
THC Drinks vs Edibles
March 10, 2025
THC drinks are the newest consumable creation shaking up the cannabis industry, offering users the chance to enjoy their favorite beverages with an added twist. For a long time, the idea of a THC drink was impossible, due to the compound not being water-soluble. But new technology and techniques have opened up a world of possibility. So how do you choose whether to drink or eat your cannabis? We’ll help you decide below.
THC Drinks Breakdown
THC drinks are beverages infused with compounds from cannabis. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the main psychoactive compound in cannabis, and cannabidiol (CBD) are naturally hydrophobic, meaning they repel water and don’t mix well. However, thanks to advancements in nanoemulsion technology, THC and CBD can now be effectively infused into liquids.1
THC Drink Types Available
THC drinks may be relatively new, but that hasn’t stopped them from being formulated into the classic beverages we all know and love. Today, you can find cannabis in:
- Seltzers and sodas: A bubbly, refreshing way to drink your cannabis, THC-infused seltzers and sodas come in various flavors, from fruit essences to cola-inspired.2
- Tea: Unlike traditional canna-tea made from steeped marijuana flower, these teas are infused with THC for a more controlled and precise dose. You can find a wide variety of flavors, from herbal to black tea.3
- Coffee: If we can’t talk to you until you’ve had your morning coffee, then THC-infused coffee is a perfect way to get both the boost of your cup of joe along with an added twist.4
- Mocktails: Cannabis-infused mocktails offer an alternative to alcoholic drinks. These zero-proof versions of your favorite cocktails are enhanced with THC for a unique, elevated experience.5
- Powdered drink mixes: The perfect solution for on-the-go cannabis consumers, THC powder in drink mix packets allows you to infuse a measured dose of THC into any liquid, anywhere you are.6
Key Characteristics of THC Drinks
THC drinks offer novel appeal to cannabis consumers for a number of reasons: they provide a burst of short-lived psychoactive effects, allow for a more social experience, and incorporate the flavors of popular beverages. Here’s just a few of the benefits to consider:8
- Quick onset and short duration: The body is able to absorb and process THC drinks faster because these types of products don’t have to go through the digestive system like traditional edibles do. You may begin to feel the effects of a THC drink within 10-15 minutes, and those effects typically last 1-3 hours.
- Customizable dosing: THC drinks offer a lot of variety in dosage, with some low-dose options containing 2-4mg THC, and other formulations with upwards of 100mg.8 A THC beverage can be sipped slowly, giving you unique control over the experience.
- Discreet and sociable: Many THC drinks come in pull-tab aluminum cans, just like soda or beer, making them easy to blend into social settings. Since everyone can have their own preferred drink, you can still share group experiences while choosing what works best for you.
- Taste: Because THC drinks are often made with flavorless, odorless cannabis extracts, they won’t have any of the associated herbal tastes or aromas. For some cannabis users, this is preferred.
Cannabis Edibles Overview
THC is naturally fat-soluble, helping it blend perfectly into butter and oils. That’s why, for a long time, marijuana consumables were restricted to solid foods. With advances in our knowledge of marijuana and the technology used in the cannabis industry, we can now infuse almost anything.
Marijuana edibles are digested first and then metabolized in the liver, which is what triggers their psychoactive effects. This means waiting longer for the initial high, but that high is longer lasting because it takes the body more time to process fats and solids.

Common Edible Types
Edibles come in many different variations, here are some of the most common to choose from:
- Gummies: One of the most popular and widely available cannabis edibles, gummies come in various shapes, sizes, and flavors.
- Baked goods: Brownies, cookies, and rice krispie treats are classic cannabis edibles. These are made by infusing the batter or dough with cannabis oil or butter.
- Lozenges: These are small, dissolvable cannabis-infused confections offered in mint or fruit flavors. They dissolve slowly in the mouth, allowing for the cannabinoids to be absorbed through the mouth’s lining.
- Chocolates: Cannabis chocolates and chocolate bars combine sweet, rich chocolate with cannabis extracts.
- Savory snacks: For those who prefer salty over sweet, cannabis-infused snacks like popcorn or trail mix are a perfect choice.
- Pills and capsules: Often containing THC powder or THC isolate, THC pills and capsules are similar to traditional medications, providing a convenient, easy-to-dose way to consume cannabis.
Key Characteristics of Marijuana Edibles
Edibles are a popular and versatile way to consume cannabis, with a range of products to suit different tastes and needs. Here’s just a few of the benefits to consider:7
- Slow onset, long-lasting effects: Edibles take time to pass through the digestive system and metabolize in the liver, anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours. Once the effects kick in, they tend to last much longer—typically 4-8 hours.
- Precise dosing: With a variety of products available in dispensaries, it’s easy to find edibles with precise THC amounts, letting you manage your experience and avoid overconsumption.
- Variety: Edibles have been around longer than THC drinks, so there’s a wider variety of products available on the market.
