Micro-dosing THC has moved from fringe curiosity to mainstream wellness ritual almost overnight. For busy professionals, parents, creatives, and anyone who enjoys a light lift without losing focus, a micro-dose (usually 1–5 mg of THC) offers all the feel-good benefits of cannabis minus the couch-lock. But which format delivers the best experience—THC gummies or THC-infused drinks?
At 23rd State, we craft both sparkling beverages and mouth-watering edibles, each designed to fit seamlessly into your day. Below, we’ll break down how the two delivery methods differ, what to expect from each, and how to choose the perfect micro-dose for your goals.
What Exactly Is Micro-Dosing THC?
Micro-dosing is the practice of consuming very small amounts of tetrahydrocannabinol—just enough to brighten your mood, ease tension, or spark creativity without triggering a full-blown high. Think of it as setting the dimmer switch to 20% instead of flicking the lights on full blast.
Benefits of micro-dosing include:
• Elevated focus and productivity
• Subtle body relaxation
• Help unwinding after work
• Reduced chances of anxiety or paranoia
• A more predictable, functional experience
Why Delivery Method Matters
Your body processes THC differently depending on how it enters the bloodstream. Gummies and beverages are both ingested, but they interact with your digestive system at different speeds and intensities. Understanding the nuances can save you from over-doing it—or under-whelming results.
Key Factors Affected by Format
- Onset Time – How soon you feel the effects.
- Duration – How long those effects last.
- Bioavailability – How much THC actually reaches your bloodstream.
- Lifestyle Fit – Portability, sugar content, social vibe, and more.
Gummies 101: The Portable Classic
THC gummies are discreet, delicious, and ridiculously easy to dose. Each chew typically contains a precise milligram count, so you always know what you’re getting.
Pros
• Accuracy: Pre-measured doses (often 2.5 mg or 5 mg).
• Discretion: Looks like a normal candy or vitamin.
• Shelf-Stable: Toss a pouch in your purse or desk drawer.
• Long-Lasting: Effects can linger 4–6 hours, ideal for movie nights or flights.
Cons
• Slower Onset: Plan on 45–90 minutes before you feel anything.
• Digestive Variability: Your last meal can speed up or slow down activation.
• Sugar Content: If you’re watching carbs, calculate accordingly.
Best Use Cases for Gummies
• Bedtime wind-down routine
• Long creative work sprints
• Air travel (after you land—stay legal, folks!)
• Discreet relief in public settings
Drinks 101: The Social Sipper
THC-infused beverages, especially our zero-proof sparkling tonics, hit differently—literally. Because the THC is nano-emulsified, tiny particles are absorbed through the mucous membranes in your mouth and stomach much faster than solid edibles.
Pros
• Fast Onset: Feel it in as little as 10–15 minutes.
• Sessionable: Sip slowly to fine-tune your dose.
• Hydrating: Skip the hangover—our drinks are alcohol-free.
• Social: Replaces beer or cocktails at gatherings.
Cons
• Refrigeration: Best served cold; requires cooler on the go.
• Bulkier: A six-pack takes up more space than a pouch of gummies.
• Shorter Duration: Effects taper off in 2–3 hours, which may require a second can for extended chill.
Best Use Cases for Drinks
• Backyard BBQs and tailgates
• Post-gym recovery (low sugar + hydration)
• Creative brainstorming sessions
• Replacing alcoholic happy hours
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | 23rd State Gummies | 23rd State Drinks | |---------|--------------------|-------------------| | THC per Unit | 2.5 mg or 5 mg | 2 mg or 5 mg per can | | Typical Onset | 45–90 min | 10–20 min | | Duration | 4–6 hrs | 2–3 hrs | | Calories | 10–20 | 5–15 | | Portability | Pocket-friendly | Needs cooler for best taste | | Flavor Variety | Berry, Citrus, Tropical | Yuzu Lime, Mango Chili, Lavender Spritz | | Best For | Bedtime, travel, all-day focus | Social settings, rapid relief |
How to Choose Your Perfect Micro-Dose Format
Still on the fence? Run through these quick questions:
-
How fast do you need relief?
• If you’re hoping to mellow out before an event in 15 minutes, grab a drink.
• If timing isn’t critical, a gummy is perfectly fine. -
How long do you want the effects?
• Long flights or movie marathons = gummies.
• A short patio brunch = drinks. -
Where will you consume?
• Discreet office break = gummies.
• Party with friends = drinks (they look like craft sodas). -
What’s your dietary focus?
• Keto or carb-conscious? Check the nutrition panel—our drinks are naturally sweetened and low cal, while our gummies use real fruit pectin for a small sugar boost. -
Do you like the ritual of sipping?
• If you miss the hand-to-mouth experience of a cocktail, drinks scratch that itch without alcohol.
Micro-Dosing Best Practices
Whether you’re Team Gummy or Team Drink, follow these guidelines for a consistently great time:
- Start Low, Go Slow – Begin with 2–3 mg THC and wait for the full onset before redosing. It’s easier to add than subtract.
- Stay Hydrated – Even though our drinks hydrate, water still helps your endocannabinoid system process THC smoothly.
- Mind the Setting – Choose a comfortable environment, especially for first-timers.
- Track Your Experience – Note the dose, time, and how you feel. Patterns emerge quickly.
- Keep Products Secure – Both drinks and gummies look tasty to kids and pets. Store high (pun intended) and locked.
Spotlight on 23rd State Innovations
We’re proud to be a woman-owned brand based in Minneapolis, formulating with the strictest quality standards in the Midwest. Highlights include:
• Glitter Water Enhancer – Add shimmer and 2 mg THC to any beverage. Perfect for DIY cocktails.
• Low-Dose “North Star” Gummies – 2.5 mg THC with CBG for a gentle, upbeat vibe.
• Sparkling “Skyline” Tonic – 5 mg THC with botanical terpenes that evoke Minneapolis’ lakeside breezes.
All products are third-party lab tested, vegan, and crafted from hemp-derived Delta-9 THC, making them 2018 Farm Bill compliant and shippable to most U.S. states.
The Bottom Line
Gummies offer precision and staying power, while drinks provide speed and sociability. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer—and that’s the beauty of today’s cannabis landscape. The right choice depends on your unique lifestyle, schedule, and vibe.
Ready to dial in your perfect micro-dose? Explore our full lineup at 23state.com, and sign up for our newsletter for 15% off your first order plus early access to seasonal drops. Your ideal lift is just a sip—or a chew—away.
