· By Tyler Edge
Are THC/Cannabis Drinks Vegan?
If you’ve ever wondered whether or not THC/cannabis drinks are vegan, you’re not alone. The answer is usually yes, but not all products fit into the plant-based lifestyle. So, when you shop, make sure to read the labels and brand materials carefully. We’ll give you some tips on how to read ingredient labels and other methods for finding vegan cannabis beverages.
What Makes a THC or Cannabis Drink Vegan?
When a cannabis drink is vegan, it means the ingredients don't come from animals; they come from plants or are made in a lab. There are also no animal-based processing aids or additives. Vegan cannabis products don’t use any colorings, sweeteners, or clarifying agents that come from animals, either.
Carbonated water, natural fruit flavors, plant-based sweeteners, emulsifiers, and cannabis or hemp-derived extracts are all common ingredients in vegan THC drinks. Many brands also make THC seltzers and drinks that are vegan and sometimes gluten-free to fit with modern eating habits.
Things to Look Out for in THC Drinks That Aren't Vegan
A lot of brands now sell vegan cannabis drinks, but some of them still have animal-based ingredients in them. When you look at a label, keep these things in mind:
- Honey is a common "natural" sweetener, but it's not vegan.
- Cream, milk solids, whey, casein, or lactose are all dairy-based ingredients that can be found in creamy drinks, shakes, or cannabis lattes.
- Some fortified blends or vitamin sources may come from animals.
- Animal-based colors, like cochineal or carmine from bugs, are used in drinks that are bright red or pink.
The drink is not vegan if any of these are on the list of ingredients.
How to Know If a Cannabis Drink Is Vegan
If you're shopping for cannabis products, here's a quick and easy way to tell if the brand's THC drink is vegan.
Read the whole list of ingredients
Check the label for things that are obviously made from animals, like milk, cream, honey, or gelatin. Some ingredients aren't as obvious, like whey, casein, lactose, or carmine.
Look for signs that say "vegan" or "plant-based." A lot of brands put words like "vegan" or "100% plant-based" on their packaging, product pages, or FAQs.
Check for allergen icons
Icons that say "dairy-free," "egg-free," and "gelatin-free" can be helpful. If you see "contains milk," "contains eggs," or anything like that, it's not vegan.
Go to the brand's website
Product pages often have information about diets, like whether the product is vegan, gluten-free, or has allergens in it.
Talk to customer service
Staff at dispensaries usually know which infused drinks are vegan-friendly. For online brands, a quick email or chat online can clear up any confusion.
Are Cannabis Drinks Usually Vegan?
The cannabis drink market has grown quickly, and many companies make drinks that are vegan, gluten-free, and good for your health on purpose. THC seltzers are usually made with water or seltzer.
They don’t have too much flavor, just a hint of fruit or plant extracts. Then, they’re sweetened with sugar, stevia, or other sweeteners made from plants. Finally, cannabis or hemp-derived cannabinoids are added to it.
Because of this, a lot of THC and hemp seltzers are vegan by design, but you shouldn't assume that they are. Check the label for all the key points we mentioned to be sure.
Are Other Cannabis Products Also Vegan?
You might also want to know if other common forms of cannabis, besides drinks, are vegan. Here's a quick guide to help you shop around.
Edibles
Cannabis gummies might not be vegan because they usually have gelatin from animal collagen in them. Look for gummies that use pectin, agar-agar, or other plant-based gelling agents.
Chocolates can have milk, milk fat, or whey in them. Dark chocolate versions may be vegan, but the label needs to say so. Brownies, cookies, and cakes often have eggs, butter, or milk in them. Look for products that say they are vegan.
Some companies make gummies, lollipops, and other infused sweets that are clearly labeled as vegan. They use plant-based ingredients and natural flavors.
Softgels and Capsules
The shells of softgel capsules are often made of gelatin, which is not vegan. Look for "vegan capsules" that are made from plant cellulose or something similar. If a product only says "gelatin capsule," you should assume it's not vegan unless it says so.
Oils and Tinctures
A lot of tinctures are just cannabis extract and a carrier oil, like MCT oil or hemp seed oil, which are usually vegan. In "cream" or "latte" style tinctures, look out for flavorings or extras like honey or dairy-based creamers. To be sure, always look at both the lists of active and inactive ingredients.
Concentrates and Vapes
Vapes, wax, and shatter are examples of inhaled products that don't usually have obvious animal-derived ingredients. This is because they are mostly cannabinoid extracts and carrier substances. They might have flavoring agents, though, and the hardware itself isn't food, so brands don't usually call them "vegan," even if they don't have any animal parts in them.
How to Find Out if Any Cannabis Product is Vegan
This short list can be used for any cannabis product, including drinks, snacks, and more.
- Look through the list of ingredients and mark anything that sounds like milk, eggs, honey, gelatin, or other animal products.
- Check for labels that say things like "vegan," "plant-based," "cruelty-free," or "100% plant-derived."
- Identify phrases like "contains milk" or "contains eggs" in allergen statements. These could mean that the food has non-vegan ingredients.
- For more information about the brand's dietary needs, look at their FAQ or product page.
- If you're not sure, ask someone at the dispensary or contact customer service online.
How Do I Know If a THC Drink is Vegan?
If you're not sure, read the ingredient list, look for "vegan" or "plant-based" labels, check the allergen info, and go to the brand's website or contact customer support. Other cannabis products, like gummies and capsules, aren’t usually vegan, so THC drinks can be an easier choice for people who want to follow a plant-based diet.
You can still enjoy cannabis drinks and other products while staying true to your vegan lifestyle if you learn what to look for when reading ingredient labels.