Latest news with #StaciGruber
CNET
12-05-2025
- Health
- CNET
THC Drinks vs. Alcohol: We Ask an Expert Which Is Healthier
Editor's note This article is for informational purposes only and doesn't constitute medical advice. Readers should talk to their doctor before trying THC products, especially if they're taking certain medications or have underlying health conditions. During a recent trip to Total Wine, I was surprised to see an entire aisle filled with THC-infused drinks instead of just a shelf or two. Nowadays, you can find cannabis beverages everywhere and even at your local brewery. "There's no shortage of options," says Dr. Staci Gruber, director of the MIND Program at McLean Hospital and associate professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School. "We just need to do a better job explaining what they are and what they aren't." As sobriety and the sober curious movement become increasingly popular amid concerns about the health impacts of alcohol, you may be tempted to swap your alcoholic or even nonalcoholic drink for one infused with THC. But is it actually healthier for you? What are THC drinks? PortlandTHC beverages are infused with tetrahydrocannabinol, the psychoactive compound in cannabis that causes a high and intoxication. These drinks come in a variety of forms, such as zero-calorie seltzers and tropical lemonades. They're often marketed as a way to get a buzz without the booze. Some contain only THC, while others blend in cannabidiol, or CBD, a non-intoxicating compound, to help balance the effects. THC beverages vs alcohol Alcohol -- specifically ethanol -- is a single molecule, not a mixture of many. After you learn your alcohol drinking habits, you typically know more about your limits. However, other ingredients like sugar and additives can impact your intoxication and hangovers. Also, they vary by person. While I might be buzzed after three alcoholic seltzers, my friend needs only one to feel the same way. San Francisco Chronicle/THC drinks are different. They come in many strengths and combinations so predicting and standardizing the effects is harder. "Cannabis is not one thing," says Gruber. "A product that has equal amounts of THC and CBD is not likely to have the same impact as a product that has 15 milligrams of THC alone." Your body also processes THC differently. Alcohol goes into your bloodstream quickly through your stomach. THC takes longer to absorb. Once it reaches your liver, it becomes another compound that can feel even stronger. "You may feel more high as time marches on. It's the gift that keeps on giving," says Gruber. Plus, once it's in your system, you can't get rid of it like you can with alcohol. "You can always take more but you can never take less. Once it's in, you can't throw it up or sweat it out," Gruber says. "You're stuck on the ride until it ends." That's why she advises you to start low and go slow if you decide to try out cannabis drinks. Are they legal? It can depend on where you live but most THC drinks you find in stores or online are made from hemp, not marijuana. Thanks to the 2018 Farm Bill, hemp-derived products (such as products with Delta-8 THC, created through a chemical conversion of CBD) are legal at the federal level if they contain no more than 0.3% of THC. With this rule, cannabis drinks can be sold in states where marijuana is still illegal. "That's how you can walk into a Total Wine and buy these off the shelf," says Gruber. "It's not part of the Controlled Substances Act." However, that doesn't mean they're available everywhere. Each state may have limits on how much THC a drink can contain or where it can be sold. "Each state has varying regulations regarding cannabis-infused drinks," says Dr. Doug Roehler, an epidemiologist at the National Center for Injury Prevention and Control. There's no consistent national framework like there is with alcohol. For example, Georgia is tightening restrictions on consumable hemp products. House Bill 265 proposes limiting THC and other intoxicating cannabinoids to 5 mg per serving. Meanwhile, the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control in California banned hemp product sales in the same places as alcoholic beverages. Not enough research on THC andEven though THC and CBD drinks are gaining popularity, the science behind them is still catching up. While alcohol has been studied for decades, there's limited data on the long-term health effects of cannabis drinks. Unlike medications approved by the Food and Drug Administration, THC drinks are not evaluated for safety, effectiveness or consistency before hitting the market. "I think we'll have to stay tuned for the next decade or so to see what we can glean from these products," says Gruber. Part of the challenge is how THC beverages can vary in potency, cannabinoid content and added ingredients, like sugar. Until more research is available, experts recommend using caution, starting with low doses and waiting an hour or two before having a second cannabis drink. Potential health benefits of CBD and THCEven though we don't know the exact health effects of THC drinks, some parts of cannabis have been studied for