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THC Seltzer Information: A Gentle Introduction to the Non-Alcoholic Buzz
Reviewed by | Raven Ariola, Cannabis Science Educator and Professor of Cannabis Agriculture
THC is running circles around basic, boring alcoholic cocktails — for good reason. Who has time to wake up feeling hungover in the morning and ruin an entire day just because they dared to have a little fun the night before? Life is busy; no one wants to give away their time like that (we know we don’t).
That’s where THC products — like THC seltzers — come in. If you like the feeling of having a cold drink in your hand but want to avoid all the next-day headaches and hassles, THC seltzers are a great option.
You can enjoy time with your friends and get a good buzz but still wake up the next morning ready to take on the day. Here’s an introduction.
What Is THC?
Unless you’ve been under a rock, you’ve probably heard of THC. Basically, THC is the “psychoactive” component in cannabis products — the component that makes you feel altered (AKA “high”) when you imbibe it.
Although we call it THC, that is really just its cute, bite-sized nickname (because the full name, tetrahydrocannabinol, is way more of a mouthful and doesn’t exactly roll off the tongue).
Scientifically, we’re still learning how and why exactly THC makes us feel the way it makes us feel. It actually wasn’t too long ago that scientists discovered our bodies actually have something called an “endocannabinoid system” built in.
“The ECS is involved in a wide range of physiological processes, and it regulates mood, pain, appetite, and more,” notes Raven Ariola, Cannabis Science Educator and Professor of Cannabis Agriculture.
THC contains chemical compounds called cannabinoids that naturally interact with this system. The feelings that you’ll experience when using THC (in any of its forms) can differ depending on the dosage and strain, but common adjectives people have used to describe it include things like “giddy,” “giggly,” “euphoric,” and “relaxed.” With a bit of experimentation, you can create your perfect experience.
Why Choose Edibles?
Edibles are one of the most popular ways to consume THC. More than 40% of people in the US who enjoy recreational use of THC partake in edibles, and that number continues to grow every day. But why are they so popular? What do other people know that you may not have learned yet?
We think that the best part of edibles is the diversity. Gone are the days of just eating infused brownies. THC can now be found in a huge variety of different products. Sure, you can still find baked goods to enjoy if that’s your thing, but you can also suck on hard candy, drink THC seltzers or teas, or have a piece of chocolate or a gummy for dessert.
What makes edible THC different than more traditional forms of using THC (like smoking)?
The biggest difference is in how your body processes the THC — which impacts how quickly you feel its effects, how strongly you feel them, and how long they can last.
With inhalation (AKA smoking or vaping), the THC is delivered straight to your lungs so you get a nearly immediate effect. Not so with edibles, which can take 15 minutes to two hours for the full effects to set in.
Unfortunately, this can lead to taking too much if you’re unfamiliar with how your body will react. However, the impact of edible THC products is also felt much longer.
“While it is possible for some people to feel effects for up to 12 hours, this is not typical. The duration of effects can vary significantly, but the effects generally last around four to eight hours,” notes Ariola. Enjoy with caution and plan ahead!
What To Know About THC Dosing Strategies
Every good night with THC (either out or in) starts with a little dosing strategy. One of the most important things to consider before popping open a THC seltzer is the dose. How altered do you feel like getting? Are you looking for a quiet night with friends or to have a full-on dance party?
“Factors like metabolism, body weight, and prior cannabis use significantly influence how people react to THC,” Ariola highlights. With this in mind, it’s best to start low and go slow until you reach your desired effects.
With Gigli, you can choose from either 5 mg or 10 mg pre-portioned doses. If it’s your first time exploring the wide world of THC, we recommend starting on the low end. Once you know how your body reacts, you can keep upping the ante as needed to find your perfect buzz.
2.5 mg THC
Even though our THC seltzers don’t come in 2.5 mg doses, you can mix and sip your way to just getting a little microdose (aka, a fraction of a regular dose) if you’re not feeling like you want a full buzz. You’ll still get mild effects from the THC without too much impairment (although you do still need to be cautious when it comes to driving or making big decisions).
Just half a can of 5 mg THC seltzer can make you feel a little more creative, relaxed, and ready to enjoy your evening. It’s the perfect place to start.
5 mg THC
Generally, any THC dose between three and five milligrams is considered a “low” dose. You’ll be able to ease into your buzz without getting too silly. Sit back, kick back, and enjoy a little rest and relaxation without an overwhelming “high.”
However, even just 5 mg of THC can impair your ability to think clearly and operate a motor vehicle. Plan ahead so that you and the people you share with are safe and responsible.
10 mg THC
If you want a little more party in your mouth, you can up the ante by increasing your THC dosage from 5 mg to 10 mg.
Although you’re getting more, 10 mg is still only considered a “moderate” dose of THC.
