolism, and the specific product.

Generally speaking, here are some common effects that people may experience when enjoying CBD drinks:

• Relaxation and stress relief: CBD drinks often provide a way to help people unwind after a long day or to manage symptoms of anxiety or stress.
• Potential pain relief: CBD has been studied for its potential analgesic (pain-relieving) properties. Some individuals may find that CBD drinks help alleviate minor aches and discomforts. If you’re experiencing chronic pain, talk to your doctor to see if/how CBD might help with pain management.
• Improved sleep: Some studies show that CBD helps promote better sleep and may assist in managing insomnia or sleep-related issues. If you’re hoping for a better night’s sleep, you could try sipping a CBD drink in the evening or before bedtime to achieve a more restful night.
• Reduced inflammation: CBD has shown potential anti-inflammatory properties in preclinical and clinical studies.
• General wellness support: CBD drinks can be seen as a way to support overall well-being and promote a sense of daily balance.

What Is a Good Time to Drink a CBD Beverage?

When and how much of a CBD beverage you drink depends on your desired outcome. You might consider sipping a CBD drink:

• When you’re feeling tense
• Before a study session or exam
• To unwind before bed
• If you’re experiencing minor aches and pains
• When you’re feeling nervous or anxious

What Is a THC Drink?

THC-infused drinks are beverages that contain tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which gives them a psychoactive effect.

They are typically made by mixing a beverage with THC extract or by incorporating cannabis-infused oils or tinctures into the drink.

Because THC content can vary from drink to drink, and different products may have different potencies, it’s essential to read the product labels and follow the recommended dosage before beginning consumption.

What Are the Expected Effects of a THC Drink?

THC drinks are often described as having a similar effect as alcoholic beverages, leaving the drinker with a euphoric feeling.

Unlike other edibles that can take up to two hours to take full effect, THC-infused beverages may offer full effects ~15 minutes after consumption.

Similarly to alcohol, the effects of THC-infused drinks will vary depending on the dosage consumed but can produce effects including:

• Mild relaxation
• Mood enhancement or euphoria
• Increased socialization; or
• More intense sensory experiences

As the dosage increases, the drinker may experience more pronounced psychoactive effects.

What Is a Good Time to Drink a THC Beverage?

Because the effects of a THC drink often sets in quicker, it gives people a more real-time, and often more responsible, consumption experience.

You might pop open a THC-infused beverage to drink socially at parties, special events, or anywhere you might normally consume alcohol but want the fun without the hangover.

In fact, Keef Brands was born in 2010 when Boulder, Colorado-based Erik Knutson wanted to create a new way to experience the simple pleasure of enjoying a drink with friends.

How Are CBD and THC Drinks Different From Vaping, Smoking, or Edibles?

Vaping or smoking will generally be the quickest way to feel the effects of cannabis, and will also be the first to fade.

Comparatively, drinking a CBD or THC-infused beverage may take longer to kick in, an approx. 10-15 minutes, but the effects will typically last much longer because they’re ingested differently than vaping or smoking.

How quickly you’ll feel the effects of CBD or THC drinks will depend on:

• Your metabolism
• The dosage of cannabis in the drink
• Your tolerance to cannabis
• How recently you ate

Eating edibles like cookies, brownies, or other foods infused with cannabis will have a similar onset and duration of effects as CBD or THC drinks. Edibles can have varying intensities depending on the THC content and a person’s specific tolerance.

CBD vs. THC Drinks: How To Know Which Is Right for You

Deciding between CBD vs. THC drinks is an entirely personal decision. Say you’re used to vaping, smoking, or eating cannabis products — chances are, you’ll enjoy drinking them as well.

Or, if you’re more on the “canna-curious” end, you’d want to start low and slow (ie. with a low dose and slow consumption). As with all cannabis products, you can always add more, but ingesting too much at once can be uncomfortable.

Know that finding the right product for your cannabis consumption might take a bit of experimenting — similar to how Keef Brands was born.

Inspired by the notion of combining the fun, social, celebratory experience of drinking with the magic and joy of cannabis, founder Erik mixed up an early batch of “Keef Cola” and gave it to his Grandma Dee to taste test. When she gave it her seal of approval, Keef Brands was official.