medical use. A 2017 study from the National Library of Medicine found evidence that cannabis can help with chronic pain, muscle spasms from multiple sclerosis and nausea caused by chemotherapy. These findings are based on cannabis in general rather than beverages specifically but they show that certain cannabinoids may offer real benefits. Many people reach for THC drinks as a way to cut back on alcohol. "Some people decide that they would like to drink less because we know there are significant health concerns with people who drink too much," Gruber says. "The Surgeon General's recent note on the association between alcohol use and cancer lit a fire under lots of people to not drink." The Surgeon General's advisory linked alcohol consumption to an increased risk of seven types of cancer, including mouth, breast, liver and colon cancer. While the long-term effects of THC drinks are still unknown, the health risks of alcohol are well-researched. Other nonalcoholic alternatives "Mocktail" no longer means fruit juice or soda. Instead, bartenders at sober bars (and regular bars that have a dedicated nonalcoholic menu) put as much creative intention into mocktails as they do cocktails. Getty Images THC drinks aren't the only option to turn to. You can find several other drinks to help you unwind and feel a little something special without the buzz or the high. Here are a few options to consider: Adaptogen drinks: These drinks use herbs and natural compounds (like ashwagandha, rhodiola or reishi mushrooms) that may help your body manage stress and support mental clarity. Some popular brands include Kin Euphorics, Hiyo and Recess. These drinks use herbs and natural compounds (like ashwagandha, rhodiola or reishi mushrooms) that may help your body manage stress and support mental clarity. Some popular brands include Kin Euphorics, Hiyo and Recess. Mocktails: These are nonalcoholic cocktails designed to mimic the flavor and experience of traditional mixed drinks. They sometimes include functional ingredients for added benefits or use nonalcoholic spirits. These are nonalcoholic cocktails designed to mimic the flavor and experience of traditional mixed drinks. They sometimes include functional ingredients for added benefits or use nonalcoholic spirits. Nonalcoholic dupes: These are drinks that look and taste like alcoholic beverages but without the alcohol. Companies such as Athletic Brewing, Corona and Samuel Adams offer the same flavor and feel as the original but without the same negative effects. These are drinks that look and taste like alcoholic beverages but without the alcohol. Companies such as Athletic Brewing, Corona and Samuel Adams offer the same flavor and feel as the original but without the same negative effects. Functional sparkling water: These drinks add ingredients like magnesium, electrolytes or calming botanicals to sparkling water to help ease stress and improve focus. Some popular brands include Good Idea and Soulboost. The bottom line THC drinks are becoming a popular alternative to alcohol. They're showing up in liquor stores, bars and even breweries. While some people say these drinks help them relax without a hangover, experts say we still don't know enough about their long-term health effects. "If you're interested in checking out THC-infused beverages, you should be mindful of what you're buying and using," says Gruber. "Start with a small amount and give yourself time to see how it affects you." The CDC also recommends knowing how much THC is in the drink and not driving a vehicle or operating heavy machinery after having a glass. When considering a THC drink, read the label, start slow and wait before going in for seconds. If cannabis beverages don't feel like the right fit, there are plenty of other nonalcoholic options to help you unwind without the effects of alcohol or THC.
Forbes
23-04-2025
- Health
- Forbes
CBD For Inflammation: Does It Work?
Cannabidiol (CBD) has become a popular supplement for a range of purported health benefits, including anti-inflammatory effects. But does research support the anti-inflammatory claims often touted by CBD retailers and some health care practitioners? While research indicates CBD may reduce inflammation in the body, scientists and experts agree further clinical trials are necessary to understand this specific effect of CBD. Read on to learn more about what experts know about CBD's potential effect on inflammation, including types of CBD available, pros and cons of using CBD for inflammation, recommended dosages and more. Forbes Health covers CBD and cannabis products in accordance with Federal Trade Commission (FTC) guidelines. Learn more about Forbes Health's practices and policies regarding how we cover CBD and cannabis as a publisher. Thanks to its potentially beneficial health effects, CBD—a naturally occurring active ingredient in the cannabis sativa plant—is popular in products like CBD oils, CBD gummies and topical CBD creams and lotions. Unlike the intoxicatingly psychoactive effects of delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), another abundant cannabinoid in hemp, CBD is not psychoactive. Among health benefits like supporting sleep and reducing anxiety, researchers believe CBD may help reduce inflammation. While inflammation is a natural and protective bodily response to injury and illness, excessive and chronic inflammation can lead to negative health effects, such as chronic pain, autoimmune conditions, heart disease and more. 