However, remember that each “10 mg” can of THC seltzer actually contains two servings. Sip slowly and give your body time to be able to experience the effects of the THC before sipping a little more. And remember, don’t drink too much, too quickly (at least until you know how your body will respond).
How Many Should I Have a Night?
Even though drinking THC seltzers doesn’t run the risk of hangovers, there’s still a reason to imbibe thoughtfully. It’s a good idea to wait at least an hour between drinks, so that you can take stock of how you feel.
Everyone has a different tolerance and different situations — how much sleep you’ve gotten, how much you’ve had to eat, if you’re enjoying any other substances (nicotine, inhaled THC, alcohol, etc.) — all can impact how you feel and how much you enjoy your night.
So, while there’s really no limit to how you can enjoy THC, start slow and build up slowly as well. That way, you can learn your limits and sip your seltzer knowing how your body will likely react.
Start Low, Go Slow
When you’re enjoying edibles, it’s important to wait around an hour after taking your initial dose before deciding whether or not to consume more. This will help you gauge how strongly you are feeling the effects, and can help prevent you from accidentally consuming too much THC and experiencing an overwhelming high.
While THC is largely safe, some users may experience side effects like anxiety and impaired coordination, especially after using particularly high amounts. Additionally, combining THC and alcohol can amplify the effects of both substances, leading to increased impairment.
Food, sleep, and other substances can also impact THC metabolism and effects — for example, consuming fats before using your edibles may enhance the effects. Because of this, it’s helpful to approach THC usage mindfully, read your product’s label and instructions, and make sure to consult a doctor before use if you’re on any medications.
Gigli THC Seltzer Flavor Options
No one wants to drink the same old thing all the time — diversity is the spice of life! It’s the same with THC seltzers; you have flavor options to choose from that will keep your taste buds (and your life) interesting.
THC-Infused Mango Seltzer
Delicious, tropical mango is the star of this bubbly, flavorful seltzer. Every drink will take you on a relaxing island adventure, even if you don’t have the PTO to go there IRL.
In addition to just being delicious, THC Mango Seltzer is gluten-free, vegan, zero-calorie and zero sugar — that way you can enjoy your time without experiencing any of the guilt! Plus, each 12-ounce can also includes ashwaganda to melt away your stress and ginseng extract to give you a burst of energy.
THC Mango Seltzer is available in both 5 mg and 10 mg doses (with two doses per can, so be mindful before you chug) so you have even more control over the amount of fun you have.
THC-Infused Citrus Seltzer
Is there any flavor more refreshing and classic than citrus? Citrus-flavored seltzers are amazing on their own, but even better combined with either 5 mg or 10 mg of THC. Gigli’s THC-Infused Citrus Seltzer gives you that little pop of spring and summer, all year round.
Like THC-Infused Mango Seltzer, THC-Infused Citrus Seltzer is free of gluten, animal products, added sugar and calories. Want a little extra to help with your stress or energy level? Enjoy a extra kick of ashwagandha and ginseng extract to really get you going.
What else can I do with THC seltzers?
One of the best parts of THC seltzers is that, while you can absolutely enjoy them on their own, you can also use them as the jumping-off point for creating an endless amount of mocktails! A drink is a great way to unwind and enjoy social activities — but there’s no rule that they have to actually contain alcohol.
Want an example of how you can explore the THC mocktail and expand your horizons without using alcohol? We’ve got you.
One of the best ways to do that is by taking your classic mojito up a notch.
Just mix 1 can of THC citrus seltzer with an ounce of simple syrup, ½ cup of soda water or tonic and ¼ cup of lime juice. Rim a separate serving glass with a slice of lime and dip in sugar, then add ice and pour your mocktail. Top with your THC citrus seltzer, stir, and garnish with mint leaves and lime slices. Voila — you’re ready for a nice, summery hang with your besties.
Want a more tropical vibe?
Combine ¼ cup pineapple juice, ¼ cup orange juice and an ounce of full fat coconut milk in a cocktail shaker. Shake with ice and pour into a serving glass that has been rimmed with lime juice and coconut flakes (add a little edible glitter for an extra sparkly punch). Top with THC mango seltzer, stir, and garnish with fresh pineapple slices and mint leaves.
To Sum It All Up
Don’t get stuck in old routines of enjoying yourself — modern times call for modern approaches to spending your downtime. THC seltzers by Gigli offer a brand new way to relax, kick back, and enjoy your night.
Plus, you won’t wake up with dry mouth and a headache, wondering what went wrong the night before. And, even better, they’re gluten-free, vegan, and without calories or sugar. Guilt-free, Gigli, good times await.
Sources:
Mechanisms of Action and Pharmacokinetics of Cannabis | PMC
Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) | NCBI Bookshelf
The endocannabinoid system: Essential and mysterious | Harvard Health
