After taking substantial time to reach the market, infused drinks have received mixed reviews from consumers across the country. While some have praised the availability of different flavours and potencies, others have said that the 10-milligram limit on THC is too low, and that beverages are too pricey to compete with alcohol.
Despite the gripes about the price and potency of infused drinks, I’ve also heard positive reviews from friends with higher tolerances who have raved about how they made them feel—positive, energetic, a little buzzed, not unlike the feeling after a cocktail or two. After kicking alcohol, I thought I’d finally give a few a try myself.
Beer-flavoured brew falls flat
I first tried Mollo 5 in the fall. Mollo is Molson and Hexo’s infused beverage that is meant to emulate beer. It’s available in a few different potencies and comes in a bottle that reminds me of Red Stripe. I opted for the five-milligram version knowing full well that my tolerance wouldn’t really allow for much in terms of effects. That being said, I had been surprised by my experience with some 10-milligram edibles, and wondered if two Mollos would do the trick.
While Mollo is definitely beer-ish, I might suggest avoiding it if you’re not a fan of the taste of freshly cut grass. It was certainly drinkable, and something I might purchase again if it came in a stronger version, but my hunch was right, and I didn’t feel anything after drinking two back-to-back.
HEXO
Mollo 5
8/17
I appreciate that someone has made a beverage that tastes like beer, but for me the potency and the flavour just aren’t there yet. Perhaps something I’ll revisit in the future at a stronger potency.
Fruity infused drinks do the trick
Mildly disappointed by Mollo, I stayed away from beverages for a while. I haven’t felt remotely tempted to try any of the infused drinks containing 2.5 milligrams of either THC or CBD given their price points. If I’m having a cannabis drink, I’d like that sugar to come with more than a negligible amount of cannabinoids.
I decided to give Hexo’s XMG infused drinks a whirl on whim a few weeks ago. Available in two flavours, Tropical Fruit and Mango Pineapple, I was intrigued by their small size and potency. At 10 milligrams of THC per 236 millilitres and 15 grams(!) of sugar, I thought if there was a drink on the market that could get me high, it would be this one. In an effort to ensure I’d get some sort of effect, I again drank two back-to-back, this time in the evening on an empty stomach. (The things we do for science, am I right?)
After not having alcohol for a few months, I definitely felt like the drink could compete with a cocktail. It had a nice flavour with a manageable bitter undertone, and the carbonation was just right. If someone served me one of the Mango Pineapple infused drinks in a glass on ice and didn’t tell me what it was, I might assume it was alcoholic. After a few sips though, it was gone.
After 25 minutes, something in my mood had switched. I felt… awesome? I’d spent the day working and while I expected to crash on the couch and order takeout as per my previous experiences with edible THC, I was upbeat and energetic. I definitely enjoyed the buzz after one can.
After an hour and 10 minutes, I had cleaned my apartment, worked out, and started to make dinner. I was blown the fuck away: 10 milligrams of THC consumed in three sips uplifted my mood, filled me with energy, and didn’t leave me feeling burnt out or tired.
A week later, I bought a can of the Tropical Fruit flavour, and two more of the Mango Pineapple. I wanted to know where 20 milligrams would get me, and thought it wouldn’t hurt to have an extra on hand. While I enjoyed the effects of the Tropical Fruit beverage, the flavour didn’t quite do it for me, and was more bitter than I anticipated.
In essence, the effects of two of XMG’s infused drinks mimicked my previous experience. The only difference was that I felt high for a little longer. In the future, I’ll stick strictly to the Mango Pineapple flavour.
I did not go into this expecting to enjoy infused drinks so much, but here I am, writing this review, and wouldn’t you know it; I’m drinking a can right now. My only complaint about this beverage? I wish it came in a sightly bigger can.
HEXO
XMG – Mango Pineapple
13/17
I thoroughly enjoyed the flavour, effects, and mouthfeel of this drink, which reminded me of something I might order at a bar. At just 236 mL, my only wish is that it was a little bit bigger.
HEXO
XMG – Tropical Fruit
10/17
While I have no complaints about the effects of this drink, the faux fruit flavour left much to be desired. Too bitter for my liking. I’ll be sticking with the Mango Pineapple for now.
By: Amanda Siebert
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By: Amanda Siebert
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