How Does Cannabis Drink Compare to  Alcohol?

A bottle of Reframe Cannabis Spirit with a tropical sunset label is propped on the edge of a pool, surrounded by lush greenery and palm fronds. The bottle casts a soft reflection in the water, evoking a laid-back, sunny vibe.

rethink your drink.

THC Drinks

April 22, 2025

In the ever-evolving landscape of social beverages, a new contender is making waves: the cannabis drink. As more individuals seek alternatives to traditional alcohol, it’s important to understand how these innovative beverages compare. 

Let’s dive into the nuances of cannabis drinks versus alcohol, offering you a full guide to sipping smart.

What Exactly Is a Cannabis Drink?

A hand pours Reframe Cannabis Spirit into a clear glass on a wooden outdoor table, with fresh oranges and a lime beside the glass. Sunlight filters through tropical greenery in the background, creating a laid-back, summery vibe.

Cannabis-infused beverages are crafted by infusing drinks with cannabinoids, primarily THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol)- derived from the hemp or cannabis plant — and are designed to deliver a smooth, social buzz without the booze. 

CBD is non-intoxicating and is associated with potential calming properties. These drinks are designed to offer a controlled and enjoyable experience, often appealing to those looking for alternatives to alcohol.

Unlike edibles that take longer to digest, cannabis drinks are formulated to be fast-acting — a game-changer for social sipping. Today’s cannabis drinks — like Reframe — are clean, crisp, and cocktail-worthy.

According to Dr. Staci Gruber, director of the MIND Program at McLean Hospital, “Some people say they feel the effects of cannabis-infused drinks within 15 to 20 minutes, which is much faster than when people eat a cannabis gummy or brownie”.

This isn’t a “stoner drink.” It’s a modern spirit for mindful sippers who value wellness, sophistication, and good taste. 

The Experience: Effects and Onset

A man in a patterned short-sleeve shirt and shorts sits barefoot on a wooden deck chair, holding a glass of Reframe Cannabis Spirit. He smiles and gazes upward, surrounded by lush tropical plants, with a bottle of Reframe and fresh citrus fruits on a nearby table.

AKA: How you feel, and how fast you feel it. Cannabis drinks offer measured dosing, faster onset, and a far more sophisticated sipping experience.

🥃 Alcohol:

With alcohol, the effects usually show up within 15–30 minutes. Your cheeks get a little warmer, conversations feel easier, and maybe you’re dancing before dessert. But it’s not always smooth sailing — especially as the night wears on.

The alcohol buzz follows a rollercoaster trajectory:

  • A quick rise (hello, liquid courage)
  • A peak (you either text your ex or karaoke Bon Jovi)
  • Then… a slow decline into dehydration, bloating, or worse — the dreaded next-day hangover.

🍃 Cannabis Drinks: 

Enter the cannabis drink: the modern answer to social sipping with fewer surprises. Reframe is thoughtfully dosed to deliver a subtle, balanced buzz that eases in and allows you to stay in the moment — not escape from it.

So, how long does it take?
Thanks to nano-emulsification tech, cannabis drinks like Reframe are absorbed quickly. Unlike other consumable THC products, our fast-acting THC beverages will begin to take effect in 15-20 minutes. Perfect for socializing with your friends!

It’s a gentle slope, not a spike:

  • You sip.
  • You settle in.
  • The moment feels just a little more elevated.

No slurring. No blackout zones. Just living in the moment, laughter, and maybe a spontaneous dance break that you actually remember.

We’re all here for a good time.  Alcohol can be fun in moderation, but long-term use has been linked to serious health issues — think liver disease, heart problems, and increased cancer risk.

Cannabis drinks, while newer to the scene, offer a different profile. Many appreciate that these drinks let them enjoy their evening and their morning yoga class without compromise.

Dosage Guide

🥃 Alcohol: Standardized measurements (e.g., one beer, one glass of wine) help individuals gauge their intake. However, tolerance levels can vary, and overconsumption can lead to impaired judgment and health risks.

🍃 Cannabis Drinks: The importance of proper dosing (low and slow is the mantra).

Mindful consumption is key. Reframe’s dose guide recommends starting slowly to find your perfect buzz. Start with a half (0.5) ounce serving (2mg THC) and wait 15-30 minutes to see how you feel. Go up from there until you find your perfect buzz!

A graphic dose guide for Reframe Cannabis Spirit showing a bottle illustration with usage instructions. It notes there are 16 servings per bottle, recommends starting with a 0.5 oz serving (2mg), and suggests waiting 15–30 minutes to gauge effects. The guide encourages sipping straight or mixing to find your ideal dose, with the handle @drinkreframe at the bottom.

Final Sip

The emergence of cannabis drinks offers a contemporary alternative to traditional alcoholic beverages. By staying informed and mindful of your consumption, you can navigate this new terrain responsibly and enjoyably.

When deciding between alcohol and cannabis drinks, consider the following:

  • Personal Tolerance: Understand how your body reacts to each substance.
  • Setting and Occasion: Choose the beverage that aligns with your environment and social setting.
  • Legal Status: Be aware of the legal regulations regarding cannabis products in your area.

Curious to try a cannabis drink for yourself? 

Reframe’s alcohol-free spirit is made with organic fruit flavors and crafted for connection, not compromise. 

Reframe provides a similar buzzy experience that slowly builds and then tapers off over several hours. The biggest difference is that a shot of Reframe has almost 80% fewer calories than spirits like Vodka or Tequila, with none of the next day’s grogginess, headaches, or dehydration!

Ready to join the Reframe revolution? Explore the Reframe shop here.