Now that the prohibition is slowing to an end, cannabis-infused edibles have become more popular and variable than ever. The rise of cannabis edibles has given way to infused beverages, and January is the perfect month to discuss this up-and-coming trend. Cannabis-infused beverages stand as a great alternative to alcoholic beverages.
Dry January
Dry January was started as a public health initiative by Alcohol Change UK in 2012, with millions now participating each year by abstaining from alcoholic beverages for the month of January. In a study done by BMJ Open, regular drinkers who abstained from alcohol for thirty days slept better, had more energy, lost weight, and lowered both blood pressure and cholesterol levels (Solan, 2023). Abstaining from alcohol for thirty days isn’t only beneficial for physical well-being, but emotional and mental health as well. January is a great month to reflect on the self and focus on mindfulness and control. Detoxing from alcohol can be difficult for regular drinkers who may struggle with withdrawal symptoms and cravings; others may find the detox easier than they expected and decide alcohol does not need to take up so much space in their lives. Cannabis-infused beverages offer a way to bridge this gap for individuals participating in dry January.
Health and Wellness
Cannabis-infused beverages offer the uplifting and euphoric effects of alcohol without the crash at the end of the night and the hangover in the morning. These beverages offer a smoke-free low-calorie option for those who are looking to unwind and relax without feeling the negative health effects of alcohol. Alcohol can cause serious health concerns when ingested regularly such as heart and liver damage, weakened immune system, memory issues, mood disorders, and a higher cancer risk (Solan, 2023). Cannabis-infused beverages are free of these negative health effects and have many positive health benefits of their own; many are infused with not only tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) but cannabidiol (CBD) as well, creating the entourage effect that we know and love. CBD not only enhances the psychoactive experience but also provides health benefits for the user. A 2018 study found that CBD is effective in preventing drug and alcohol-related relapses (Gonzales-Cuevas). Another study by the Rockefeller Institute of Medical Research found that CBD effectively treats hypersensitivity related to inflammatory and neuropathic health conditions (Xiong, 2012). A report in 2017 found that cannabis is effective in treating chronic pain in adults (National Academies). Cannabis-infused beverages provide the perfect healthy alternative to alcohol.
Navigating Social Situations
Socializing without alcohol can be a challenge for many, especially for regular drinkers. Cannabis-infused beverages provide an excellent solution that is easily incorporated into social settings, as well as a more controlled experience than traditional smoking or edibles. The gradual onset of effects can help users gauge their comfort levels, allowing for a more mindful and intentional consumption while offering a shared experience. For some individuals alcohol can quickly turn the stomach, sending drinkers running for the toilet; cannabis-infused beverages are free from this unwanted effect making them perfect for social situations. In fact, a 2022 study showed the cannabinoid THC is effective as an antiemetic for treating and preventing nausea; in the study, 96% of people experienced a reduction in nausea within one-hour post-consumption (Stith). Providing positive effects similar to alcohol without any of the negative effects associated, cannabis-infused beverages stand as an incredible alternative to alcoholic beverages.
Sources:
Gonzalez-Cuevas, G., Martin-Fardon, R., Kerr, T. M., Stouffer, D. G., Parsons, L. H., Hammell, D. C., Banks, S. L., Stinchcomb, A. L., & Weiss, F. (2018). Unique treatment potential of cannabidiol for the prevention of relapse to drug use: preclinical proof of principle. Neuropsychopharmacology: official publication of the American College of Neuropsychopharmacology, 43(10), 2036–2045. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41386-018-0050-8
National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. (2017). The Health Effects of Cannabis and Cannabinoids: The Current State of Evidence and Recommendations for Research. https://doi.org/10.17226/24625.
Solan, M. (2023, December 20). Thinking of dry January? Steps for success. Harvard Health Publishing. https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/thinking-of-trying-dry-january-steps-for-success-202201032662
Stith, S., Li, X., Orozco, J., Lopez, V., Brockelman, F., Keeling, K., Hall, B., Vigil, J. (2022). The effectiveness of common cannabis products for treatment of nausea. Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology 56(4):p 331-338. | DOI: 10.1097/MCG.0000000000001534
Xiong, W., Cui, T., Cheng, K., Yang, F., Chen, S. R., Willenbring, D., Guan, Y., Pan, H. L., Ren, K., Xu, Y., & Zhang, L. (2012). Cannabinoids suppress inflammatory and neuropathic pain by targeting ?3 glycine receptors. The Journal of Experimental Medicine, 209(6), 1121–1134. https://doi.org/10.1084/jem.20120242
