THC-Infused Straws Could Transform the Edibles Industry

Curated by Sechat, with information from High Times

Innovative THC delivery systems are becoming increasingly abundant in a market saturated with transdermal patches, soluble strips, and more. But now and then, a unique product idea shakes up the market. Enter THC-infused straws loaded with an internal lining - infused with THC.

Today, Drnq Budz launched its debut line of THC straws. Here’s how it works: the lining dissolves as you drink, providing a new titration system: the consumer can observe the amount of THC being consumed through the straw's outer layer. This technology allows for very precise dosing, setting it apart from other titration methods.

Give your lungs a break while still maintaining a relatively quick onset of THC, which occurs within six minutes. You can actually see the colored lining inside the straw fading as the THC is consumed.

“Here’s the situation: people are taking gummies and waiting half an hour to get high,” said Drnq Budz founder Joe Wallace to High Times. “How often do they end up grabbing a second one when they get bored waiting? And end up way higher than they’d like to be? With Drnq Budz, the lining dissolves in the liquid you drink with it, giving you greater bioavailability - we have a six-minute onset, which is definitely more fun, but also gives people more control.”

How is this possible? The Los Angeles-based startup secured the primary rights to the technology developed by Unistraw, the world's largest straw manufacturer based in Australia. Unistraw's patented and award-winning straw delivery system can infuse beverages with a layer of flavorings or active ingredients - THC, in this case.

Drnq Budz will be available in three flavors and three doses: 25mg, 50mg, and 100mg doses, with individual straws containing 5-10mg. More options are expected soon. This allows anyone to infuse a cocktail or almost any other type of drink with THC, without knowing the ins and outs of edible infusion. Typically, cannabis needs to be decarboxylated and added to alcohol or an oil-based medium for infusion. It’s just not something that most average consumers know how to do properly.

The straws come in natural flavors of Mango, Lime-Lemon, Berry, and Matcha, in packs of 10 straws. Drnq Budz will be available starting December 15, 2021, at dispensaries and delivery services throughout California.

Straw bans abound as plastic spreads across the oceans. Seattle, Washington, banned plastic straws in July 2018, followed by Washington DC and other cities. Additionally, major food and beverage chains like Starbucks have begun phasing out plastic straws. This leaves room for compostable options.

The Drnq Budz straws are 100% compostable and bio-based. In fact, they are made from corn - not plastic. The straws can help create a massive reduction in the cannabis industry's carbon footprint by reducing the transport and storage of heavier products and decreasing the plastic and chemical waste associated with vaporization products.

“This delivery system will change lives,” Wallace said. “I know it sounds like hyperbole, but think about how convenient and enjoyable it makes it to take care of yourself and feel good. This is a natural disruptor in the edibles market - which is projected to reach $12 billion by 2025. And come on, we’re adults here - do you really want to sit around eating gummy bears? Imagine all we can do with this technology - all you need to do is sip.”

The straw technology provides a new way to feel the effects of THC quickly, outside of the typical foods you know well.