Cannabis products are more accessible than ever thanks to new laws legalizing hemp-derived THC. As THC becomes easy to obtain in certain states without recreational marijuana, it’s essential to understand the differences in how cannabinoids are processed. Dosing hemp-derived THC drinks and edibles is much different from other delivery methods.
In this post, we will provide the ultimate guide for dosing THC drinks, as well as:
- Explain how edibles are processed
- Outline different dose amounts
- Make an argument for low dosing
- Show you where to find premium hemp-derived THC drinks
First, let’s cover the basics before jumping into our dosing guide.
What is Hemp-Derived THC?
If you are new to the cannabinoid hemp industry, you may be unfamiliar with products containing legal amounts of THC derived from industrial hemp. The concept didn’t even exist just a few years ago but is now the latest craze in the hemp industry.
Hemp-derived THC products contain Delta-9 THC to activate the cannabinoid receptors but come from hemp rather than marijuana.
How Is Hemp-Derived THC Legal?
While marijuana remains illegal for adults to purchase in 31 states, the 2018 Farm Bill legalized the sale of hemp federally.
The bill classifies hemp as cannabis with “no more than 0.3% THC on a dry weight basis.”
If you are interested in more information about the legality of hemp-derived THC and Minnesota’s new law providing clarity to the industry, check out our blog.
Why do Cannabis Drinks have Different Effects? – Cannabinoid Metabolites
Drinks, gummies, chocolates, and any other form of cannabis extract that is digested are considered an edible.
While these types of products can be much less intimidating than other forms of cannabis, it is a highly efficient and potent way to consume THC. The reason is that our body breaks down the active ingredient, tetrahydrocannabinol (Delta 9 THC), into a metabolite called 11-hydroxy-THC. When you take an edible, you are actually experiencing the effects of 11-hydroxy.
You’ve likely heard about or even had a negative edible experience. Once you understand the differences between how our bodies process edibles in relation to other forms of THC delivery, you are more likely to find your ideal dose. We’ve outlined the 3 main differences below:
Slow Absorption Rates
Edibles take much longer to reach the bloodstream than smoking or taking THC sublingually. The delay is typically why people take too much and become overwhelmed with the intense psychoactive effects of 11-hydroxy.
Efficiency
Eating or drinking THC is also much more efficient than other delivery methods; you lose far less compound in the process. The efficiency of edibles is an advantage as long as you take a responsible dose and use products with accurate THC contents.
Increased Psychoactive Effects
11-hydroxy is far more potent than Delta 9 THC, and the effects can last up to 8 hours. The delayed response times, combined with the psychoactive effects of the metabolite, make choosing a manageable dose essential.
How to Safely Dose Hemp-Derived THC Drinks and Edibles?
If you are taking hemp-derived THC or marijuana edibles for the first time, we highly recommend starting low and going slow. Begin with a small dose of 5mg and wait for at least 1 hour before taking any more THC. This will give your body time to process the cannabinoid and allow you to assess the effects. (ambien)
Hemp-Derived THC Dosing Guide
Finding your “goldilocks” dosing range is dependent on several factors, including your:
- Weight
- Metabolism
- Tolerance
- Experience with cannabis
Everyone is different, but dosing can typically be broken down into 3 categories.
Micro Dose
5 milligrams or less.
This is where you want to start and is a great place to stay if you want a manageable cannabis experience.
Average Dose
10mg – 25mg.
Depending on the user, any dose can potentially produce psychoactive effects. For most users, doses over 10mg will produce psychoactive effects, so we recommend starting with a micro dose to help you gauge your tolerance.
High Dose
Over 25mg is what we consider a high dose.
If you are looking for an intense psychoactive cannabis experience, this is where you want to be. But, again, we highly recommend working your way from a micro dose up to large amounts.
Advantages of Low-Dose THC Edibles
Taking excessive amounts of THC has its place. People that have built up a tolerance or find the effects mind-expanding require high doses. However, if you want to experience THC’s benefits without being overwhelmingly high, we highly recommend micro dosing.
Manageable Effects
When you take a 5-10mg dose, you’ll feel the effects and should not take more until you know how your body will react.
Large doses (especially for inexperienced users) can result in adverse side effects, including paranoia, impaired memory, loss of motor functions, altered sense of time, and even hallucinations, delusions, and psychosis.
Long-Term Benefits
Micro dosing allows you to experience the benefits of THC without being overwhelmed. Many users take THC to help them sleep, relieve stress, increase appetite, and combat mental health issues like anxiety from day-to-day stress.
Where to Quality Buy Hemp-Derived THC Drinks?
Clr!ty is a Minnesota-based company specializing in low-dose hemp-derived THC seltzers. We offer delicious flavored sparkling drinks infused with 5 or 10mg of hemp-derived THC per can. Visit our website to check out our full line of products.
Hemp-Derived THC in Minnesota is Legal?