'As CBD has been shown to have significant anti-inflammatory properties, there is clear interest and investment in exploring CBD-containing products for inflammatory conditions,' says Staci Gruber, Ph.D., director of the Cognitive and Clinical Neuroimaging Core and Marijuana Investigations for Neuroscientific Discovery (MIND) program at Mass General Brigham's McLean Hospital. Along with other naturally occurring cannabinoids, CBD interacts with the body's endocannabinoid system (ECS), a complex and widespread network of cannabinoid receptors and enzymes that influence metabolism, appetite, movement, emotional regulation and many other biological functions. Researchers are still working to understand exactly how the ECS functions in the human body, as well as how consuming external cannabinoids, such as CBD oils or gummies, interact with and affect its functions, including reducing inflammation. A 2019 review in Antioxidants confirms early research is promising regarding CBD's ability to lower systemic inflammation, noting CBD's favorable lack of psychoactive effects. Additional research suggests CBD may be beneficial in treating irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), a chronic digestive condition in which inflammation may play a role, according to a 2023 review in Current Developments in Nutrition. Researchers agree further clinical studies are needed to fully understand CBD's role in mitigating inflammation. Potential CBD Side Effects and Risks of CBD for Inflammation CBD is often touted as a natural and holistic remedy, but using CBD products may pose risks. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), potentially harmful side effects of CBD may include: Damage to the liver Appetite changes and digestive problems, such as diarrhea Potentially harmful interactions with prescription medications Sedation Mood changes, including irritability The CDC advises pregnant and breastfeeding individuals against using products containing CBD due to lack of comprehensive safety data. Consumers can find retail CBD products in various forms, from topical creams and ointments to orally administered oils, tinctures and edibles. 'Some individuals find clinical benefit from using products that are applied directly to the skin, either in forms like topicals or transdermal patches,' says Dr. Gruber. 'Importantly, however, bioavailability (the amount of a substance which actively enters circulation in order to have an effect) is considered fairly low for skin-based applications, and as a result, many choose to supplement these products with an orally administered, more 'systemic' approach.' With any type of CBD product, bioavailability is difficult to predict, says Dr. Gruber. She suggests that CBD oils held under the tongue for several seconds before swallowing may have enhanced bioavailability and therefore a more potent effect. 'Some newer formulation types are designed to have exponentially greater bioavailability, and I look forward to actual empirical data regarding their impact,' notes Dr. Gruber. Those interested in using CBD for acute or systemic inflammation should first consult a health care provider to ensure the cannabinoid is appropriate for their unique needs. 'First and foremost, it is important for anyone with an inflammatory condition to be highly vigilant and mindful of what is in the [CBD] product and what is not,' advises Dr. Gruber. 'Insist on certificates of analyses (COAs) that match the batch of product you're choosing to ensure the specific amounts of cannabinoids on the label are actually contained in the product.' COAs should confirm the absence of health-compromising contaminants, including pesticides, yeast, mold and heavy metals, among others, she adds. In addition to COAs, individuals interested in using CBD for inflammation may want to consider whether a product is organic, taste preferences for orally consumed products like oils and gummies, known allergies, personal budget and more. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) doesn't provide official dosing recommendations for retail CBD products, so consumers should consult a knowledgeable health care professional about appropriate dosing and duration of treatment, as well as carefully read manufacturer recommendations. A 2024 review in Molecules found that daily oral doses of CBD between 15 to 160 milligrams demonstrated no negative side effects. However, Dr. Gruber notes that oral CBD dosing is highly nuanced. 'Dosing depends so much on a variety of individual factors, including age, sex, previous history with cannabis, genetics, family history (if considering products that contain THC), metabolism and use of other medications or substances, to name a few,' she explains. 'There is no 'one size fits all' or even 'one size fits most' when it comes to cannabis and cannabinoid-based therapies.'
