Can you possibly put THC in regular drinks? Well, yes, you can. But that is the short answer. The long answer? This needs a bit of science, legality, and a sprinkle of culinary creativity. So yes, it’s not a far-fetched concept, but you shouldn’t do it anyhow.
Thankfully, you don’t have to guess. Whether you’re just a curious average Joe, a home mixologist, or someone interested in the cannabis industry, this post has got you. Ahead, as part of our beverages tips section, you’ll learn how you can safely infuse tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) into your favorite regular drinks. And with that, let’s jump right in.
The Science Behind THC Infusion
First things first, what does the science of this approach boil down to? Putting THC in a drink isn’t as simple as dropping cannabis oil into your soda. You know, oil and water don’t mix. So, taking this approach will result in an uneven distribution.
That means one thing… well, two; unpleasant taste, and inconsistent potency. That’s why, to infuse THC into beverages, manufacturers use techniques like nano-emulsification.
Nanoemulsification: Making THC Water-Compatible
At its core, nano-emulsification is the breaking of THC oil down into microscopic droplets. These droplets are then suspended in water using emulsifiers and surfactants. This process makes THC more bioavailable and stable in water-based drinks. The result is a stable solution with quicker absorption and more consistent effects.
Watch this video to learn more about this:
This is the technology behind most commercial THC-infused carbonated drinks on the market today. It allows for quicker absorption and more consistent effects. But if you want to do it at home, you’ll need to pay close attention to the choice of emulsifiers and the mixing process to achieve similar stability and effectiveness.
Can You DIY THC-Infused Drinks?
Yes, but with caveats. Infusing THC into drinks at home is possible. It won’t match the precision or consistency of commercial products, but it works. Here are some common methods;
- Cannabis Tinctures
Tinctures are alcohol-based cannabis extracts that can be dropped into drinks. They dissolve well in most liquids, and the best part is, you get a reasonably accurate dose. However, they often carry a strong herbal or ethanol taste, which can sometimes overpower the flavor of your beverage.
- Cannabis Syrup
There’s an even easier and tastier way to create homemade THC drinks. Just add cannabis-infused syrups made with sugar or honey to your tea, coffee, cocktails, or lemonade. Brands like 1906 also offer microdosed THC products—such as Spirits and Off Duty—that can be easily added to drinks, making it simple to control your experience without the guesswork.
- Cannabis-infused Milk or Cream
For beverages like lattes or smoothies, consider infusing THC into milk or cream (fats.) Decarboxylated cannabis is simmered in dairy to extract the THC.
Watch this to learn more:
- Infused Butter for Hot Drinks
Another option is to blend Cannabutter into hot chocolate or bulletproof coffee. But there’s a caveat. The separation between fats and liquids can make consistency difficult to achieve.
Pro Tip* It’s important to decarboxylate cannabis before using it in any infusion. Raw cannabis contains THCA, a non-psychoactive precursor to THC. If you want to bring out that “high,” heat it usually at around 220-240°F for 30-45 minutes. This converts THCA to active THC.
Legal Considerations
Whether you can put THC in regular drinks often depends on where you live. In the U.S., for instance, cannabis is still federally illegal. However, many states have legalized it for medical or recreational use. It all comes down to where you are.
For instance, in the United States, some states allow THC beverages under strict regulation. On the other hand, infusing THC into drinks (or anything) remains illegal in states that have not legalized cannabis.
In Canada, THC beverages are legal and regulated under the Cannabis Act. However, there are limits on potency and packaging. Most countries in Europe restrict THC content to near zero.
THC-infused drinks are largely illegal outside North America. However, CBD-infused options are more widely accepted. And for those of you wondering how to add CBD to drinks, keep your eyes peeled, a post on that is coming soon.
To Wrap It Up…
There you have it. If you were wondering whether you can make THC-infused drinks at home, you have your answer. Better yet, you know how you can do it successfully and safely. However, remember that it is not advisable to sell or distribute homemade THC-infused drinks.
But wait, what if cannabis is legal in my area? Even then, selling or distributing these drinks without proper licensing is still as illegal as it gets. Personal use at home may be permitted, but always check local laws.
And, most importantly, remember that moderation and responsible consumption are key. This holds whether you’re unwinding with a THC-infused tea or experimenting with a DIY cannabis cocktail.
All it takes is using the right approach. You’ll be amazed at how THC beverages can offer a new, enjoyable way to experience cannabis. Just remember to check your local laws, start low, and stay informed.
Fallon Chan is a food and lifestyle photographer and blogger.
