Cannabis Beverages in Salem : Onset, Dosing & Flavor Guide

In the modern age, not all cannabis has to involve smoke. Edibles offer a healthier, more conscious way to dose weed that doesn’t require any lung irritation or dry mouth. But do you really need to keep eating a bunch of candy to get high, or is there something more subtle?

This is where weed drinks come in clutch. They are gentle, tasty and ideal for those who prefer subtlety. They easily enhance any social gathering, especially for people who have parted ways with alcohol.

Our Salem dispensary carries a wide range of beverages. From something to dose yourself, to single serving cans of delicious sodas, seltzers and spritzers. We have specials on drinks suited for yourself, or for making a whole party lit! Read along to discover what makes beverages a unique and optimal way to consume cannabis.

Just a glance at our extensive drink supply!

What Are Cannabis Beverages?

A cannabis beverage is any infusion of THC that you can drink. The most popular type of drink is a simple seltzer. However, we have seen plenty of weed beverages on the market. From delicious sodas, lemonades, or even just plain alkaline water! You can grab just one, but we have great specials that will amplify any stoner party.

There are many places that will carry cannabis beverages without THC. Make sure you only purchase THC beverages from a certified recreational or medical dispensary to avoid any dissappointment. CBD beverages are wonderful, but they can’t replicate the psychoactive aspect that THC supplies. Steer clear of any black market replicas, since these are unregulated and can contain a lot of harmful chemicals or unknown ingredients. Its important to do your research before partaking, so you’re already in the right spot!

Alternatively, some THC drinks will include CBD, other cannabinoids, or additives like caffeine or melatonin to pivot the highs. Make sure you speak directly to your budtender about the contents of the beverages, including sugar and calories if those are concerns of yours.

How Long Do Cannabis Beverages Take to Kick In?

Compared to regular edibles, how long do drinks edibles take to kick in? Much faster, actually! Most edibles will make you feel high and buzzy around 1-2 hours, but drink edibles act much quicker. Drinks will normally make you start feeling fun and fluttery within a half hour, usually much less. Depending on the person, cannabis beverage onset will begin in 10-30 minutes. This makes them optimal for planning your high, so you don’t have to sit around wondering when it’s going to hit. You can turn on your favorite movie and get a good buzz going during all the rising action.

You might be wondering why infused beverages have a faster onset. It’s because beverages use nano-emulsified technology. This high tech method breaks down cannabis into microscopic bits, making the hydrophobic (water-repelling) THC particles compatible with water. Since the size of these particles is so tiny, they are able to absorb in your mouth tissue, esophagus, and stomach lining. This way, it mostly bypasses the liver, and most cannabis enters your system through your bloodstream. There is increased bioavailability, meaning that your high will most likely be more effective. 

When you eat most edibles, the liver metabolizes the Delta 9-THC and converts it into 11-Hydroxy-THC, which is a much stronger and longer lasting compound. When you consume THC that has been nano-emulsified, most of it does not get metabolized this way. Thus, drinks hit more like a vape or smoking weed than a regular edible experience. Thank you Dr. Harold Han for pioneering this research!

So they are rapid onset, but how long do drink edibles last in your system? Again, this will depend on the individual. People report that the highs last anywhere from 2-6 hours. This is a bit more forgiving than other edibles, that might keep you high for up to 12 hours or sometimes even longer. The nano-emulsified onset is quicker with a faster wear off that makes it easier to time. This is optimal for people who don’t have the time availability to sit with a high that lasts half the day, or for those that might be prone to anxiety or discomfort from long lasting THC effects.

Photo by O Palsson, used under CC BY 2.0.

How to Dose Cannabis Beverages Properly

At Starbird, we always suggest that people start low and slow. In Massachusetts, the dosing for beverages will be 5 milligrams each or lower. Since beverages are single serving, they cannot be a higher dosage. You’d just have to crack open another can if you are seeking something stronger, but for many 5 milligrams is plenty. 

Everyone has a different tolerance level. We are all unique! 5 milligrams might have some people over the moon, others with a light buzz, and some with no effect at all. Since drinks absorb differently than other edibles, it is important to try one first in a comfy environment. Then you can gauge what kind of effect they have on you, and you can know when you feel alright to reach for another. 