USA Today
06-03-2025
- Health
- USA Today
Cannabis drinks are surging in popularity
Cannabis drinks are surging in popularity | The Excerpt On a special episode (first released on March 5, 2025) of The Excerpt podcast: A new beverage has been showing up in bars and on store shelves: the cannabis cocktail, a hemp-derived drink that contains CBD and oftentimes THC as well. They're marketed as providing a buzz without the downside of a hangover. But are there drawbacks? And could these drinks ever replace alcohol? Staci Gruber, director of marijuana investigations for the Neuroscientific Discovery program at McLean Hospital and associate professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School joins The Excerpt to answer these and other questions about this new trend. Hit play on the player below to hear the podcast and follow along with the transcript beneath it. This transcript was automatically generated, and then edited for clarity in its current form. There may be some differences between the audio and the text. Podcasts: True crime, in-depth interviews and more USA TODAY podcasts right here Dana Taylor: Hello and welcome to The Excerpt. I'm Dana Taylor. Today is Wednesday, March 5, 2025, and this is a special episode of The Excerpt. A new beverage has been showing up in bars and on store shelves, the cannabis drink, a hemp-derived drink that contains CBD and oftentimes THC as well. They're marketed as providing a buzz without the downside of a hangover, but are there drawbacks? And could these drinks ever replace alcohol? We're now joined by Staci Gruber, director of the Marijuana Investigations for Neuroscientific Discovery Program and associate professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School to answer these and other questions about this new trend. Thanks for joining me, Staci. Staci Gruber: Thanks so much for having me. First, before we compare CBD and THC, how do hemp-derived cannabis drinks affect people and what are some of the adverse effects? People are generally looking for something to "take the edge off" or to be sort of more relaxed in social settings and these products are incredibly popular, as you know. Hemp derived products versus cannabis derived products aren't all that different other than the sort of plants that create the products themselves and their legal status. That's really the big difference. Each of these products can contain variable amounts of THC, tetrahydrocannabinol, the main intoxicating constituent from the plant, or CBD, cannabidiol, a primary, but not the only non-intoxicating constituent. Some people, unbeknownst to them, are very sensitive to THC and a little bit can have an unfortunate impact. Some people aren't necessarily mindful of how much is contained in a specific product, and they might have the whole thing, not realizing that they're ingesting an awful lot of THC because it does take some time to get an effect. So there are things to be mindful of when using these products for sure. Can you explain the differences, other differences between CBD and THC? Do both of these compounds produce a high? It's a great question. I often think of these compounds. The plant is remarkably complex and has hundreds of compounds. THC and CBD are but two of them. THC is the primary intoxicating constituent of the plant, and it's what our recreational folks are generally looking for in products when they're looking to get high or feel altered or again, just sort of change their current state of being. And that's great. No judgment here. It's terrific. Cannabidiol or CBD is not intoxicating. That is, it does not produce a high. Very often it's touted for its potential therapeutic benefits. And so these things are both from the plant, but both have very, very different effects. And that's important to keep in mind, again, when you're considering what's in your weed or what's in the product you're about to use. I want to circle back to this and the newness of it. Both CBD and THC have already made their way into edibles. Why do you think this trend with cannabis beverages is now catching on, and do you have a sense of how widespread it is? So I think that cannabis beverages are becoming increasingly popular because from a social perspective, people are looking to enjoy themselves and to relax, and very often people are looking for alternatives to alcohol. So it becomes a very facilitative behavior socially. Cannabis can be used in a number of different ways. The most common ways are generally inhalation, so vaping or smoking, or consumed, edibles. Beverages are not quite the same as eating a product, for example, a cookie or a brownie, because in those cases you have to digest the product, it's processed by your GI tract, and then it goes to the liver where actually THC is converted to something more intoxicating. For the beverages, you actually get a rise time or effect in less than the time it would take for regular consumed product. So some people say they feel it in about 15 or 20 minutes. So there are some differences here, and of course there's lots of different ways that people use cannabis, but I think we're seeing a real increase in patterns of use across the country because people are looking for alternatives to alcohol and because they're looking for other ways to use cannabis. Where is it legal now? I understand the fact that it's derived from hemp, and that's an important factor here. Hemp is a variety of cannabis with inherently low levels of THC, again, that primary intoxicating compound from the plant. In this country, the legal limit is 0.3% THC by weight or less. That is what defines hemp. So those products are basically ostensibly legal in all states. You can buy things on the internet and have them shipped. Some products that are in the marketplace are in fact cannabis drives. So you have to be mindful of that, but that's an important distinction. So I think when people avail themselves with these products via online resources like vendors online, they can be shipped pretty much anywhere. How do cannabis drinks compare to how alcohol affects the body and what's the impact for long-term users? So it's a great question. It's a complicated question. We are not all created equally. It's a common misconception, and alcohol is a single molecule. Cannabis, as I mentioned, is a really complex plant, and there are over 400 compounds in the plant, and you may know how you