Opening a cold beer at the end of a workweek was my ultimate pleasure. Hitting the clubs, I’d down vodka tonics like there was no tomorrow. Alcohol served as my preferred means of relaxation, creating unforgettable moments with friends, and achieving a state of mind that had me ready to go.
Enter cannabis soda, throwing a wild curveball into my routine.
Weed in a fizzy drink? Seriously? There was no way I was gonna watch from the sidelines.
I dove in head first to figure out if a THC-infused drink was the vibe I had been searching for.
Here’s what happened when I swapped booze for a little extra cannabis kick as a replacement.
Are More People Choosing to Replace Alcohol With Cannabis?
The vibe at this house party shifted gears when a friend, aiming to rewrite the rulebook, busted out a four-pack of cannabis sodas. Amidst the beats and buzz of the usual wine and beer, these weed-infused drinks suddenly made alcohol seem like a throwback.
In fact, in 2023, 37% of Gen Z consumers said they opt for cannabis over alcohol.
That said, there was still an underlying skepticism about adding this new drink to the arsenal.
Would this be a cold can of potential regrets or epic discoveries in my grip? What if it tasted like weed? What if I hated the buzz? What if the THC hit me like a freight train?
All that worry evaporated quicker than you can say, “Pass the joint.”
I felt like a feather – carefree, cracking jokes and genuinely connecting with my friends on a level I hadn’t felt in ages.
This wasn’t just hanging out; this was a revelation wrapped up in a house party. The mood was electric, free from drama or late-night porcelain god worship.
Waking up hangover-free, we were unanimous – swapping booze for bud was a game-changer, a significant step to reduce alcohol intake. Heading home, I was hit with a mission: dive deep into the weed vs. alcohol debate.
Was this the beginning of my transition to team cannabis? Only time would tell, but the party had planted the seed.
Alcohol and Cannabis: Similarities & Differences
Immediately, the contrast between indulging in alcohol and embracing cannabis was stark. Both transported me to a mental state of enjoyment, yet cannabis introduced significant advantages.
Feeling elevated with cannabis, I found myself in a state of laughter, freedom, and positive energy. It was like I had control over my mood and actions, seamlessly navigating my experiences.
The morning after is where it really hits different.
Choosing cannabis over alcohol meant I could relax deeply, free from the lingering unease that alcohol often imposes.
My history with alcohol hangovers is like a horror movie marathon – migraines, stomach doing backflips, the spins, and even diving into the deep end of the feels pool with depression and anxiety. There were days I’d be glued to my bed till the sun was high in the sky, nursing the battle scars from the night before.
But mornings after mixing in some cannabis drinks as an alternative? Complete 180.
No hangovers, just pure, refreshed vibes with fewer calories. I’m up with the sun, ready to crush it, whether there’s work on the horizon or a marathon of errands.
Cannabis has flipped the script on my after-party recovery, and honestly? I’m not looking back.
One of the differences I did notice between drinking alcohol and drinking cannabis is that it’s clear they hit your system in totally different ways.
Weed works its magic by cozying up to your endocannabinoid receptors, while alcohol takes a detour through your liver.
Sure, they both mess with your central nervous system, but let’s be real – alcohol is the heavyweight champ of bad news in the long run. Cannabis? It’s not a magic elixir, but when it comes to worrying about what I put in my body, everything in moderation.
Let’s talk facts – studies have shown that alcohol isn’t the greatest for your health. In fact, the World Health Organization basically says there’s no ‘safe’ level of alcohol use. Even your casual sips can usher in a whole parade of nasties like cancer and heart failure.
Dive deep into the bottle, and you’re looking at a high-speed chase toward liver disease and a whole host of problems that don’t exactly have an easy fix.
But here’s where cannabis really shines: try to overdose on your cannabis soda.
Spoiler alert – you can’t. That’s a massive win for anyone who’s ever gone toe-to-toe with their liver.
Both booze and bud get those dopamine juices flowing, but if you’re alcohol-dependent, weed might be the secret weapon you need.
It’s like swapping your heavyweight hangovers for a feather-light high that could reduce your alcohol intake.
With medical marijuana getting the green light in most places and whispers of its benefits for everything from pain to insomnia – not to mention cannabis doesn’t cause withdrawals– it’s worth asking: why not make the switch to cannabis soda as your new party starter?
It’s not just a trend; it’s a lifestyle tweak that could keep the party going without the collateral damage.
