As will all THC products, reading labels carefully, asking questions, and understanding how cannabis affects the body are all important steps before partaking in the compound.

With new cannabis-based beverages hitting the market, dispensaries are seeing a rise of individuals asking for the liquid delivery method. Citing a $4.4 billion legal cannabis market, the Long Beach Business Journal stated that liquid-based cannabis sales are set to skyrocket.

“According to data from Seattle-based cannabis analytics firm Headset, sales of cannabis-infused beverages increased 40.3% last year compared to 2019 across all states where recreational cannabis is legal, meaning the submarket slightly outperformed in terms of growth the overall cannabis market, which increased 39.4% in the same time period.”

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For the average consumer looking for new ways to consume cannabis, liquid-based offerings can be exciting. With THC-infused beverages taking off in dispensaries and beyond, here are three things to know before you indulge.

THC-based drinks can be tricky

Cannabinoids in THC pose a challenge in liquids, such as alcohol. Not easily mixed into a liquid, CBD and THC are fat-soluble, creating barriers when making their presence in drinks a reality for many companies. Rolling Stonereported in April 2020 that after research, THC-infused drinks had their day, with more companies exploring partnerships and offerings.

When combined with alcohol THC can pack a punch

According to a 2015 study published by the American Association for Clinical Chemistry (AACC), any amount of alcohol can raise levels of THC in the blood. Interestingly, it’s not just alcohol that has an effect on THC. A 2018 study by Northwestern University found that coffee had an effect on metabolism and THC as well.

When THC was combined with coffee, the body’s metabolites and a decrease in neurotransmitters within the body — making a stark change to what THC does to the body on its own. While it’s not legal in the United States to mix THC with alcohol for sale, many are skirting the law, marrying the two on-site in bars, or in other methods- like using hemp or cannabinoid-based ingredients that don’t feature THC.

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The high can take patience to achieve

Drinking and eating cannabis-infused products takes longer to feel an effect, depending on consumption method. This can often lead to individuals having a poor experience with edibles — especially if an individual overdoses.

Reading labels carefully, asking questions at the dispensary, and understanding how cannabis affects the body are all important steps before partaking in THC. If you’re not feeling the way you think you should, consult the product’s packaging, and don’t be afraid to reach out to ask questions where you purchased the product. Simply taking more of the product can have undesirable outcomes, such as paranoia, an upset stomach, and more.