To sip, or not to sip…that is the question of this complete guide to THC drinks. Recently, THC-infused drinks have risen in popularity among the cannabis community. Why? They offer alternative benefits to those of edibles.
Of course, with their freshness to the scene…You likely have some questions before you partake.
That’s why we’ve compiled everything you need to know about THC drinks and edibles, including how they differ and how to decipher which is right for you. So, keep reading to explore THC drink benefits and more with the elevated experts at Elevated Exotics.
Edibles vs. THC Drinks: How Are They Different?
Other than the obvious of being food and drink items, THC drinks vs. edibles have more differences than you might think. To determine which is best for you, first, we must understand how the two differ.
Edibles
Next, we’ll cover the basics of THC edibles, which every consumer should know.
Onset Time
Because edibles are swallowed and must be broken down by the digestive system for their compounds to enter the bloodstream, their onset effect time does take some time. The body typically takes anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours to begin metabolizing the edible, meaning it will take that long for most people to feel the effects.
Of course, it’s important to note that physiological traits such as weight, tolerance, metabolic rate, and even what you ate in a day can affect when an edible kicks in. With this information in mind, it’s crucial to not increase your dose before waiting at least 2 hours to ensure the first edible has been metabolized.
Duration of Effects
Edible effects also last longer, thanks to the digestive process. The effect duration will last 4 to 8 hours depending on various factors.
Effects
The effects of edibles will also vary depending on the dosage, the edible type (indica, sativa, hybrid, etc.), and what it’s infused with (THC, CBD, CBG, CBC, RSO, etc.). In general, edible effects tend to be more profound or intense due to their conversion to 11-hydroxy-THC during digestion.
This type of THC is found to be more potent than delta-9 THC, which plants naturally produce. So, not only are edible potencies typically more than a usual sesh, but the way in which the cannabinoid is processed also makes it that much stronger.
Benefits
For most consumers, the duration of the effects is the number one benefit of edibles, as they provide a long-lasting buzz or therapeutic effects. Another benefit is the avoidance of inhalation for those with respiratory health issues or seeking to avoid inhaling for other reasons. Finally, the fact that they’re discrete and odorless is another major benefit for consumers.
THC Drinks
Now, onto THC drinks and all the must-know information before consuming.
Onset Time
Now you may be thinking…since you swallow THC-infused drinks just like you would edibles, does that mean it takes as long for effects to kick in? Not quite. That’s because when sipping on THC drinks, the liquid is also absorbed under the tongue directly into the sublingual artery—hence the term consuming sublingually, when holding tincture under your tongue.
When consuming THC drinks, you can typically expect to feel effects within 15-45 minutes, considerably faster than traditional edibles, which often take 1-2 hours. This quicker onset is due to the dual absorption pathways: some THC is absorbed directly into the bloodstream through the sublingual tissues, while the rest travels through the digestive system.
Many users report feeling initial effects within 15 minutes, with full effects developing over the next 30-60 minutes—making THC beverages a middle ground between fast-acting inhalation methods and slower-releasing traditional edibles.
Duration of Effects
In comparison to edibles, which can last anywhere from 4 to 8 hours, THC drinks offer a more moderate duration of effects. Typically, you can expect effects from THC-infused drinks to last 3–5 hours, depending on dosage and individual factors.
This shorter duration makes them ideal for social gatherings or activities where you want the effects to taper off more predictably. The liquid delivery system allows for faster metabolism and elimination from the body.
Effects
THC drinks generally offer a balance of intensity from traditional consumption methods and edibles. Due to their slower onset effects and usually lower doses, they can provide a clearer-headed experience with less intense body sedation sometimes associated with traditional edibles.
For many, the effects feel more functional and less debilitating, making THC beverages suitable for various activities—from chores to social settings to Friday nights on the couch!
Benefits
For the growing community ditching traditional alcoholic drinks, THC drinks are a “sober-friendly” alternative while still feeling uplifting and euphoric effects. Secondly, if you prefer control of your dosing (rather than hoping for the best with edibles)—you can sip slowly, gauging effects before consuming more.
Another THC drink benefit is they offer a familiar and socially acceptable consumption method that doesn’t blow smoke in others’ faces or linger in the room. Lastly, wellness- or health-wise, drinks avoid the respiratory concerns associated with inhalation methods while bypassing the high sugar content in many edibles.
Ideal Use Cases: When Should You Choose Each?
So when it comes to THC drinks vs. edibles, when should you choose which? To finish our complete guide, let’s cover ideal use cases for each to understand which is best for what.
Choose Edibles If
- You want longer-lasting effects, typically 6–8 hours.
- You prefer discrete consumption.
- You’re looking for higher potency options (some edibles contain 50-100 mg per serving.)
- You enjoy the ritual of eating a treat like a gummy, chocolate, or baked good.
- You’re concerned about smell for travel or storage.
- You want more precise dosing with pre-measured portions.
- You’re in a setting where drinking something infused might draw attention.
Choose THC Drinks If
- You want a faster onset of effects (15-45 minutes vs. 1-2 hours for edibles).
- You’re new to cannabis and want to start with lower, more controllable doses.
- You prefer to avoid the sugar content found in many edibles.
- You want to substitute an alcoholic beverage in social settings.
- You’re looking to stay hydrated while consuming cannabis.
- You enjoy the ability to sip and titrate your experience over time.
- You have dietary restrictions that make finding suitable edibles challenging.
- You dislike the sometimes strong cannabis taste that can be present in edibles.
Final Decision: Which One Should You Try?
So, to answer the question…THC drinks vs. edibles: which one should you try? At Elevated Exotics, we say, why not explore both? You can go low and slow with any THC drink or THC edible to gauge its unique effects on you. Need help selecting a THC-infused drink or THC edible to try first? Look no further than Elevated Exotics.
Our well-trained, friendly, and knowledgeable staff is on hand, on-site at our three locations across the U.P., to help you find the right product. Simply find your way to our storefront in Escanaba, Republic, or Menominee, or begin shopping our current stock and selection online first. Before you shop, sign up for the Mile High Club to earn points with every purchase.
