By Daisy Polowetzky

In today’s fast-paced, high-anxiety world, everyone is searching for a little bit of solace in their day. And with recreational marijuana being legalized in almost half the country, many Americans have begun to crack open THC infused drinks to relax. But before you grab a case of these trendy new beverages, it is important to think about the negative effects of THC..

Tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, in simple terms, is the main chemical in cannabis that is associated with making people feel high. While THC drinks are legal in many states and usually come in the form of a THC-infused seltzer, legal doesn’t necessarily mean safe. THC is a tricky substance as there is no standardized dosage for the consumption of THC, and cannabis products are not regulated by the United States Food and Drug Administration. This means consumers may not always know what’s in the drink they’re sipping, and have to put their trust in the manufacturer. Some cannabis products may contain unwanted substances such as pesticides and heavy metals. 

Popular THC-infused seltzer company, Happi, markets their brand as fun, young, and bright, with flavors called Lemon Elderflower and Glow Up. With packaging similar to that of non-THC seltzers like LaCroix and Spindrift, consumers can easily mistake companies like Happi for regular sparkling water brands. 

There are even some THC-infused beverages that double as energy drinks. Mount Royal Bottle Shoppe, a Minnesota-based alcohol vendor, sells a product on their website called Pace Dragonberry THC Energy Drink, a 12-ounce beverage containing both 10 milligrams of THC and caffeine. The combination of THC and caffeine can be extremely dangerous. Combining THC and caffeine can cause memory impairment and a more enhanced high.       

Many view THC drinks as a healthier alternative to alcohol. But just as the overconsumption of alcohol can cause hangovers, ingesting too much cannabis can lead to frightening symptoms, such as vomiting and hallucinations. You may not always know how your body reacts to THC if you’ve never experimented with cannabis before, so like with most cognitive-altering substances, it is best to start small and use in moderation.      

THC-infused drinks are a relatively new beverage on the market, and its effects are not fully understood. If you are of age and want to hop on the trend of THC-infused drinks, proceed with caution.