respond to a standard drink, a gin and tonic let's say. But very often people are not aware of how they will respond to a cannabis infused drink or a hemp infused drink with THC. So it's important for people to remember that there is not one standard set of responses across the board. Some people do very well and find it very enjoyable to have two and a half milligrams or five milligrams of THC. Some people find that amount too high, so to speak, and it's a decidedly unpleasant experience. Some people have 10, 20. It really depends. So it's important for people to start low and go slow and to figure out their own tolerance, and not all beverages will be the same. That's the other thing. So that's important. Long term effects, we don't really have much in the way of long-term data. We have data from recreational cannabis users who are primarily, again, historically using products that are either vaped or smoked. We don't have pure beverage or pure edible studies necessarily that are long-term to date. We certainly should. Do these drinks impact judgment the way alcohol does? What are your recommendations to people who are trying cannabis drinks for the first time? I'm going to start with the second part first. My recommendations to people who are trying cannabis drinks for the first time is, again, start low and go slow. You can always add, you can never take away. So once you're beginning your experience and you're starting to sip these things, give it time. These things take some time to give you an effect, and that's a common misconception. People say, "Oh, I don't feel anything. I'm going to keep drinking." Before you know it, they've had a whole lot more. And you go from having a pleasant experience at a party to a decidedly unpleasant experience. So that's important. Does it impair judgment? So THC, acute effects of THC can certainly impair individuals' ability to make good sound decisions and judgment. We are not all the same. Some people do just fine with a little on board or even more than a little on board. Some people do far less well. So it's important to keep that in mind as well. And plan. I always tell people, again, know before you go, what's your intention? Make sure you have plenty of time to allow these products to give you the effect that you're looking for before going any further. And allow yourself time to recover before you need to do something that requires you to be all in. Do you see regulations on the horizon? Where does that stand? So cannabis, again, is associated with a fair number of regulations with regard to state-based guidelines and regulations. At the federal level, cannabis remains a schedule one substance, and so I think there are a lot of questions and concerns about how that will change and evolve over time, of course. The hemp based products and beverages are less tightly regulated because the farm bill again gives them a different sort of set of guidelines and parameters to be followed. I think that people are mindful of some of the "loopholes" in the farm bill where non intoxicating hemp, so hemp, again, defined as anything with equal to or less than 0.3% THC is not necessarily intended or expected to alter people and to get them high. Remember I said 0.3% by weight. So imagine if you have a product that's very different in weight from a tiny little gummy or a sublingual oil, the amount of THC you can legally allow in that product is exponentially greater. So it's a bit of a loophole. So that's a bit of a concern for regulators and for people, and I think a lot of folks are looking at that pretty seriously. In your opinion, do you think cannabis drinks could ever replace alcohol for some people? I think a lot of people are very interested in finding alternatives to alcohol, especially given the recent announcement and warning by the Surgeon General with regard to the relationship between alcohol and cancer, people are beginning to lean in a little bit more heavily to other things, including cannabis. So it's very possible that people will use these drinks instead of alcohol or certainly in addition to, that's certainly what we've seen. And then finally, what do you think people miss or don't understand in general about marijuana? Oh, goodness. That's a great question and a big question. I think there are a lot of common misconceptions, and I will tell you first and foremost, as it relates to drinks, the minute you swallow something, it becomes "an edible." So again, you have to digest it and then there's a first pass through the liver. So any of the compounds that are converted by the liver into something else, including THC, which is very often what people are using these products for, it's actually turned into something more intoxicating. We used to call it the gift that keeps on giving. So just be mindful of that as you're having your experience. The way you feel now is you're starting to feel the effects of your drink may actually intensify. So before you go having a whole lot more, allow it to reach its peak. All products are not created equally. It's really important to double check not just what the label says, because very often the label is not reflective of actually what's in the product. I ask for people to check the certificate of analysis or COA. That tells you what's in that particular product, how much of each thing. So that's a great way of knowing what you're getting. Again, that's sort of what's in your weed factor, and we're not all the same. So much depends on what else we have on board, whether we have alcohol on board, if we've had food or not, whether medications are on board. In our current state, all of those things are going to impact your experience as well as your own genetic profile and your own experience with cannabis. So be mindful and give yourself an opportunity to experience it before really throwing yourself into what people have called the deep end of the beverage experience, where you have way too much, way too quickly. I found this fascinating. Thank you so much for being on The Excerpt, Staci. Happy to be here. Thanks so much. Thanks to our senior producers, Shannon Rae Green and Kaely Monahan for their production assistance, our executive producer is Laura Beatty. Let us know what you think of this episode by sending a note to podcasts@ Thanks for listening. I'm Dana Taylor. Taylor Wilson will be back tomorrow morning with another episode of The Excerpt.
