Safe Service Starts with Knowledge
Smoke Sip Savor is partnering with Amie Ward of The Healthtender to develop educational programming and certifications designed to support the safe on-premise service of THC beverages. The below guide offers an overview of THC Beverage sales and service, alongside general guidelines around the consumption of THC beverages alongside alcohol. For more information about upcoming corses or certifications, please email smokesipsavor@gmail.com.
THC On-Premise 101:
What is THC?
THC is an intoxicating and regulated compound that naturally occurs in the cannabis plant. THC may be derived from either HEMP or MARIJUANA, which are really just legal definitions: Hemp and Marijuana are both cannabis and are defined by the plant’s THC content in dry weight: Less than .3% THC = HEMP.
How are these products legal?
“Marijuana”-derived THC beverages are regulated on a state-by-state basis in states where recreational cannabis is legal and follow individual state laws in the adult use retail channel. Hemp-derived THC is Federally legal under the 2018 Farm Bill, although state-by-state regulations vary in terms of where and how these products can be sold and served.
THC Beverages at Retail
There are markets across the United States where THC Beverages are working within major alcohol distribution channels to sell at retail alongside beer, wine, and spirits. State-specific regulations dictate dosage, packaging, and overall legality.
THC Beverages On-Premise
There are markets across the United States where THC Beverages are able to be sold in venues with liquor licenses for on-premise consumption. On-premise sales may require additional licensing to serve THC Beverages. Additional insurance may also be required, and speciality insurance providers offer solutions for on-premise service alongside alcohol.
Consumption Guidelines
Effect
The effects of THC are varied on a person-by-person and product-by-product basis. Factors include tolerance, body weight, metabolism, food and alcohol consumption, and even monthly hormonal shifts. Product manufacturing, ingredients, and input quality are additional factors in how a product will make a person feel. The effect is usually a “buzz” more similar to 1-2 alcoholic drinks than smoking cannabis or consuming edibles.
Dosage
Typical doses for THC Beverages range from 2mg/serving to 10mg per serving. Most consumers’ tolerance falls within this range, although some may be higher or lower. Consumers who do not know their dose should never start with more than 5mg and should wait at least an hour before consuming additional THC or alcohol.
Onset, Offset and Duration
Most THC Beverages are manufactured in a way that allows a rapid onset, often in as little as 5-10 minutes. The effects may wear off in one-to-two hours, depending on a variety of factors.
Cross Consumption with Alcohol
While individualized tolerance for THC is a key factor in safe cross-consumption with alcohol, there are a variety of factors that can cause even seasoned THC consumers can have a negative experience when combining THC and alcohol. It is recommended to use extreme caution when combining these substances. If you do choose to cross-consume, it is recommended that you alternate between alcohol and THC beverages, consuming no more than one drink per hour.
Safe Service Guidelines
As a beverage professional, it is up to you to monitor the safety of your guests when they are consuming THC - alone, or alongside alcohol.
Use key techniques outlined below for best practices.
Recognize intoxication: THC intoxication may look like sleepiness, impaired coordination, unusual behavior, anxiety, withdrawal, uncontrollable laughter, forgetfulness
Cross-Consumption Service: Practice caution in serving guests alcohol and THC in a single service. Monitor intoxication regularly if guests are consuming both substances. Communicate with staff as needed.
Refuse Service: Be prepared to refuse service to intoxicated guests.
The above is not intended to offer complete guidance or legal advice.