Is a Cannabis Drink the Better Choice for Relaxation and Sleep?

Here at Proleve, we offer various cannabis drinks and THC products that can be used as alcohol alternatives. But as THC drinks become increasingly popular, you may be wondering: what are the differences between THC vs. alcohol? Is THC or weed better than alcohol for socializing, relaxation, and other common situations? What are THC drinks’ effects, and how do they differ from the impact of alcoholic drinks?

In this article, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about THC infused drinks and their benefits and advantages compared to alcohol. Read on to learn about the next day effects of THC and alcohol; their comparative advantages for sleep, relaxation, and socialization; and what THC dosages to aim for when substituting for alcohol use.

THC vs. Alcohol: How THC and Alcohol Affect the Body Differently

Both THC and alcohol are used to facilitate relaxation and socialization, and to help consumers reduce stress and unwind. Despite these similarities, however, THC and alcohol impact the body in very different ways. Read on to learn more about how THC and alcohol affect the body.

How THC Drinks Affect the Body

THC produces its effects by interacting with CB1 receptors in the brain, which are involved in the regulation of neurotransmitters involved in sleep, stress, mood, memory, appetite, and other psychological processes.

Due to its interaction with these neurotransmitters, THC can produce the following effects: 

• Relaxation and Stress Reduction. When used in low to moderate doses, THC can relax the body and mind. This makes cannabis drinks a popular option for those who want to de-stress after a long day and let anxieties melt away.
• Improved Mood. Many Proleve customers report a euphoric effect from consuming cannabis beverages. To this extent, THC infused drinks can help you feel lighter and happier in terms similar to the effects of alcohol. 
• Physical Relaxation. THC doesn’t just alter the mind--it also allows physical stresses to melt away. 

Drowsiness or Sleepiness. In higher doses, THC drinks can cause drowsiness or sleepiness, which makes these products a popular option for those who need a nightcap to doze off more easily at night.

How Alcohol Affects the Body

Like THC, alcohol produces its effects by altering neurotransmitters in the brain that regulate mood, stress, and other processes involved in mental health. However, THC impacts the brain by influencing the release of GABA--a neurotransmitter involved in stress--and dopamine, another neurotransmitter or “feel-good hormone” that can create feelings of pleasure and reward.

Alcoholic drinks produce the following effects: 

• Relaxation. Like THC drinks, alcoholic beverages produce a fast-acting aid to relax and reduce anxiety. However, the hangover associated with alcohol use can exacerbate anxiety and stress the next day. 
• Drowsiness. Alcohol is prone to induce drowsiness and dizziness, and at higher doses can lead to the “spins” and other unpleasant, intoxicating effects. 
• Mood Boost. Because alcohol impacts dopamine levels, it can initially boost mood and contribute to feelings of pleasure and well-being. However, this effect diminishes with repeated or long-term use.

Though THC and alcohol are similar in these ways, they produce these effects through different mechanisms of action--which is why THC may have advantages over alcohol in terms of health, next-day effects, risks, and addictive potential.

Sleep Quality: Is THC a Better Nightcap Than Alcohol?

Alcoholic beverages are commonly used as a “nightcap,” or as a way to facilitate relaxation and drowsiness before bed. However, researchers have long known that alcohol actually has a negative impact on sleep quality and quantity. Though its intoxicating and sedative effects may help you fall asleep initially, alcohol-induced sleep is of poor quality and doesn’t last for long--often, alcohol users wake up in the middle of the night once drinking’s effects have worn off, and feel less rested from the sleep they do receive. 

Unlike alcohol, THC has been shown by researchers to promote relaxation and sleep without the negative trade-offs. 

According to a report by the Sleep Foundation, cannabis compounds can benefit sleep and relaxation in the following ways: 

• May reduce sleep disruptions associated with pain, PTSD, restless legs syndrome, and other conditions that cause inflammation and discomfort. 
• May promote relaxation and induce sleep by increasing neurochemicals such as adenosine, which causes stimulation and wakefulness. 
• In combination with CBD, THC could reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression that are associated with disrupted sleeping patterns.

Replacing alcohol with THC for sleep produces various other benefits. With cannabis drinks, you’re less likely to wake up in the middle of the night due to a hangover or when THC’s intoxicating effects wear off.