- Options for absorption: Swallowed edibles go through the digestive system (slower effects), while sublingual options like tinctures or lozenges are absorbed in the mouth (faster onset).
THC Drinks vs Edibles: So Which is Best for You
Whether THC drinks or edibles are better for you depends on your personal preferences. If you want a quick onset of effects and a shorter high, then THC drinks are for you. If you don’t mind waiting, and would prefer a longer experience, then marijuana edibles are a better choice. Neither is better than the other, although THC drinks can be a good option for people with dietary restrictions or food allergies.
FAQs About THC drinks vs Edibles
Below are the answers to some frequently asked questions to help you compare THC drinks and edibles.
Which lasts longer: THC drinks or edibles?
Edibles last longer because they are processed differently by the body, being broken down in the digestive system and then metabolized in the liver. The effects of a THC drink can begin at first sip, but they may only last about 1-3 hours.
Can you build tolerance to THC drinks?
Yes, depending on how frequently you consume THC drinks, you may build a tolerance to their effects. This is true of any cannabis product you have regularly.
Are THC drinks more expensive than edibles?
Yes, THC drinks tend to be more expensive than edibles because of the demand for them in the cannabis marketplace.9 But as more THC drink options hit dispensary shelves, that price could fall.
Do THC drinks have less calories than edibles?
It depends on the type of edible and THC drink you're comparing. For example, a THC gummy typically contains about 20 calories,10 while a cannabis brownie can have around 240 calories.11 Among five different THC drink brands, calorie counts ranged from as low as 16 to as high as 150.12 Always check nutrition labels if you’re looking for a low-calorie option.
How do you store THC drinks vs edibles?
Both THC drinks and edibles need to be kept away from air, heat, and light. Just like other beverages, your fridge is the best place to store THC drinks, as they need to be in a cool, dark environment.13
Understanding Edibles & THC Drinks
Whether you prefer the quick-acting effects of THC drinks or the long-lasting high of edibles, both offer unique ways to enjoy cannabis. But quality always matters, so buy from a trusted source. Visit your local LivWell dispensary to explore a wide selection of THC drinks and edibles, get expert recommendations from our budtenders, and find the perfect product for you.
Sources:
1. “Weed Drinks Are a Buzzy Alcohol Substitute. But Are They Safe?” The New York Times, August 24, 2022, https://www.nytimes.com/2022/08/19/well/eat/weed-cannabis-drinks.html
2. “ I tried a cannabis-infused tonic. It left me bubbly, sociable, and in a pleasant haze.” Business Insider, July 2, 2021, https://www.businessinsider.com/i-tried-a-cannabis-infused-tonic-felt-buzzed-sociable-2021-7
3. “The Best THC Tea Drinks to Sip on in 2024 (A Guide)” MetaBrand, May 8, 2024, https://metabrandcorp.com/thc-tea-drinks/
4. “Seven Easy Ways to Add Cannabis to Coffee,” Westword, November 7, 2023, https://www.westword.com/marijuana/easy-cannabis-coffee-recipes-12866632
5. “How To Make Cannabis-Infused Drinks & Mocktails At Home,” Herb, June 25, 2024, https://herb.co/learn/cannabis-infused-drink-recipes-at-home
6. “What Is THC Powder (And How To Make It)” Veriheal, August 27, 2024, https://www.veriheal.com/blog/what-is-thc-powder-and-how-to-make-it/
7. “THC Drinks vs Edibles: High and Effects Compared,” Pabst Labs, January 25, 2023, https://www.pabstlabs.com/blogs/news/thc-drinks-vs-edibles-high-and-effects-compared
8. “Cannabis drinks: How do they compare to alcohol?” Harvard Health Publishing, July 15, 2024, https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/cannabis-drinks-how-do-they-compare-to-alcohol-202407153058
9. “THC Drinks vs Edibles: Which One’s Right for You?” MetaBrand, May 29, 2024, https://metabrandcorp.com/thc-drinks-vs-edibles/
10. “Does Weed Have Calories?” Leafwell, October 7, 2024, https://leafwell.com/blog/does-weed-have-calories
11. “Easy Weed Brownies Recipe,” Emily Kyle Nutrition, December 9, 2024, https://emilykylenutrition.com/cannabis-brownies/
12. “Weed drinks have gotten so much better. Here are 5 worth trying,” LA Times, August 3, 2023, https://www.latimes.com/lifestyle/story/2023-08-03/best-weed-drinks-for-summer
13. “How Long Do THC-Infused Drinks Last? [Shelf Life & Storage]” Natural Ways CBD, July 11, 2024, https://www.naturalwayscbd.com/blog/how-long-thc-infused-drinks-last/
Please consume responsibly. This product may cause impairment and may be habit forming. There may be health risks associated with consumption of this product. State laws impact what dispensaries can and can’t sell to recreational customers and medical marijuana patients. Not every type of product, consumption method, dosage form, or potency mentioned on this blog will be permitted in all locations.