Cannabis drinks are one of the most underrated ways to enjoy your favourite plant. Whether you’re looking to swap out alcohol for something different or just want a creative new way to unwind, infused beverages are a fun, flavourful option worth exploring. Here’s everything you need to know to get started.
Why Cannabis Drinks Are Worth Trying
There are a lot of good reasons to add a weed drink to your summer rotation. The most obvious one: you can enjoy a cold, relaxing beverage without waking up the next morning feeling the effects of alcohol. No hangover, no grogginess — just a smooth, enjoyable experience.
The flavour possibilities are another big draw. Cannabis-infused drinks can taste incredible when done right, especially when paired with fresh fruit, citrus, or herbal ingredients that complement the earthy notes of cannabis. A cold, infused lemonade on a hot day hits differently in the best way.
Because cannabis drinks fall into the edible category, the effects tend to be more potent and longer-lasting than smoking or vaping. For many people, that’s a feature, not a bug — especially if you’re looking for an experience that carries through an afternoon or evening. It’s also a great option for anyone who wants to give their lungs a rest while still enjoying cannabis. You can explore ready-to-drink cannabis beverages at The Purple Leaf if you want to try the format before making your own at home.
The Base: Understanding THC Tinctures and Oils
Most homemade cannabis drinks start with a THC tincture — a cannabis-infused liquid that has been around for centuries and blends easily into beverages. Making your own is surprisingly simple: you need decarboxylated flower, a jar, and either alcohol or a carrier oil as the base.
If you’d rather skip the DIY process, THC oils and distillates are another option, though it’s worth knowing they behave a bit differently in drinks. Tinctures tend to blend more seamlessly into beverages, while oils can float to the surface, which some people find less appealing. Either way, starting with a good-quality product makes all the difference. The Purple Leaf carries a selection of oils and ingestibles that can serve as a base for your infused drinks.
Getting the Dose Right
Dosing is probably the most important variable when making cannabis drinks. There’s no single right answer — the ideal amount depends entirely on your tolerance, your experience with edibles, and how potent you want the drink to be.
A common starting point is around 5mg of THC, which aligns with the range found in many commercially produced cannabis beverages. If you’re new to edibles or trying infused drinks for the first time, starting at or below that mark gives you a chance to gauge how your body responds before adjusting. Experienced cannabis users who are comfortable with edibles may prefer to increase the dose from there.
The golden rule still applies here: start low and go slow. Because cannabis drinks are absorbed through your digestive system, effects can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 90 minutes to fully kick in. Give yourself time before deciding whether to have more.
Three Cannabis Drinks to Try This Summer
Infused Lemonade
This is the easiest place to start, and it works beautifully. Combine cold water, fresh lemon juice, sugar, and your preferred amount of THC tincture or oil. Stir well, serve over ice, and adjust the sweetness or tartness to your taste. If you want to take it up a notch, a handful of sliced strawberries turns this into a cannabis-infused strawberry lemonade that looks and tastes like something from a patio menu.
Cannabis Green Tea
Green tea already has a naturally calming effect on its own, and adding a THC tincture to the mix can deepen that sense of relaxation even further. Brew your favourite green tea, let it cool slightly, then stir in a few drops of tincture. For an iced version that’s perfect on a hot afternoon, brew a stronger batch with equal parts water and tea bags, then add your tincture and serve over ice. A small drizzle of natural honey can smooth out any bitter edges and pair nicely with the earthiness of the cannabis.
Mojito Mocktail
This one is ideal for social settings where everyone else is sipping cocktails. Combine club soda as your base with a few slices of watermelon, fresh mint leaves, a squeeze of lime, and a touch of sugar. Add your THC tincture a few drops at a time, taste as you go, and stop when you hit the flavour and potency you’re looking for. It’s refreshing, it looks the part, and no one will know the difference unless you tell them.
A Few Tips Before You Start
Always label your infused drinks clearly, especially if you’re making a batch and storing it in the fridge. Keep them out of reach of anyone who shouldn’t be consuming cannabis. And as with any edible, be patient — the effects take time to set in, so resist the urge to top up your glass too soon.
Whether you’re experimenting at home or just curious what the format has to offer, cannabis drinks are a genuinely enjoyable way to mix up your routine. Stop by The Purple Leaf to browse our selection of beverages, tinctures, and oils to get started.