NCCBC Session 2: The Delta Dawn of THC Beverages

High Times

Cannabinoids (THC) have become a growing subject of interest for NC brewers and their customers. As Americans, especially younger generations, drink less alcohol, THC beverages have been making a rapid ascent. Many NC Brewers have jumped onto the bus and are now making and/or serving hemp-derived THC beverages in their taprooms. This development has brought into focus concerns about mixing THC and alcohol.

I attended a presentation by Dr. Brett Taubman, PhD, on just this subject at this week’s NC Craft Brewers Conference in Durham. Dr. Taubman is a Professor in the Chemistry and Fermentation Sciences Department at Appalachian State University. He provided an academic summary of the intoxicating effects of THC and the differences between Delta 9 THC (primarily from marijuana buds) and Delta 8 (from hemp). In brief, they are similar chemically and have similar intoxication and other physical effects.

Either Delta 9 or Delta 8 THC forms typically induce euphoria and a level of pain relief in users. Combining THC and alcohol (or “crossfading”) increases THC absorption and can lead to a host of intense, unpredictable and potentially harmful effects. While one person may experience euphoria, another may experience intense anxiety, paranoia, nausea or dizziness (the spins). This is on top of impaired judgment, motor skills, memory, etc.

The bottom line is that, regardless of the source, THC and alcohol should never be mixed. We are all used to hearing the steady drum of warnings about the potential side effects of drugs and combining of drugs, maybe to the point of complacency. But Dr. Taubman’s talk and my own (eh-hem) research have convinced me that such a combination is a serious NO! No. Period.

Dr. Taubman also stressed that the legal status of hemp-derived THC products in North Carolina is “legal but unregulated.” As a result, many hemp products are made in “mom and pop” labs with no oversight. That means there is no way of knowing what is actually in many of the cannabis products sold in local hemp stores. Quality, impurities and actual THC content are not controlled or guaranteed.

Let me say, though, that I am much less concerned about NC brewers’ THC beverage quality because our brewers take quality management very seriously in everything they do. It is truly in their blood. NC brewers typically manage the quality of their THC beverages through self-imposed standards and third-party testing.

So, as long as THC beverages are legal in North Carolina, they will continue to be a factor for our brewers. Those that chose to supply and serve them must continue to take full responsibility for quality control and be fully aware of the serious potential effects of combined consumption of THC with alcohol.

For more info: listen to this Appalachian Excellence podcast featuring Dr. Taubman.

This is us in Amsterdam. And that's all we have to say about that.

Dr. Brett Taubman, Chemistry and Fermintation Sciences, Applalachian State

What do you think about the increasing popularity of THC beverages?