Hangovers vs. Highs: Comparing Next-Day Effects of THC vs. Alcoholic Drinks

As we mentioned earlier, THC and alcohol are similar in that both can boost mood, cause sleepiness, reduce stress, and facilitate socialization. However, because they interact with the body in different ways, cannabis drinks have several advantages over alcohol in terms of health, next-day effects, and consumption risks.

Many customers notice little to no next-day effects or “hangover” from THC drinks. However, possible lingering effects could include: 

• Dry mouth or red, dry eyes.
• A residual “high” from using larger dosages or taking long-acting products, such as edibles, too late or too soon before going to sleep. (This is a rare occurrence, and can be avoided with low to moderate doses, or with shorter-acting products such as beverages instead of tinctures and edibles).
• Brain fog or trouble concentrating (another uncommon occurrence that can, like a residual “high,” be avoided with short-acting products and responsible dosing).

The Advantages of THC Drinks vs. Alcohol

Wondering whether weed is better than alcohol? Keep the following differences in mind: 

• No Hangover. Alcohol consumption is notoriously associated with a hangover that can leave you feeling nauseous, anxious, and depressed. Compared to an alcohol hangover, THC’s next-day effects are largely unnoticeable. 
• No Dehydration. Unlike alcohol, cannabis is not a diuretic that will make you dehydrated. Dehydration plays a major role in hangovers, so this is a key reason that THC drinks are associated with fewer next-day negatives.
• No Nausea. Unlike alcohol, THC won’t make you feel nauseous or have a headache the day after consuming. In fact, research suggests that THC can actually be used to reduce these symptoms. 
• Less Brain Fog, Anxiety, and Depression. Alcohol hangovers are associated with increased anxiety, a depressed mood, and poor sleep. None of these next-day disadvantages have been associated directly with THC beverages.

THC Drinks vs. Alcohol for Social Use: Which Offers More Balance?

As THC drinks become staples in bars, restaurants, and social settings, you may be wondering whether weed or alcohol is better for socializing. 

Some of the advantages of THC in a social setting include: 

• More Control. Though THC can reduce inhibitions to some extent, it doesn’t reduce self-control or judgement to the same extent as alcohol. Alcohol can make you feel talkative, loud, or impulsive, leading to next-day regrets. 
• Reduced Stress, without “Hangxiety.” Though THC works to reduce stress and anxiety, it doesn’t produce the next-day negatives of “hangxiety” associated with alcohol hangovers. 

Generally speaking, THC offers more balance, control, and composure than alcohol. However, it’s important to keep the following dosage considerations and safety tips in mind: 

• Don’t Drive. Despite the following advantages, THC can still inhibit judgement and motor control. For this reason, it’s important not to drive, even if you’ve been using cannabis drinks instead of alcohol. When using or planning to use THC drinks in a social setting, make sure you arrange for a safe ride home in the same way you would after drinking alcohol. 
• Watch Your Dose. Many of THC’s social advantages are dose-dependent. If you consume too much THC, you may experience increased anxiety or social inhibitions--which is why it’s important to keep track of how much THC you’ve consumed. 
• Don’t Combine THC with Alcohol. Combining THC with alcohol can magnify the intoxicating effects and negative symptoms associated with overconsumption. 

Find THC Drinks for Relaxation at Proleve

Looking to substitute alcohol with THC drinks? Here at Proleve, we’ve got a wide selection of Delta 8 and Delta 9 THC products that can be used to create beverages, and that are perfect for taking on-the-go and using at home or in social situations. 

• Delta 9 THC Drinks. Our Delta 9 THC syrups and shots make it easy to bring precisely-dosed cannabis beverages wherever you go. These products are infused with liquid cannabis extract. They can be sipped directly from the container, or infused into your favorite beverage to create teas, mocktails, kombuchas, coffees, or seltzers with THC. 
• Delta 8 Tinctures and DIY Drinks. Prefer Delta 8 THC drinks? Check out our Delta 8 Tinctures, which can be placed into a beverage of your choice to create Delta 8 mocktails, seltzers, or other non-alcoholic drinks.

Ready to switch from alcohol to cannabis drinks for socializing, reducing stress, and improving sleep? Visit Proleve today to learn more about our products and quality control, or contact us with questions and general inquiries.