With so many ways to consume THC, it can be a little overwhelming picking the right one. Which one will give you the most intense high? Which one will make you feel like socializing instead of flopping onto the couch? Should you go with the THC drinks or the edibles? What’s the difference? (well, besides the obvious)

THC drinks and edibles are both popular choices, and while they’re similar in some ways, there’s a big difference in how quickly they hit and how long the high lasts. THC drinks typically kick in faster, (usually within 10-30 minutes), and last for a couple of hours. Edibles, on the other hand, take anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours to work their magic, but usually give off a stronger, longer lasting high.

We’re not trying to drown you in the details, but knowing these differences will let you choose the perfect product to get the exact experience you want. So in this article, we’re going to break it all down- everything you’ve ever wanted to know about THC Drinks vs. Edibles.

Don’t worry, there’s no quiz at the end, and you can skip around to the sections you care about (we won’t judge).

As we go through all of the differences, keep in mind that Cheech & Chong have BOTH edibles and THC drinks, and we can ship them right to your door.

Our High & Dry THC seltzers are fast-acting, refreshing, and perfect for social gatherings, and our THC gummies are the best in the game (we may be a little biased…but 420,000 happy customers don’t lie). Check out our THC drinks and THC gummies and find your new favorite!

The Difference Between THC Drinks and Edibles

While THC drinks and edibles are both great ways to get high without smoking or vaping (your lungs are thanking you as you read this…), they differ in how quickly they take to feel the full effect, how long that high lasts, and the intensity of that high. Understanding these differences can help you pick which one best fits the experience you want to have, and also keep you from getting into, uh, awkward situations (like that one time my high lasted waaay longer than expected, and I was higher than the clouds at my kid’s piano recital…whoops. My wife is still pissed about that).

THC Drinks Kick in Faster

When it comes to onset time, THC drinks have a clear advantage, and you can expect the high to hit you after 10-30 minutes. The desired effects happen so fast because of a cool process called nanoemulsion. It breaks THC into tiny particles to make it water-soluble. These tiny particles (and the liquid their in) are more bioavailable, so the THC starts absorbing into your bloodstream the second it hits your lips, taking a first pass through the glands under your tongue and in your mouth. Any leftover THC is absorbed by your tissues as the liquid moves through your digestive system.

Edibles, on the other hand, take a more scenic route- you might not feel anything for 30 minutes to 2 hours after ingesting a gummy. Because edibles need to journey through your stomach and liver before the THC reaches your bloodstream, it takes longer to feel anything. But there is a benefit to the wait… During this process, the liver converts THC into a more potent form called 11-hydroxy-THC. This is why edibles are known for packing a stronger punch when they finally kick in.

So if you’re looking for a quicker lift-off, grab some cannabis-infused drinks. But if you don’t mind waiting for a potentially more intense experience, edibles might be just what you need.

THC Drinks Give A Shorter, More Mellow High

When it comes to how long your high will last, THC drinks are more of a “short and sweet” experience. You’ll typically feel high for a couple of hours, perfect for unwinding after work or for social gathering where you don’t want to be totally wrecked all night.

Edibles are in it for the long haul. The effects of edibles can peak around 4 hours, and potentially can stay around for up to 12 hours. That’s a full-day commitment right there.

But everyone’s body is different, so your mileage may vary. Factors like your tolerance, metabolism, what you’ve eaten that day, and the dosage all play a huge role in how long (and how intensely) you’ll feel the ride.

If you’re new to THC or have a slower metabolism, you might feel high longer. For regular users and people with faster metabolisms, the high doesn’t stick around as long.

And seriously, don’t forget about dosage – a higher dose should give you a longer-lasting high… Just remember to start low and go slow until you know how your body reacts (NO ONE likes feeling too high, not even us).

We like to think our High & Dry seltzers have the perfect amount THC, with 5mg in every can.

But don’t take our word for it. Here’s what one of our customers has to say about our THC drinks:

“Having tried another brand with both D8 and D9 drinks, I am able to discern between brands. With C&C’s the flavor is really good. Not overly carbonated so if wanting to down it, you can. Crisp and clean tasting. The effect- in about 20 minutes. Help has arrived! Enjoy! Duration of about 2 hours.” Ernie Foss

Looks like Ernie’s experience lines up pretty well with what we’ve been saying. (It’s almost like we know what we’re talking about…)

Edibles Usually Have More Potent Options

When it comes to potency, THC edibles tend to have the upper hand. Most THC-infused beverages on the market stick with low to moderate doses, usually from 1 mg to 10 mg of THC per can. Our Cheech and Chong High & Dry seltzers, for instance, have 5 mg of THC – the perfect amount for a mellow buzz, and still federally legal.

Edibles are more of a wild card…

You can find all types of edibles from microdose mints with just 1 mg of THC, to overloaded cookies and brownies with 100 mg or more. In states where recreational marijuana is legal, you might even find drinks with 100 mg of THC!

We love all the variety, because it means you can really dial in the perfect high for YOU.

Want a little mood lifter that won’t make you feel too different? Go for a low-dose gummy.

Want to forget you’re on planet Earth? A high-dose brownie might be your perfect escape.

Just remember, with great potency comes great responsibility – always start low and go slow, especially with those high-dose options.

