Does Weed-Infused Vodka Get You High?
With so many weed-infused products available on the hemp market, it was only a matter of time before a brand started infusing alcohol. An especially popular infused liquor is vodka. But does weed-infused vodka get you high?
Many are curious about the effects weed-infused vodka produces. This is what we are going to discuss below. So, let’s explore the effects of weed-infused vodka and why the product is so popular.
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Does Weed-Infused Vodka Get You High?
Drinking weed-infused vodka will not make you high if you get it from a dispensary, as there is less than 0.3% THC. Still, despite the lack of psychoactive effects, they can get you pretty drunk as the alcohol level for these drinks reaches 40% ABV.
State-of-the-art technologies and companies like ours make it seamless to infuse a range of products for large-scale productions. Machines allow companies to infuse products with exact ratios with no space for human error.
However, many still try to infuse their products by themselves. If you infuse vodka at home, you may make it stronger, so psychoactive effects might be possible. As with the many new infused products that have hit the cannabis market since its legalization, weed-infused vodka is the latest trend gaining traction.
Weed-infused vodka is made from cannabis plant extracts. Cannabis enthusiasts may purchase an already-infused bottle of vodka or make it themselves. Yet, it is crucial to be careful and mindful of the quantities if you decide to do it yourself.
With brand-bought weed-infused vodka, you do not have to worry about the psychoactive properties due to regulations. Self-infused vodka may be much more potent and the effect enhanced.
The infusion process
The process of making a weed-infused vodka begins with infusing the alcohol with cannabis chemicals. More notably, THC or CBD as they are the most prominent chemicals in the marijuana plant.
The infusion process begins by creating a base with quality vodka. The cannabis is then put in the liquid and left for a while to infuse. Infusing weed into vodka requires precision and attention to detail to get the desired results without going overboard.
Furthermore, the exact ratio of the chemicals (THC to CBD) in weed-infused vodka varies based on the desired effects, brand, and product. Infusions with higher THC content may be more intense, while CBD-forward ones may be milder.
So, brands and manufacturers use different techniques to achieve unique qualities that make them stand out in the highly competitive market.
Steeping method
One common method to make weed-infused vodka is steeping cannabis flowers or concentrates directly in the liquid. This method directly exposes the alcohol to the cannabinoids and allows them to infuse it over a set period slowly. The weed-infused vodka will have the flavors, smells, and effects of the chemicals.
Cannabis-infused honey method
Another method to make weed-infused vodka is to use honey-infused cannabis. For this method, the cannabis must be decarboxylated and ground to a coarse consistency.
After that, you make the honey by extracting the terpenes from the cannabis using coconut oil. Then, the oil is mixed with the honey and infused with the vodka.
Manufacturer’s methods
Brands and manufacturers use the latest technology and extraction techniques to produce weed-infused vodka. Using cutting-edge technology, brands isolate the THC and CBD from the cannabis plant.
Once isolated, the manufacturers extract the cannabinoids. The extracted cannabinoids are carefully mixed with vodka for even and balanced distribution.
Factors Affecting the High in Vodka
THC-potency in weed-infused vodka
Weed-infused vodka available on the market contains no more than 0.3% THC due to laws and regulations. As per the latest federal statute, cannabis containing less than 0.3%% THC is hemp, meaning it is no longer classified as a controlled substance.
THC may cause feelings of euphoria, while alcohol has a predominant effect on the CNS (central nervous system). The reason for this is that alcohol may boost the action of the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). GABA activation leads to feelings of drowsiness and relaxation.
Cannabinoid tolerance and alcohol
It is important to remember that when mixed with alcohol, THC is purer and more concentrated. The alcohol may magnify the effects of THC, and while you are unlikely to get high, you may get drunk faster.
The enhanced alcohol effect is crucial to keep in mind when purchasing weed-infused vodka. This is especially true if you have a lower tolerance to cannabis and alcohol.
