St. Patrick’s Day and Cannabis
St. Patrick’s Day is a cultural and religious holiday that celebrates the life and legacy of Ireland’s patron saint. St. Patrick was born in Britain in the 4th century and was kidnapped by Irish raiders at the age of 16. Patrick was held captive for six years before he was able to escape.
Following his escape and return to Britain, Patrick is said to have had a vision of the people of Ireland calling out for him to return and walk among them.
Inspired by this vision, Patrick became a priest and returned to Ireland where he worked as a missionary – traveling the country converting people to Christianity and helping to build churches. St. Patrick is also said to have used the three-leafed shamrock to explain the concept of the Holy Trinity to the people of Ireland.
St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated on March 17th, the date of his death, and is recognized as a public holiday in Ireland and other parts of the world with large Irish populations. It’s a day where people wear green and enjoy parades, parties, and festivals to celebrate the life and legacy of St. Patrick.
Why Do So Many People Drink Alcohol on St. Paddy’s Day?
In addition to parades, shamrocks, and people wearing green, St. Patrick’s Day has also become associated with the consumption of alcoholic beverages. Some believe that the reason for excessive drinking is due to Catholics being allowed to stray from their Lenten restrictions on food and alcohol on this day.
The Shift Away from Alcohol
In recent years, however, there has also been an increasing association between St. Patrick’s Day and the use of cannabis. This can be attributed in part to the growing legalization of cannabis, as well as a cultural shift toward alternative forms of relaxation and socialization.
Cannabis and St. Patrick’s Day may seem like an unusual combination, but they share a common thread in their association with relaxation and enjoyment. That’s why we’d like to share some alcohol alternatives that can help you keep it green on St. Patrick’s day.
Weed vs Alcohol: Which Is Safer?
Both cannabis and alcohol can be potentially harmful if consumed excessively or irresponsibly. However, when comparing the two, there is evidence to suggest that cannabis may be safer than alcohol in certain respects.
First, contrary to what some might believe, alcohol has a higher potential for addiction and dependence than cannabis. According to a study conducted by the National Institute on Drug Abuse, “… alcohol’s addiction potential is significantly greater than that of marijuana based on a number of indicators.”1
Over 140,000 Americans Die from Alcohol Each Year
Second, alcohol is more likely to cause accidents, injuries, and fatalities than cannabis. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, from 2015-2019, more than 140,000 people died each year from excessive alcohol use in the U.S.2
Have Any Deaths Been Attributed to Weed?
If you’re wondering, no one has died from excessive use of cannabis. According to the Centers for Disease Control, there have been no deaths that have resulted solely from marijuana use.3
With that said, however, there have been cases where people with underlying health issues have mixed alcohol or drugs with cannabis and died. In these types of cases cannabis has been listed as a possible contributor to death – but not the sole cause.
Actually, it’s been difficult for experts to even estimate how much weed someone would have to consume at one time to die from an overdose. Some say it could take pounds at a time – making it virtually impossible.
What about Future Health Problems?
There is evidence to suggest that long-term alcohol use can lead to chronic health problems like liver damage, while long-term cannabis use is associated with few negative health outcomes.
In fact, the cannabinoids found in marijuana have shown the potential to treat a wide range of medical conditions, including being helpful in the treatment of:
- Pain and inflammation
- Symptoms associated with HIV and AIDS
- Anxiety, depression, and insomnia
- Seizures, particularly in children
- Glaucoma
- PTSD
That being said, it’s important to keep in mind that the safety of cannabis use depends on several factors, including the method of consumption, the potency of the product, and your unique medical conditions, biology, and tolerance.
Learn more about: Cannabinoids and the Endocannabinoid System
Replacing Alcohol with Cannabis
No one wants to feel left out. That’s especially true during a toast. That’s why we’d like to share a few ideas for THC drinks that will allow you to stay California sober while raising a toast with your friends on Saint Paddy’s Day.
There are a wide range of cannabis drinks and cannabis beverages out there to suit all tastes. But before we get to that, let’s address the question, why would you want to replace alcoholic drinks with cannabis drinks?
Weed Drinks vs. Alcoholic Drinks
One major benefit of enjoying a THC drink instead of an alcoholic beverage include a reduction in harmful behaviors associated with excessive alcohol consumption, including impaired driving, aggression, and potential liver damage.
Cannabis, on the other hand, could have potential therapeutic benefits for some including helping to reduce anxiety, promote relaxation, and alleviate pain. In other words, by replacing alcohol with cannabis it is possible to enjoy a refreshing beverage that could help your body and mind feel better – instead of hungover the next day.
Ultimately, however, the decision to substitute cannabis for alcohol should be made based on your individual circumstances and factors and should be approached with caution. It’s recommended that you consult with your doctor before making any changes to your substance use habits.
Okay, now that we’ve cleared that up, let’s get into a few different types of THC infused drinks that allow you to drink your THC – so you can keep it green and alcohol free on St. Patrick’s Day.
Infused Sodas – Drinks with THC
When people think about enjoying cannabis, many imagine smoking or vaping it. But these days, weed consumers have many options available as to how they will enjoy their marijuana – including cannabis infused drinks that allow you to drink your weed.
Enjoying a cannabis infused soda on St. Patrick’s Day is a nice way to add a chill vibe to your celebration while enjoying the benefits of your tasty herb. These fizzy drinks are made with real cannabis extracts, giving you a mellow and uplifting buzz without the unpleasant side effects of drinking alcohol.