If you’re new to cannabis, THC-infused drinks are a perfect way to dip your toes in the water. Their lower doses and quicker onset make them perfect for seeing what feels good for your personal preference. Plus, you can easily control how much THC you’re getting- have one drink, see how you feel, and decide if you want more.

Or, if you’re feeling social and trying to party, you can have multiple weed drinks through the night and get a more “stacked” high.

For comparison, our heaviest-hitting gummy, our CHEECHED and CHONGED Legends Gummies, have 20 mg of THC in them. This is equal to about four cans of our High & Dry seltzers.

No matter what high you’re after, Cheech & Chong can get you there, man.

Edibles Have a Bigger Market Share

When it comes to what is most common in the market, traditional edibles are currently king. In 2023, candies made up a whopping 74% of the edible market share. Chocolates came in second, but way behind at 8%, and THC drinks took just 6% of the market.

But don’t let these numbers trick you into thinking THC drinks aren’t popular… Economists predict the global market for cannabis drinks will triple from $1 Billion in 2023 to $3 Billion by 2030. On top of that, in the next 5 years the edibles market as a whole is expected to more than double from the $9.68 billion in 2023, to $20.60 billion by 2028.

So whether you like to eat your THC or drink it, one thing’s for sure – the cannabis market is here to stay.

And thanks to the 2018 Farm Bill, a hefty chunk of this market is available to anyone 21 or older. THC drinks can even be found in some grocery stores and beverage shops now, usually right next to the beer.

You know who else sells THC beverages in their stores? It’s us. We do. We’ve got Cheech & Chong Apothicaria’s and partner stores all across the country, with more popping up all the time. Check out our store locator to see if there’s one near you!

The Similarities Between THC Drinks and Edibles

Now that we’ve covered how THC drinks and edibles are different, let’s talk about what they have in common (again, besides the obvious…you know they’re both gonna get you high, man).

Both Are Federally Legal

Remember that 2018 Farm Bill we were just talking about? Yeah, it’s a pretty important part of the legal cannabis world. Because of this bill, both THC drinks and edibles are federally legal as long as they contain 0.3% or less Delta 9 THC on a dry weight basis.

Cheech & Chong’s THC drinks and gummies are all within these legal limits (don’t worry, we check all the time, and have lab reports to prove it). This means we can ship to every state in the U.S…except Idaho. Not you guys. We’re sure you’re all nice enough, but your state’s laws are a serious bummer.

Both Can Be Discreetly Consumed

If you’re not interested in everyone knowing your business, both THC drinks and edibles are great options. Unlike THCa flower, which announces its presence to everyone within a half-mile radius, THC drinks and edibles can easily pass for regular candy or drinks to the untrained eye.

This discrete nature makes THC drinks and edibles perfect for those times when you want good vibes, but don’t want to broadcast it to the world. Sipping a THC seltzer at a party? Looks just like any other fizzy drink. Eating a gummy when you’re out and about? Could be any regular candy.

It’s a great way to get high without ruffling the feathers of any teetotalers in your vicinity. Just remember, while it’s easy to be discreet, always consume responsibly and be aware of your surroundings.

Which Is Best for You?

So, which cannabis product should YOU choose: THC drinks or edibles?

Well, that’s like asking which is better, tacos or pizza…It just depends on what you’re in the mood for.

Your ideal choice really comes down to the kind of experience you want and how far into the cosmos you want to travel.

If you’re new to cannabis or just want a mellow, shorter-lived high, THC drinks are perfect. They kick in faster and typically offer a more laid-back experience. (Fair warning: if you’re used to drinking beer, and try to swap it for THC drinks at a party…you’re gonna have a bad time. Too much too quickly isn’t fun for anyone, so remember to pace yourself.)

But if you want a longer, stronger high, edibles might be your answer. Just remember the golden rule of edibles: start low and go slow. Give it time to kick in before you decide to have more. Trust us, your future self will thank you.

What People Have to Say About Our THC Drinks and Edibles

No matter which you pick, Cheech & Chong have you covered. We’ve got three different types of edible gummies, and our High & Dry THC seltzers all available on our website. We take our THC very seriously…so we only offer stuff that’s genuinely high quality. But don’t just take our word for it, here’s what a few real customers think:

“The first [drink] provided a nice gentle high which relaxed me and made me want to play guitar – which I like to do when feeling the right mood.” Steven ODair

“Tastes great! I would love [the drink] even if it didn’t do anything – but luckily it does. One of these puts me in a great, calm and creative mood.” Brian McDonald

“Love the products! Have just tried the new “Space Chews” and they are perfect for me! The cruise chews are nice too, but if you want a little bit more, these are great. I’ve tried other gummies, and they give me a headache or a hangover, or they make me paranoid, but these are just so nice to chill out, relax or even do stuff around the house.” Belinda Harris (Space Chews)

“I was skeptical at first. Not now. SPACE CHEWS are better than the dispensaries. Great flavors.” Frederick Ziesing (Space Chews)

Get Federally Legal THC Products Shipped to Your Door

THC drinks and edibles both have their special little quirks, but if you’re still having a hard time choosing, then don’t! Just get both. It’s 2024, man. You can legally get both THC gummies and THC seltzers shipped right to your door, no medical card required. Check them out, and let us know what you think!