As cannabis legalization continues to evolve, one segment of the industry is catching attention for both its innovation and uncertainty: THC-infused beverages. In a recent televised interview, Dr. Zoe McElligott, associate professor of pharmacology and psychiatry at the University of North Carolina and faculty member with the Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies (BCAS), weighed in on this emerging category.
The segment, aired on WRAL’s In Depth with Dan, focused on viewer-submitted questions about the safety and effects of THC drinks. With infused sodas, seltzers, teas, and mocktails now available in many states, consumers are curious—and cautious—about what these products mean for their health.
A Closer Look at THC Beverages
THC-infused drinks are part of a fast-growing corner of the cannabis industry that merges functional beverages with controlled doses of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive compound in cannabis. They appeal to a wide audience, including consumers who want an alternative to alcohol or more precise dosing options than traditional edibles.
Unlike smoking or vaping, THC beverages are consumed like any drink—sipped slowly or enjoyed socially. But their absorption in the body is different, often metabolized through the digestive tract or through nano-emulsion technologies that speed up onset.
Expert Insights: How THC Drinks Affect the Brain
Dr. McElligott, an expert in neuropharmacology, highlighted how these beverages interact with the brain’s reward and decision-making systems. While the effects of inhaled THC are relatively well understood, beverages pose unique challenges due to their varying formulations and absorption rates. Some drinks may deliver effects within 15–30 minutes, while others could take up to an hour or more, increasing the risk of overconsumption for inexperienced users.
McElligott stressed that while lower-dose beverages may appear safe or even mild, they still influence brain chemistry in ways similar to smoking or edibles—particularly affecting areas linked to impulse control, mood regulation, and memory.
Public Health Concerns and the Need for Research
A major takeaway from the WRAL interview was the need for more consumer education and clinical research. With infused beverages now available in convenience stores in some states where hemp-derived cannabinoids are legal, the line between recreational fun and potential misuse is becoming harder to define.
Health experts, including Dr. McElligott, are calling for:
- Standardized labeling to help consumers understand dosages clearly
- Regulations that distinguish between hemp-derived and cannabis-derived THC products
- Public awareness campaigns around safe consumption, especially for new users
- Scientific studies that explore long-term use and potential risks for vulnerable populations, such as adolescents and those with mental health conditions
Why This Matters Now
The THC beverage category has exploded in popularity over the last year, with brands offering low-dose, sessionable drinks that mimic the social effects of alcohol. But the lack of uniform regulation across states, combined with limited clinical research, leaves consumers navigating a rapidly changing market without a reliable map.
For healthcare providers and public health officials, the rise of THC drinks presents a double-edged sword: they offer new, potentially safer ways to consume cannabis—but also carry risks tied to overuse, mislabeling, or combining with other substances like alcohol.
Final Thoughts
As the cannabis industry innovates beyond traditional flower and vape formats, THC beverages are carving out their place as a popular, discreet, and approachable product. But with innovation comes responsibility. Experts like Dr. McElligott are pushing the conversation forward, ensuring that science, regulation, and consumer safety keep pace with product demand.
Whether you’re a casual consumer, healthcare professional, or policymaker, staying informed about how THC beverages work—and what we still don’t know—will be critical to navigating this evolving space safely.