CBD vs. THC Infused Drinks: What's the Difference?

By Josh Ahadian of Shimmerwood Beverages

Did you know that around 33% of people in the United States alone have used a CBD product at some point in their lives?

CBD and THC are two cannabinoids that have been growing in popularity in recent years. More and more states are legalizing THC, while CBD is already legal in most locations. 

More than that, people are starting to discover how beneficial these cannabinoids can be to one's wellbeing. But when it comes to THC and CBD infused drinks, what should you expect? THC and CBD come in many forms such as edibles, vapes, balms, and more, but what about drinks?

Cannabis drinks are a relatively new invention, but that doesn't mean that they still aren't great to try. In fact, they might soon become your next favorite cannabis product. But is there any real difference between THC infused drinks and CBD infused beverages?

Keep reading and learn more about what makes CBD and THC beverages unique.

Understanding THC Infused Drinks

When it comes to THC vs CBD infused beverages, the first thing you should know is that THC is certainly the more potent choice out of the two.

THC is a cannabinoid derived from the marijuana plant, though it can also come from the hemp plant. Most THC manufacturers prefer to get it from the marijuana plant because it produces THC in much higher concentrations in comparison to the hemp plant. 

What makes THC unique is its ability to affect the brain. It is a psychoactive compound, meaning it is able to produce a high when consumed. It is able to do this by affecting the endocannabinoid system in the brain. 

This system is always functioning even when you're not consuming cannabis. This is because the body actually produces a couple of its own cannabinoids. The endocannabinoid system has two main receptors that make it possible for the brain to process cannabinoids: the CB1 receptor and the CB2 receptor. 

Together, these receptors are responsible for all sorts of functions in the body. For example, they have the ability to affect one's mood, appetite, pain response, and immune system function. THC is able to reach the cannabinoid system through the blood. 

Understanding CBD Infused Drinks

CBD and THC are not all that different since they both originate from the cannabis plant, although they both produce very different effects. The first thing you need to know about CBD is that it is not psychoactive as THC is. You might wonder what the point of drinking CBD would be if it doesn't get you high. 

However, some people might not like the feeling of getting high but still want to reap the benefits that cannabinoids have to offer.

CBD is still full of benefits for the body even though you might not be able to feel the effects as strongly as when you consume THC. Some CBD products may contain trace amounts of THC, usually around 0.03% or less, but this amount is not enough to produce a psychoactive high. 

To make sure that the THC content is as low as possible, many CBD manufacturers prefer to get their CBD from hemp plants rather than marijuana plants. This is because hemp plants produce high concentrations of CBD while producing very low concentrations of THC. This makes it very easy to filter out the remaining THC in favor of the CBD. 

The great thing about CBD is that it is an antioxidant. An antioxidant is a very beneficial substance that is able to fight free radicals. Free radicals are unstable atoms that occur in the body due to stress.

What to Look for When Choosing THC or CBD Infused Drinks

When choosing CBD or THC infused drinks, you'll always want to be sure that you're buying high-quality products. There are many drinks of this nature that use very low-quality ingredients or load the drinks with sugar. If you really want to benefit from these cannabinoids, you will want to make sure that the overall drink will be enjoyable. 

In particular, you will want to know what kind of cannabinoids are in the drink before you buy anything. For example, if you plan on buying a CBD drink, you should know what kind of CBD is in it.

Full-spectrum CBD is a very good type of CBD. It is full of CBD and other cannabinoids, including trace amounts of THC. It also contains certain plant compounds such as terpenes and plant fats leftover from the hemp plant.

All of these compounds together make full-spectrum CBD to be considered healthier and more effective by many.

All About THC and CBD Infused Drinks

When it comes to THC and CBD infused drinks, the benefits are endless. While THC produces a psychoactive high and CBD does not, they both produce different social and recreational experiences.



Shop Shimmerwood’s entire line of CBD Seltzer’s right here at SeaWeed Co.! They have four tasty flavors (Chai Cherry, Razz Lime, Ginger Orange & Just Hemp) made with locally sourced bitters and 5mg of locally sourced Full Spectrum CBD in each can.