Speaking of unpleasant side effects, did you know Cannabis May Help to Alleviate Some Hangover Symptoms?
Cannabis infused drinks come in all kinds of flavors, from classic cola to fruity blends. you can even get them in low or high doses to suit your vibe.
Instead of a Hangover, Laid-Back Happy Vibes
The best part? No hangover, just chilled-out happy vibes. So if you’re looking for a laid-back way to enjoy your cannabis on St. Paddy’s Day, grab yourself a cannabis infused soda and let the good times roll!
A word of caution, if you plan on enjoying an infused drink, make sure to pace yourself. Many weed drinks contain 10 mg of THC per serving. If you are new to weed drinks, we recommend starting slow and giving yourself some time after finishing your first, before deciding if you should have another.
Remember you can always consume more, but if you overdo it, you could end up having to ride out some unpleasant side effects.
Edibles Education:
Learn More about Marijuana Edibles
Plus, if you plan on enjoying a weed drink on St. Patrick’s day make sure not to drive. Just like alcoholic drinks, THC infused drinks must be enjoyed responsibly.
Infused Cold Brew
Now let’s talk about mixing two things people around the world enjoy on a daily basis: coffee and cannabis.
The combination of caffeine and THC has been a mix enjoyed since at least 1972. That’s when the first coffee shop, the Mellow Yellow, opened up in Amsterdam. Since then, countless people around the world have enjoyed the calming yet stimulating mix of THC and caffeine.
In addition to providing a relaxing yet stimulating buzz, caffeine and THC may also offer potential health benefits when enjoyed together.
Learn more about: What Happens When You Mix Cannabis and Coffee
So, if you’re looking for a drink that can help provide a mellow vibe with a caffeine boost, then a cannabis infused coffee might be for you.
You can pick up a THC-infused cold brew at your local dispensary. Or, you could make your own. It can be as simple as adding a little bit of cannabutter or THC tincture to your brew.
Make Better Butter:
How to Make Your Own Cannabutter
The Effects Will Be Different for All
It is important to keep in mind that caffeine and THC are both psychotropic substances which can impact our behavior, mood, thoughts, and overall state of mind. Other examples of psychotropic substances include alcohol, nicotine, and prescription drugs.
Although psychotropics like caffeine and THC could offer potential health benefits, they can also present serious side effects depending on things like the strength of the cannabis and coffee, your overall health, and any medications you may be taking.
That is why it is a good idea to speak with your doctor before introducing psychotropics into your repertoire.
Weed Beer
Just because you’ve decided to avoid alcohol on St. Patrick’s Day, that doesn’t mean you have to go without the malty flavor of a cold beer.
Although current laws prohibit the sale of drinks that mix alcohol and THC, cannabeers can be a good option for those looking to enjoy the taste of beer without the alcohol.
Some cannabeers are brewed using the stalks and roots of the cannabis plant. Since the cannabis plant and hops are closely related plants that share some common terpenes, these types of cannabeers have a taste that can be pleasing to cannabis users.
Other cannabis beers are made the traditional way – using barley – and then the THC or CBD oils are added to it. Although there are many different types of cannabeers available, they tend to fall into two main categories:
- Non-alcoholic cannabeers infused with THC
- Cannabeers with alcohol – but infused with CBD, instead of THC
One of the reasons why you won’t find THC-infused alcoholic drinks is that the mix can magnify the intensity of the effects of your drink and your weed. That’s why we recommend sticking to the non-alcoholic weed drinks this St. Paddy’s Day. Which brings us to our next topic, THC mocktails.
THC Mocktails
A mocktail is basically a cocktail, minus the alcohol. Perhaps one of the most well-known mocktails is a Shirley Temple. The nice thing about a mocktail is that you can easily customize it to include your favorite ingredients – like THC.
Armed with your favorite cannabis tincture, you’re just a few steps away from enjoying a refreshing and relaxing weed drink.
As far as how much of the tincture you need – it’s recommended that beginners start with ¼ of a dropper per serving. A standard dropper will hold 1.0 mL, so about 0.25 mL. Those more experienced with tinctures can start with ½ of a dropper per serving, about 0.50 mL.
Want to make your own cannabis-infused Pina Colada or Moscow Mule mocktail for St. Patrick’s Day?
Check out our: Easy-to-Follow Cannabis Drink Recipes to Try in 2023
Want to Pick Up Some THC Drinks for St. Paddy’s Day? Check out Bloom’s Inventory!
Whether you’re looking for a pre-made cannabis-infused beverage or looking for a tincture to make your own THC drink, Bloom has you covered.
If you live in a state with a Bloom dispensary, click on one of the links below to browse our complete menu of premium cannabis flower and products. With our online ordering and drive thru options, picking up your cannabis essentials has never been easier.
Med or Rec – If you Live in the Great State of Missouri – Bloom Has You Set
Bloom is happy to serve both Medical Marijuana patients and Adult Recreational-Use customers at our Cameron, Cape Girardeau, O’Fallon, and Springfield Cannabis Dispensaries.
Perks for First-Time Medical Patients, Veterans, and Active Duty
If you’re a first-time medical marijuana patient, a Military veteran or active duty – make sure to let your Bloom budtender know so you can enjoy a special discount.