THC Drinks vs. Edibles: Which is Better for You? – Herbal Oasis

By Tyler Edge

THC Drinks vs. Edibles: Which is Better for You?

If you’re looking for a way to add THC to your lifestyle, the most popular options tend to be THC drinks and edibles. When debating which is best for you, you need to consider the different properties of the two and what effect they can have. The key differences lie in how long they take to onset, how they make you feel and the overall experience they might give you. Both have different benefits so you need to know the difference in order to select the right one for you. In this article we take a look at THC drinks vs. edibles to help you make the right decision. 

What is THC? 

THC stands for tetrahydrocannabinol and is the primary psychoactive compound found in Cannabis. In short, it’s the ingredient that makes you feel the ‘high’ effect that people take Cannabis for. The use of THC varies by country and state, being legal for recreational and medicinal use in some places but not others. Because of this, it’s always best to check the laws when traveling before bringing it into another state or country. The benefits of THC go beyond a recreational high, but many people don’t want to smoke or vape to get the rewards.

How does THC work?

The way THC works is that it interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system, binding with your CB1 receptors in your brain and nervous system. THC then produces effects such as relaxation, euphoria, altered sensory perception and can alter the way that you think and see things. If you take too much THC it can interfere with your receptors in a negative way, causing anxiety, paranoia and impairing your cognitive and motor functions restricting the way that they work. This is why it’s important you only take it in the correct amount.


Now you know what THC is and how it works, it’s time to look at the differences between THC drinks and THC edibles. 


What are THC drinks?


THC drinks are infused with THC and offer a smoke-free alternative to experience the effects of Cannabis. They come in a range of forms such as tea, coffee, seltzer, juice and coffee depending on your preference. The THC is absorbed into the bloodstream through your digestive system as you drink and tend to give a quick onset. They’re often seen as a versatile and discreet way to enjoy Cannabis by those who don’t want to vape or smoke and also don’t want it to be too obvious when out and about.

What are THC edibles?


THC edibles are food products infused with THC and offer an alternative way to consume cannabis - similar to THC drinks. The most popular forms of THC edibles are gummies, but you can also get chocolates, baked goods and candies too. When you eat a THC edible, the THC is digested and metabolized by the liver and converted into 11-hydroxy-THC.

What are the differences between THC edibles and drinks?

While both THC edibles and drinks are made from the same substance and offer a high, they can differ quite a lot in many areas. From the type of high you feel, to the time it impacts you for, there are many things to consider when comparing the two.


Onset Time

THC Drinks - The onset of effects with drinks tends to be quicker than with edibles. This is because liquids are absorbed through your stomach lining which gets them to your bloodstream quicker than when eating when it has to also go through your liver. The typical time for THC drinks to take effect is roughly 15-45 minutes depending on the person and the dosage.

THC Edibles - Edibles are a little slower to kick in because they take longer to digest. You can expect to feel the effects half an hour to two hours after you have taken your edibles. Again, this depends on the amount of THC and your body’s tolerance to it.


Duration and Strength

THC Drinks - While THC drinks tend to kick in faster than edibles, the effects also don’t tend to last as long. They tend to offer a more gradual and mild feeling, ideal for those who don’t want a long-lasting effect and perhaps haven’t experienced THC before. The general time for drinks tends to be around 2-4 hours.

THC Edibles - While edibles take a  longer amount of time to kick in, they also show their effects for longer, averaging over 4 hours. This is better for people wanting to feel the effects for longer and perhaps who have experienced THC before.

Experience

THC Drinks - When you have a THC drink, the experience tends to be lighter, more relaxing and more manageable. The onset is faster so you can see how it hits you and then if you feel the need to take more, you can judge your intake without worrying it is going to hit you even harder in a few hours time. Drinks are also a bit more social and something you’d have in a setting such as a party so it can feel a bit more natural to take. You could drink one instead of alcohol at a party for example.

THC Edibles - The feeling you receive from an edible can be more intense and last for longer. They can be better for those that want a bigger feeling, but it can be unpredictable and more difficult to gauge how you are taking to them, particularly if you’re new to THC. Edibles can be used to help people sleep as well as for recreation. This makes them a very versatile choice that could have a number of benefits depending on what you are looking for from your THC experience.

Amount

THC Drinks - THC drinks are a good option if you want to control the amount of THC you take. You can take a look at how much THC is present in the liquid you’re consuming and make a judgment on how strong or weak you want your levels to be.

THC Edibles - Edibles are also labeled in specific doses, however it can be easier to over consume these. While a drink takes a while to finish and can fill you up, edibles are very easy to just keep taking and can lead people to over consume them if they don’t feel they have found the feeling they’re looking for quickly enough. To keep on track, make note of the amount you have and how many you have taken.


Which is best?

THC Drinks - THC drinks can be considered the best for you if you’re seeking a quick feeling or a relief that won’t last for too long. You can easily control how intense your experience is and know the effects will pass quite quickly. If you are new to THC or just want something social and casual these can be the best option for you. THC drinks come in many flavors, from coffee to tropical depending on what you love. Not too expensive and easy to get hold of in our shop, they’re a fantastic option.

THC Edibles - If you have dabbled with THC before, or want a stronger and more long-lasting effect such as for relaxation, edibles can be the best choice for you. These come in a wide array of flavors, are easy and simple to take and can just be slipped into your bag or pocket. They’re convenient and well priced, making it a good option for a range of scenarios.


When it comes to deciding what is the best THC option for you, drinks or edibles, you need to weigh up what they both offer. Think about how long you want the feeling to last for and how strong you want it to be. Consider the amount you want and also the flavors and method that works best for your lifestyle and what you want it for. The final choice comes to how quickly you want to feel the effects, how long you want them to last and also what sort of experience you have with THC in the past. You might have more of a tolerance if you’ve done it before, or this might be your first foray into it.