For those who don’t find small doses working for them, we would recommend a water soluble tincture. These normally come in concentrations of 500mg and 1000mg per bottle, and can amplify your beverages in just a couple drops. They come in a variety of flavors and can easily enhance your daily beverage. But some people don’t need to drink them at all, preferring to top ice cream with tincture or just drop it straight into their mouth. Absolutely no judgement here!

A fun way to experiment with cannabis beverages and water soluble THC tincture is my making cannabis mocktails. No booze necessary! You can use a single serving can, or use a small bit of tincture to make a ganja version of a mojito, margarita or a classic Moscow mule. The options are literally endless!

Cannabis beverages are an optimal form of consumption for those who want to micro-dose. You can sip them slowly, or pour out a portion of them so you have half the amount. You aren’t supposed to chug these like beer at a frat party! Cannabis seltzer dosing is meant to be low, so you can take your time with them and it doesn’t all hit at once.

Is Mixing Cannabis Drinks With Alcohol Safe?

No, it is not considered safe. It sounds like fun, but we do not recommend mixing alcohol and cannabis. Although many people engage in it, getting cross faded isn’t safe. Alcohol causes your blood vessels to dilate, which will increase the absorption of THC. So if you’re drinking alcohol and chase it with a cannabis drink, you will probably feel a much stronger effect than you expected.

Furthermore, mixing alcohol and cannabis can cause your inner ear and stomach to be offset. This can lead to headaches, severe dizziness and vomiting. Even if you know what you’re doing and think you’re experienced with both alcohol and weed, the chances of getting sick, losing your balance or becoming disoriented rise exponentially when you mix them. So be smart, and stick to one or the other for the night.

What Do Cannabis Beverages Taste Like?

There’s mimics of popular sodas, delicious spritzers that sit right between sweet and subdued, and no nonsense seltzers with tons of flavors from Levia and Hi5. You can get a classic root beer, a berry citrus blend, or a reliable black cherry seltzer. There’s something for everyone!

What are the best tasting THC drinks? There’s tons of unique and tasty beverages at Starbird to choose from. We highly recommend the Orange Kush, it tastes just like your favorite orange soda! If you’re not crazy about sugar, any of the seltzers from Hi5 will offer a healthy and unsweetened THC experience with just a dash of the perfect flavor.

Do Cannabis Drinks Taste Like Weed?

Surprisingly, most cannabis drinks taste just like the beverage they are trying to mimic, without an overpowering weedy flavor. Most people don’t notice that they taste any different, or maybe just a slight variation. Of course, another brand’s mimic is not going to taste exactly the same as a Coca Cola. Early versions of cannabis drinks had a skunky or earthy flavor, but with the new technology they taste remarkably clean and subtle

Tips for Enjoying Cannabis Beverages

Drinks can heighten any social experience, or just be the perfect ingredient to a night in. If you have a get together and you know your stoner friends don’t drink, they are perfect. Nobody has to awkwardly duck out to smoke, or feel like the odd one out with no drink in hand. They are great for birthday parties, watching the game, or just a good old fashioned kick back. 

It's best to bear in mind how many milligrams you drink and what got you to your ideal state, or what was too much. If it helps you, make a note in your planner or on your phone so you know for next time. Tracking what works for you and what doesn’t is a great way to achieve optimal results the next time you partake. 

If you are someone with a higher tolerance, sometimes it’s nice to relieve the cotton mouth from smoking with a delicious THC drink! Its a great way to kill two birds with one stone. THC doesn’t directly dehydrate your body the same way alcohol does, so a seltzer can actually provide some hydration and get you stoned!

Cannabis drinks have been rising in popularity, and for great reason. Edibles have evolved beyond the infamous weed brownies, and now pretty much anything can have a THC infusion. Many people are gradually shifting away from alcohol, and a lot of stoners have found comfort in smoke-free options. THC drinks are a great way to get fast acting highs, without puffing on a joint, coughing up a lung, and stinking up your house. 

Just like alcoholic drinks, make sure you always enjoy cannabis beverages responsibly. Clear your schedule for the night before you sip, and don’t make any plans to drive. 

Visit us at our Salem dispensary to discover your new favorite cannabis drink! Whether you are new to cannabis and just curious, or you’ve tried everything under the sun, we would love to see you and chat about these delightful libations.

Fly high!