Researchers warn about the growing popularity of drinks infused with Delta-9 THC, the primary psychoactive compound in cannabis plants that makes users feel high or relaxed. Although the FDA has not approved THC or CBD to be added to food or sold as dietary supplements, it is projected that THC beverages may become a $4 billion industry by 2028. This is raising some health concerns including that colorful packaging and fruit flavors may increase their appeal to children.
In an article published in Harvard Medical Schools' Harvard Health Publishing, Dr. Staci Gruber, an associate professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School, shared that as many young adults move away from alcohol, a new category of cannabis-infused beverages is gaining momentum. As Dr. Gruber, who also directs Marijuana Investigations for Neuroscientific Discovery (MIND) at McLean Hospital explained, "Some people are turning to cannabis drinks as part of the 'Cali sober' trend that seeks alternatives to alcoholic beverages and avoids drug use other than cannabis."
Cannabis (marijuana) comes from the Cannabis sativa plant, which contains more than 100 chemical compounds that interact with chemicals and receptors in the brain. According to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, THC or Delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol, is a psychoactive compound found in marijuana that produces intoxication or euphoria. Another is cannabidiol (CBD), which is not intoxicating.
Varieties of cannabis that contain low levels of THC (less than 0.3%) are classified as hemp - those with more than 0.3% THC are considered cannabis. However, these infused drinks come with varying percentages of THC per serving - and their labels may not necessarily be accurate. Some "low-dose" cannabis-infused beverages may contain 2-4mg. of THC in an 8-ounce container. Others may contain as much as 200 mg. of THC. The drinks can affect people in varying ways and may also contain caffeine, alcohol, or other substances. State laws vary on if and where drinks like this can be sold, as well as on age restrictions for sale.
Dr. Gruber provided additional details about beverages that offer another means of cannabis consumption saying, "Cannabinoids found in beverage are specially-formulated to dissolve in liquid, so they may be more easily absorbed into the body's soft tissues. People may feel effects within 15-20 minutes. What is concerning is that people tend to be less familiar with the effects of cannabis and cannabis-infused beverages, so they may down one drink and not wait long enough to feel the effects before having additional drinks - doubling or tripling the THC dose very quickly. The concern is that there are generally more unknown with cannabis drinks and you can never really know how a particular product may affect you."
Consumers need to educate themselves about cannabis-infused beverages. Learn about the ingredients and potential side effects that may include increased heart rate, nausea, and feelings of anxiousness and paranoia.
Read: https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/cannabis-drinks-how-do-they-compare-to-alcohol-202407153058
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