Cannabis Drinks Don’t Need to Replace Alcohol Fully
I’m not about to ghost alcohol for good – nor do I advocate completely moving away from alcohol. Whether hitting the dance floor or happy hour, alcohol is usually my plus one.
But when the scene’s right and I want an alternative to alcohol for a couple of drinks, I’m Team Cannabis all the way.
Picture this: a space where alcohol and weed unite in a way that isn’t detrimental to your peace. It’s like mixing two worlds, each vibing off the other. Having cannabis drinks in the mix means everyone has an option to consume what they want.
It’s a tale of two substances, each with its time and place, but one thing’s clear: when it comes to recovery and vibes, cannabis might just be the smoother operator.
More on The Cultural Shift from Alcohol to Drinkable Cannabis
As I dug more into the increase in cannabis use compared to alcohol, I realized this was more than just a fad, but a shift in the culture instead.
Cannabis is crashing the recreational scene, riding the wave of trends like Dry January.
Since alcohol is often associated with an increased risk of many health conditions, many people are choosing to reduce the level of alcohol in their lives.
“We have to start seeing cannabis as an ingredient and treating it as an ingredient,” says bartender and cannabis activist Bryan Rojas. “When you approach it with a drug mentality, people don’t feel safe, but making people feel safe and welcome comes with hospitality. We can create a harmony between these two great industries.”
The cocktail scene’s getting a makeover, thanks to some game-changing moves in cannabis mixology. Imagine sipping on a cocktail that doesn’t just elevate your spirits but actually gets you high. That’s right – we’re talking cannabis and CBD-infused spirits, turning your average mixed drink into an extraordinary experience.
Budtenders are now playing alchemist, crafting strain specific concoctions that promise a new adventure with every sip. Whether you’re into the uplifting vibes of sativa, the chill of indica, or the balanced buzz of hybrids, there’s an infused drink out there that lets you explore the best of cannabis without ever lighting up.
Pros & Cons of Substituting Weed for Alcohol
Before diving into the world of cannabis or any cannabinoids, it’s crucial to check their legal status in your location. Here’s a quick rundown on navigating the legal landscape. Even if it’s legal to use cannabis in your state, remember that it’s still against the law to get behind the wheel when you’re intoxicated. If cannabis in all its forms – from buds to edibles – is off-limits in your area, then sadly, cannabis drinks are too.
Now, there might be moments when opting for a drink might seem more straightforward than getting high. For instance, if you’re the designated driver, alcohol does clear out of your system at a predictable pace – roughly one hour per drink. On the flip side, experts suggest a solid eight-hour gap after enjoying a cannabis-infused beverage before hitting the road.
So, if a cannabis cocktail is on the menu, plan your ride home accordingly – whether it’s a friend with a sober wheel or a quick app-hailed cab.
Finding your perfect THC dose is a bit of an adventure. Too much in unfamiliar territory, and you might find yourself on a less-than-chill anxiety ride.
It took me a spell to figure out just the right amount of cannabis soda that hit the spot. Starting small is the way to go – Mary Jones recommends half a soda and then giving it about an hour to do its thing.
If you’re still feeling earthbound, the other half might just launch you. And if you’re after a stronger experience the next time around, dialing it up to a full can or doubling down could be your next move. Just remember, the journey to finding your sweet spot is different for everybody.
Finding Your Personal Balance
Diving into the world of cannabis has been a game-changer. Cutting down on alcohol and making space for weed has transformed my lifestyle in ways I hadn’t imagined. It’s not just about feeling physically healthier and cutting down on calories. My social experiences have evolved; I find myself enjoying gatherings more and engaging in conversations that go beyond the surface.
And the sleep? It’s like hitting the reset button every night. In terms of health, both immediate and long-term, opting for cannabis over traditional drinks feels like a smart move.
Sure, I’ll still toast with a beer or swirl a glass of wine in good company. But when I’m vibing at home or diving into the party scene, it’s a Mary Jones cannabis soda that’s got my back.
For anyone, even just weed-curious, dipping your toes into cannabis beverages could be your next big thing. Ease into it, pick a chill scene, and you might just find yourself a convert.
And if you’re asking for my go-to? It’s got to be Mary Jones Hemp Derived Delta 9 Soda. Whether you’re about that Root Beer, Berry, Green Apple, or Orange & Cream life, Mary Jones has you covered. You can skip the line at the dispensary – and grab your favorite Mary Jones flavor at our online store.
Grab a can or a four-pack and get ready for a shift in your social sipping habits. Trust me, it’s a change you’re gonna want to toast to.