How to dose cannabis beverages

Cannabis-infused drinks have become more popular over the last couple of years, particularly in the form of flavored seltzers. And they offer more than a refreshing way to consume the plant’s beneficial compounds.

‘THC drinks’ are extremely bioavailable, meaning that they absorb more easily into the bloodstream than other product types, which increases their effectiveness.

Dosing a cannabis beverage is not an exact science. Instead, it’s an individualized approach based on your body chemistry, cannabis tolerance, and product potency.

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Understanding cannabis beverages

Cannabis beverages contain cannabis extract, and come in different forms, from infused teas to flavored soft drinks.

Cannabis drinks differ in potency, and ingredients can vary. They can be infused with various cannabinoids, including:

• Cannabidiol (CBD)
• Cannabigerol (CBG)
• Cannabinol (CBN)
• Delta-8 THC
• Delta-9 THC (sometimes just called ‘THC’)

CBD and delta-9 THC beverages are the most popular, although delta-8 THC beverages have become quite popular, especially in states where recreational marijuana has not been legalized.

Cannabis-infused beverages offer various benefits:

• Travel-friendliness: Cannabis drinks provide a simple and discreet way to consume cannabis anywhere.
• Long-lasting effects: Because the cannabis is ingested, effects can last for roughly eight hours.
• Alternative to inhalation-based methods: If you have a sensitive respiratory system, you might prefer a cannabis beverage over smoking or vaping cannabis.

The science behind cannabis beverages

Traditional cannabis extracts are fat-soluble (dissolvable in fat), making them difficult to mix with fluids. To overcome this, many producers of cannabis beverages brands have turned to a process called nano-emulsification.

Nano-emulsification reduces cannabinoids like THC to extremely tiny particles that can be dissolved in water. These particles also absorb more easily into the bloodstream through the soft tissues in the mouth, esophagus, and stomach.

Unlike traditional edibles that may take up to two hours to kick in, the effects of cannabis drinks can be felt rapidly, as Leafwell’s resident pharmacist and Provider Operations Manager, Mark Kasabuski, tells us.

“Sometimes, with nano-emulsified technology, you can feel the effects as early as 15 to 30 minutes,” Mark says, noting that results may still vary from person to person.

Importance of correct dosing

With any cannabis product type, it’s important to be mindful of your dose. Taking too much of a cannabis beverage can increase the risk of side effects, while taking too low of a dose can mean missing out on cannabis’s potential benefits.

Potential side effects of overdosing cannabis beverages

The side effects of consuming too much of a THC beverage vary, but the most common side effects include:

• Anxiety
• Drowsiness
• Dry mouth
• Lightheadedness
• Migraines
• Rapid heart rate/heart palpitations
• Red eyes
• Vomiting

Before using a cannabis beverage, Mark recommends reading the product label to understand its cannabinoid content. THC is more likely to cause side effects because it’s intoxicating, while the most commonly reported side effect of CBD is drowsiness.

The role of individual tolerance and body chemistry

Always consider your tolerance before consuming any cannabis product. Typically, tolerance increases with repeated use, and beginners likely have a low tolerance, so a low dose would be ideal.

Your body chemistry also affects how you respond to cannabis. Body chemistry refers to your unique cellular makeup and its impact on body functions, including metabolism. Those with a faster metabolism may process cannabinoids like THC more rapidly than people with a slow metabolism, and may experience their effects more intensely.

The endocannabinoid system (ECS) also plays a critical role in influencing cannabis’ effects. The ECS is a body-wide signaling network that maintains homeostasis (balance) and regulates essential bodily functions. Cannabinoids in cannabis interact with the endocannabinoid system and produce a range of effects based on your unique chemical makeup.

Another factor to consider is whether you’re taking medications.

“We’re always looking at liver function and particular medications you might be on,” Dr. Kasabuski says. “If you have some difficulties with your liver or liver impairment, then the dosing may be altered because cannabis is metabolized by the liver.”

To avoid any risks, talk with your doctor or pharmacist before combining cannabis-infused drinks with any medication.

How to dose cannabis beverages

Even for experienced cannabis consumers, miscalculating the dose can negatively impact your cannabis beverage experience.

While the effects of cannabis vary from person to person, the following tips can help you figure out the best dosage.

Read the product label

First and foremost, read the product label to understand the cannabinoid content and overall potency.

Drinks with high concentrations of psychoactive compounds like THC are best consumed in small doses, particularly for new or infrequent users.

Monitor your initial dose

Most cannabis drinks contain 5 to 10 milligrams of THC per serving, which can be excessive for some users.

Dr. Kasabuski recommends starting at a dose of 2.5 mg THC for first-time users. “Most patients will start feeling effects around the 2.5 mg mark of THC. That’s where some people can start to feel the euphoric or psychoactive effects.”

For the best results, he suggests gauging the effects after two hours to determine if an additional dose is needed.

Adjusting dosage over time

With repeated, long-term cannabis use, you may develop a tolerance to its effects. In this case, you may require higher and higher doses to achieve the same desired results.

When this occurs, a tolerance break can be helpful. It’s a simple technique that involves briefly abstaining from cannabis consumption.

“T-breaks help to reset the endocannabinoid system,” Mark says. “Your tolerance should be somewhat lowered after 48 to 72 hours or so.”

After an adequate t-break, long-term users may experience their desired effects at lower doses.

Other factors influencing cannabis beverage effects

Consider other factors that can influence your cannabis experience.

The role of food 

Food and hydration levels are thought to influence the effectiveness of cannabis drinks.

When consuming cannabis on an empty stomach, you may experience a rapid onset of effects, as cannabinoids take less time to digest and enter your bloodstream.

At the same time, consuming a cannabis beverage on a full stomach can mean a more gradual onset and longer-lasting results.

Mixing cannabis drinks with alcohol

While cannabis can be combined with alcoholic beverages, it’s best to proceed cautiously.

Both mind-altering substances are known depressants that, when consumed together, can heighten feelings of intoxication and increase the risk of bodily harm.

“You might feel a little more of that dizziness, lack of coordination, [etc.] that you want to watch out for if you are combining both products,” Dr. Kasabuski explains.

Mixing marijuana with alcoholic drinks also carries certain health risks. It may increase your heart rate, raise your blood pressure, and strain your cardiovascular system. Frequent use may lead to more severe health issues like alcohol poisoning or liver damage.

That said, cannabis cocktails can be enjoyed safely in moderation. Just remember to start low and go slow when combining these intoxicants.

In conclusion: Cannabis beverages are both refreshing and highly effective

There is no one-size-fits-all approach to dosing cannabis beverages. Determining the “correct” amount involves a fair share of experimentation as you observe your body’s response to marijuana, especially in such a readily absorbed form. Always remember to start with the lowest effective dose and gradually increase until you achieve your desired result.

Safe consumption habits can ensure the best possible outcome when consuming cannabis drinks. And, as always, if you are on any prescription medications, talk to your doctor before adding medical cannabis into your routine.

For more information on how to dose cannabis products correctly, schedule an appointment with a Leafwell healthcare provider today.

Resources

•  Nanoemulsion: An advanced mode of drug delivery system. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4362737/

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