The combined effects may be too much to handle. In this case, it is best to look for a product with a lower concentration and not overdo it when drinking.
In contrast, those with higher tolerances may be able to handle higher concentrations, while lower may not affect them at all. Still, it is best to start with a lower dose if you have never mixed alcohol with weed before. If the dose is too low, you may always increase it.
The high: what to expect
When it comes to the effects of weed-infused vodka, we should mention that they vary based on personal experiences. Most users report feeling the effects much faster than with other weed-infused products. Another thing many report experiencing is a slight euphoria and relaxation.
Hence, the most important thing is to be mindful of your dosage. As long as you are mindful of how much weed-vodka you consume, you will not need to worry about potential side effects.
We should also mention that the vodka brand and specific products may significantly impact the potency and composition. Some will be stronger either on the side of alcohol content or cannabinoid content.
To ensure you know what to expect, read the labels of the products you buy. Also, read existing customer testimonials and seek information from trusted sources. So, you should know the following things regarding the effects of weed-infused vodka.
Longer-lasting effects
While it takes longer for ingested weed to produce effects than inhaled, it might also offer longer-lasting effects. Therefore, even if you see this as a bonus, it is best to partake in the activity during the weekend or clear the next day.
Higher intensity
Another thing to expect is that the effects may be more intense when consuming weed-infused vodka. The higher intensity is due to your liver breaking down the cannabinoids into stronger forms. Start with a lower concentration ratio if you cannot handle potent products.
Types of Cannabis Vodka on The Market
Weed-infused vodka is manufactured with various strains, terpene profiles, and smells. This makes the choices virtually endless, and with the growing popularity of weed-infused vodka, more hemp brands are putting out their offerings.
Some of the most popular manufacturers that produce weed-infused vodka are the following:
Humboldt Finest
Humboldt Distillery quickly established itself as a leading brand in the cannabis market by introducing its weed-infused vodka “Humboldt Finest”. While it may not get you high due to containing below 0.3% THC, the vodka is pretty high in alcohol.
Humboldt Finest is at 40% ABV, so getting drunk is very likely if you are not careful. Humboldt Distillery makes its weed-infused vodka with locally-grown California hemp. The product is smooth, bright, and herbal, with green tea, lemongrass, basil, cucumber, and pine notes.
Nirvana Vodka
As the first certified CBD-infused distillery in Tampa, Florida, Nirvana Distillery offers one of the smoothest weed-infused vodka products. The product is known as Nirvana Vodka. They distill the weed-infused vodka from potatoes and infuse it with 100% organic cannabis sativa hemp.
Source: nirvanaspirits.com
Colorado High Vodka
Colorado Gold Distillery offers a unique experience with its one-of-a-kind weed-infused vodka. The distillery’s Colorado High Vodka is the first U.S. vodka fermented and distilled with pure Colorado snow-melt water.
Safety and Legal Implications
Safety concerns associated with combining alcohol and THC
While consuming brand-manufactured weed-infused vodka might be safe as it does not contain enough cannabis to cause strong effects, a home-infused one may have more risks. Since alcohol increases the absorption of THC, the psychoactive effects are also enhanced.
You could get unpleasant symptoms as a result of the stronger high, such as:
Dizziness,
Paranoia
Nausea
Vomiting
Sweating
Responsible usage and cautionary advice for consumers
If you are trying weed-infused vodka for the first time, it is wise to choose a product with lower potency and alcohol content. This allows you to see how you handle the effects.
If the effects are too mild, you may increase the dosage. But if you start with a potent dose, you may experience some of the above-mentioned side effects.
Conclusion
So, does weed-infused vodka get you high? If you are buying from a cannabis brand, you will not get high as these weed-infused vodka products contain less than 0.3% THC. This amount might not be enough to cause psychoactive effects.
However, if you plan to make homemade weed-infused vodka, you must be mindful and extra careful about the ratios.
