Cannabis beverages have been legal in Canada for nearly a year now so you may be wondering just where they are. Unfortunately due to the nature of the regulations being imposed upon the legal cannabis marketplace commercially available cannabis edibles, weed drinks and other consumables are restricted to low doses and typically sold individually at high prices. For anyone with even the slightest tolerance to cannabis products or a medical patient in need of stronger dosages to aid with relief from their symptoms they would simply not be able to afford the necessary amount required to get a proper dose. What’s more, nobody wants to have to eat four or five candy bars or drink an entire six pack of soda in order to get the very slightest of background buzzes. Even the language discussing cannabis beverages and edibles is still couched in the “danger” of people having too high of a dose. It’s absolutely absurd given that there have been zero recorded deaths in all of human history from overconsumption of cannabis. The only “danger” is that you might not be able to leave the couch for several hours and may come to wish you hadn’t taken so much. But it passes, time moves on and nobody dies or is left permanently scarred mentally or physically.
Cannabis Drinks
The legal recreational cannabis market in Canada faces significant challenges. High prices and limited options for experienced users hinder its growth. Many investors and government officials underestimated this market. They focused on potential profits without understanding the product or consumers. Despite legalization, the black market remains strong. This persistence stems from the government's failure to create viable legal alternatives. The initial hype about massive profits overshadowed the need for quality and variety in cannabis products. Recently, legal cannabis drinks have entered the market. However, these drinks are often weak and overpriced. A seasoned cannabis user needs multiple sodas just to feel an effect, risking sugar overload in the process. The drinks contain minimal THC, making them ineffective. Major beverage companies like Molson and Labatt have not stepped up with robust cannabis brands. If they did produce cannabis-infused beer, the THC content would be so low that they might as well market them as "cannabis-free." This lack of significant offerings reflects the ongoing struggles within the cannabis industry.
Where Are The Cannabis Drinks?
If you're new to cannabis or haven't tried edibles, regulated low doses are a great way to start. These doses, between 2mg and 10mg, are suitable for casual users and newcomers. However, they aren't the only options that should be available. Consider alcohol. It's a regulated substance accessible in stores nationwide. Imagine if it faced the same strict regulations as cannabis. Alcohol poses greater risks and can cause harm more immediately. Unlike cannabis, even consuming many edibles won’t lead to overdose. You might feel unwell for a few hours, but you won’t suffer severe consequences.
Weed > Booze
Despite common sense, alcohol is available in large quantities and high strengths. This is often risky for novice drinkers. Should we then remove hard liquors from shelves based on cannabis regulations? Should we limit alcohol content to a negligible level? Of course not. People would protest against such restrictions. They would view it as an attempt to sell inferior products. Perhaps cannabis users are too relaxed to voice discontent, but it’s unfortunate that we lack potent and effective cannabis drinks and edibles for those with higher tolerances.
The Dream of The THC Craft Drink
If you feel frustrated about the state of edibles and THC drinks in Canada, you are not alone. Many share your disappointment. Fortunately, an underground craft market is thriving. Producers are creating their own edibles, products, and THC capsules. They offer reasonable potency for those with higher tolerances or specific medicinal needs. The legal cannabis industry often vilifies this “black market.” They see it as a threat during their struggle to gain consumer confidence. As more people discover the grey and black markets, these underground producers will likely prosper. True innovation will continue to flourish outside government control and away from corporate interests. Many passionate growers and producers have been sidelined by greedy corporations. What should have been a cause for celebration has turned into a struggle for smaller businesses. Instead of supporting local entrepreneurs, the system has handed control to corporate giants.
Craft Cannabis Brews
Just as craft beer producers fought to exist alongside monopolies, small batch cannabis producers face similar challenges. The goal is to make it harder for small operators to produce and sell. However, these “little guys” will continue to advocate for what is essential in the cannabis community. Remember, those labeled as “criminals” by the government enjoy cannabis like anyone else. They include grandmothers baking edibles for medical needs that legal producers can't meet. They are teachers, students, doctors, and community members. Criminalizing their passion is a form of organized crime in itself.
How To Make A Liquid Marijuana Drink
If you are looking to enjoy a good liquid marijuana cocktail or a smooth and frosty cannabis infused beer you may be waiting for a long time unless you take matters into your own hands. If you are a newcomer with no experience or tolerance when it comes to cannabis edibles and beverages you might be best suited trying out the very low doses available on the legal marketplace first and see how it hits you. Remember to give it some time before you drink your way through a whole six pack or eat an entire package of infused thc gummies - the onset time can be anywhere from a half an hour to two full hours and the high can last up to twelve! Drinking cannabis tends to have more of a cerebral effect than a body high which is distinct from the edible experience which usually functions in the opposite direction. This makes the low dose sodas and other cannabis drinks available ideal for newbies to try and experiment with relatively little risk of “greening out” - the unaffectionate nickname given to the experience of doing too much cannabis in one session and feeling awful.
Drinking Tolerance
If you need higher doses of cannabis, shopping legally can be challenging. Options are limited, especially for those on a budget. Many products come with excessive packaging too. Instead, consider making your own cannabis drinks at home. Creating your own beverages can save you money and reduce waste. A little preparation is key. Instead of throwing fruit and raw buds into a blender, focus on making THC-infused bases. This approach ensures you get the best potency possible. Start by deciding what kind of drink you want. If you prefer simplicity, quick cannabis tea is an excellent option. For more variety, try creating THC-infused bases. These bases open up a world of beverage possibilities, from refreshing options to warm seasonal favorites.
Mary J Milk?!
Boil a good-sized pot of water on the stove. Place a metal bowl into the boiling water. Add finely ground cannabis and milk to the bowl. Use 0.5 to 1g of weed per quart of milk for potency.
