THC over ABV

In a world that revolves around “let’s meet for drinks“ and ‘can I start you off with cocktails’ I’ve been teaching myself it’s OK to be the one that says ‘I’ll take a lemonade to complement the Tangie I just smoked’.

That’s right I said it. Some nights I have no interest in alcohol. I wouldn’t label myself as sober curious or anything but I’ve certainly found the older I get the better I feel and the more productive I can be when I consume less alcohol. Unfortunately, we are living in a society (in the US) that has a very social drinking scene. Meeting up for cocktails is a common occurrence and one can often feel awkward or uncomfortable without a drink in your hand. Here are some reasons why and how I enjoy consuming cannabis for a night out in lieu of or with little alcohol. 

No hangover 

The older we get the slower our body metabolizes alcohol. That’s a fact. We all unfortunately have to face it. One of the biggest advantages I’ve found to switching out the ABV for THC is no hangover! After a night out I don’t wake up in desperate need of hydration and greasy food but relaxed and ready to take on the day. I’ll be it I will almost always still feel the effects of staying up way past my bedtime that’s often the worst part. 

Save some $$, calories, and your liver!

Hear me out on this one, on days I choose cannabis I often find a save a bit more money. Where I live cocktails are $17 ++ and pre-rolled joints are $10-$15. A night out with friends can easily cost you $100+ on cocktails alone. 

If you have any type of fitness goal, cutting out or lowering your amount of alcohol can seriously lower calories. Yummy cocktails also include a lot of sugar. I also often don’t like to drink and eat at the same time. I love sugar but often having it at night can affect my sleep. 1. I bloat pretty regularly when I do 2. I believe it messes with my digestion. THC on the other hand allows me to slow down and enjoy my dinner. 

Medicating for a night out 

My first few times consuming cannabis before a night out I was nervous that it would make me anti-social or sleepy. I have found over the years that there is a lot of trial and error but there are a few key tips I stick to.

Dose wisely 

As my grandma used to say you can always add more but you can never take away. Start slow and see how you feel is always my motto. This is also very dependent on your social situation. Popping an edible before going into a situation where I’ll have to make small talk with people I don’t know has never been a good move for me. Before dinner tho? Pass the gummies! 

Never be afraid to clip a joint before its done and come back to it later until you figure out a good balance for you in social situations. I’m all for facing a joint but I 100% don’t want to be in the clouds when discussing life with my Aunty Bobby. 

Also, be open to trying new methods of consumption. Smoking from glass can sometimes make it easier to control your dosing. There are also some beautiful one-hitter/chillums that are perfect for a few hits in between bar hopping. Tinctures can also be a great option! I love to use them when attending events at other people’s homes such as a BBQ or girls’ night. It’s super easy to add a few drops to a mocktail and make yourself a fancy ‘lil drink. 

Terps

Something else to consider when choosing to consume before a night out is the profile of what you’re consuming. A lot of people focus on the THC percentage rather than the terpene profile which can truly help you identify what works and doesn’t work for you. I personally tend to go for strains that have more limonene and linalool. These both have been linked to her having anti-anxiety and calming effects. They also both tend to have delicious flavor profiles as well!

After 10+ years of drinking, I have found this switch up in my normal routine to be not only fun but also beneficial to my life. I am very much looking forward to experimenting with new strains and finding a perfect match for every social situation. I hope if you’re curious you found this information useful and I wish you good luck on your journey! Whenever and however you choose to consume cannabis please do so responsibly. ❤️