Cannabis beverages have become a regular part of the shelf in Canadian cannabis stores, including in Winnipeg. They are one of several ways to take cannabis without smoke or vapour. They are also easy to misjudge, so this guide covers what they are and what is worth reading before you buy.
What they are
A cannabis beverage is a drink made with THC, CBD or both. They are sold in cans and bottles, and come in forms such as sparkling water, soda and tea. Because you drink them, the cannabis is digested, so they behave more like an edible than like something you inhale.
What the rules say
Cannabis beverages count as edible cannabis in Canada, and the limits are strict. According to Health Canada's packaging and labelling guide, a container of edible cannabis cannot hold more than 10 mg of THC. Packages carry the standardized cannabis symbol and a health warning message. Cannabis products also cannot be marketed in ways that suggest health benefits, so you will see plain, regulated packaging rather than claims.
How to read the label
- THC and CBD in milligrams for the whole container, not a percentage.
- The serving size. Some drinks are meant to be shared across more than one sitting, and the label says how much.
- Other ingredients. Check for caffeine, sugar and common allergens, as with any drink.
- The licensed producer and the package date. Both are on every legal package.
How beverages compare with other edibles
Drinks follow the same rules as gummies, chocolates and other edibles: the same 10 mg THC cap per package, and the same digestion that makes the timing different from inhaling. The difference is the form. A drink is something you finish in one sitting or over a short time, so it is worth deciding in advance how much of it you intend to have, rather than sipping without a plan.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Treating it like alcohol. It does not behave the same way, and the timing is different.
- Having a second one too soon because nothing seems to have happened yet.
- Mixing it with alcohol. Combining the two can increase impairment.
- Leaving it where others can reach it. A cannabis drink can look like an ordinary one, so keep it in its original package and store it safely.
Go slowly
Effects from something you drink can take longer to arrive than from something you inhale, and the timing varies from person to person and from product to product. The usual advice applies: have a small amount, then wait before having more. Do not mix cannabis with alcohol, and do not drive after using cannabis. Keep every cannabis product in its original package, out of reach of children and pets. Health Canada has more on the effects of cannabis. This page is general information, not medical advice.
Where to find them
Our beverage menu shows what is in stock at the Ellice Ave and Henderson Hwy stores. You can order for pickup or delivery, and you will need valid government-issued photo ID, because cannabis is 19+ in Manitoba.