A cold can of cannabis cider and a pineapple gummy might contain the same amount of THC, but that doesn’t mean they suit the same occasions. Choosing between THC drinks vs edibles depends on how you like to consume cannabis, how quickly you want the experience to start, and how long you want it to last. 

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What Are THC Drinks?

THC beverages are drinks infused with THC. You’ll find THC drinks in the forms of seltzers, teas, ciders, sodas, and others. Many THC-infused drinks use an emulsion that helps the cannabis mix evenly with the liquid. 

Some are designed with fast-acting formulas so they take effect sooner than traditional edibles, but onset time varies from person to person. Always check the label to see how much THC is in one serving and if the can contains more than one. 

What Are Cannabis Edibles?

Cannabis edibles are foods or candies made with cannabis extracts. Gummies are the most common edible type, but you might also find chocolates, baked goods, mints, and other types. 

Edibles are a popular cannabis product because they are easy to portion and come in a wide range of flavors and strengths. A 5mg gummy is a common single serving, but you can find both lower and higher doses to suit your tolerance level. 

How Does Onset Time Compare?

THC drink onset is often quicker than the onset of a traditional gummy or other edible. Some fast-acting cannabis beverages can take effect within 15 to 30 minutes. Edible onset time is usually slower, ranging from about 30 minutes to 2 hours or more. 

THC drink effects and edible effects are influenced most by the dose you consume. A 5mg drink and a 5mg gummy contain the same amount of THC, but their timing and your experience may feel different. Other things that affect your experience include: 

• How you are feeling 
• What you’ve had to eat 
• The setting you are in 
• The cannabinoid mix
• The terpene profile 

Because these products affect everyone differently, it may be worth trying one from each category and seeing what you think. You can take notes on your experience and use that information to purchase other products you’ll enjoy. 

How Do THC Beverages Compare to Gummies Specifically?

When comparing cannabis drinks vs edibles, think about two things: convenience and pacing. 

Beverages give you something refreshing to sip on, which can be great in a social setting when you’d rather avoid alcohol but still want a drink in your hand. They come in great flavors ranging from familiar soda tastes to light and crispy seltzers. 

Gummies, on the other hand, are more compact, discreet, and portable. Their resealable packaging may be more practical when you just have a single serving and are saving the rest for later. 

THC Drink and Edible Picks at Lake Effect

Our lineup includes national brands along with products from Vermont growers and makers. Here are seven picks that make a good starting point for comparing THC beverages vs gummies: 

• Sunset Lake High Branch Sparkling Cannabis Cider: Fresh-pressed cider from Hackett’s Orchard meets sungrown cannabis. 
• Taunik Inner Speaker: Black tea and lemonade mixed with honey and rosemary for a botanical tea taste. 
• Taunik Tea for Two: Melody Maker Plus: High-potency blend of tea and citrusy hops makes this lightly sweet and pleasantly different. 
• Steezy Cultivation Raspberry Lime Seltzer: Raspberry and lime give this seltzer a fresh taste along with gentle bubbles.
• Sunset Lake Cannabis Pineapple Hybrid Gummies: Vegan gummies with THC and CBD using products grown at Sunset Lake farm. 
• Altitude Drops Adjust-Mints: Low-dose peppermints with just 2.5mg THC each in discreet portable packaging. 
• VTreatz Just Peachy Hash Rosin Gummies: Vegan peach gummies with hash rosin from a family-run producer. 

Try Both Formats and Find Your Favorite

Trying both can help you learn which format is the better fit for you. You can browse our current cannabis menu online or head to South Hero and shop in person. Our budtenders can help you compare cannabis drinks and gummies and answer questions about onset time, duration, and cannabis consumption methods. Come find exactly what you need for your at-home cannabis selection. 

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