Cannabis Beer: Does It Get You High? Terpene Brews vs. THC Homebrew

Cannabis beer comes in two very different styles. Most commercial versions are craft beers brewed with cannabis terpenes: they taste and smell like weed but contain no THC or CBD, so they won't get you high. Homebrews infused with actual cannabis are another story. It's a growing niche in the drinks world, and the same questions keep coming up: what does cannabis beer do, and how do you make it?

For a taste of what a good weed-flavored beer is like, look at Bierhaus, one of Argentina's leading craft beer brands. In 2022 it released Chalaland, its first IPA brewed with cannabis terpenes, and followed it up with a second one: Chalalager. Bierhaus sells more than 14 beer styles, and 5% of its total output goes to its cannabis beers.

Cannabis beer in Argentina: what Bierhaus brews

Chalaland, released in 2022, blew past its sales targets, moving more than 50,000 cans in just five months. With Chalalager, Bierhaus wants to lock in its spot in the market with something unique that combines the best of beer and (almost) everything good about cannabis.

Part of the appeal of these craft cannabis beers is that they have no THC or CBD, so you get the flavors of cannabis without any of the high. Bierhaus is out to do more than please its regulars; it's pushing into new territory in drinks innovation.

Chalalager: a cannabis-terpene lager

Chalalager pours a clear, bright yellow and drinks smooth, crisp and refreshing, with a low alcohol content (4.2% ABV, 15 IBU). Its moderate resiny, herbal cannabis aroma backs up a dank, resinous, herbal and slightly citrusy flavor.

With medium-low bitterness, a light body and a dry finish with a long cannabis aftertaste, this weed-flavored beer is made for a sunny afternoon with friends or a good margherita pizza.

What's in a cannabis craft beer?

José Bini, Bierhaus co-founder and brewmaster, points out that the brand's cannabis beers contain no THC or CBD, only terpenes, which give a cannabis-like flavor without altering your state of mind in any way.

Chalalager comes in 473 ml (16 oz) cans and 50-liter kegs, sold through the Bierhaus online store and at bars, specialty shops and supermarkets across Argentina. The first run was 6,000 liters, with a suggested price at launch of ARS 619 per can.

THC-infused beer: what are the effects?

Homemade cannabis beer that actually contains THC is a whole different animal from terpene beers. Here's what people who brew it are after, and what to watch out for:

A stronger high that's harder to control

Alcohol and THC together produce a different kind of high, and the alcohol can intensify the THC. That combo is how a lot of people end up greening out, so moderation is non-negotiable.

Two habits in one glass

For people who like to smoke while they drink, cannabis beer rolls both into one. Because the THC is swallowed, the effect tends to come on slower but hit harder and last longer, just like with edibles.

Stress relief, with a caveat

THC and alcohol can both be relaxing: they trigger dopamine release and act on the GABA receptors that help regulate anxiety. Some people use cannabis beer to unwind, but mixing the two makes it easy to overdo it.

How to make cannabis beer at home

Brewing weed beer is a fun project that mixes classic homebrewing with cannabis.

Here's a step-by-step guide to making your own cannabis beer:

• Crack the malt: Put the malt grains in a zip-top bag.
  Use a rolling pin to tap the grains lightly, cracking the husks without crushing them completely.
• Steep the grains: Put 2 liters (about half a gallon) of water in a 30-liter (8-gallon) pot.
  Turn on the heat and use a thermometer to bring it to 66–68 °C (151–154 °F).
  Add the cracked grains and steep for 30 minutes, stirring now and then.
• Strain the malt: Set a strainer over a large bowl and strain the mix.
  Toss the grains and pour the strained liquid back into the 30-liter pot.
• Add the extract: Add the light malt extract to the pot and stir until it's fully dissolved. Top up the pot to a total volume of 6 liters (about 1.6 gallons).
• Hops: Put the hops in a muslin bag and tie it shut.
  Drop the bag into the pot and bring it to a boil. Turn down the heat and simmer for an hour, stirring now and then. Take the pot off the heat, pull out the hops and let it cool completely.
• Sanitize and transfer: Sanitize and rinse the siphon and fermenter following the product instructions. Use the siphon to move the liquid from the pot into the fermenting bucket.
• Pitch the yeast: Add the packet of slow-fermenting yeast to the bucket.
  Fermentation will kick off, and within 24 hours you should see a layer of foam.
• Sterilize the muslin bag: While the foam forms, sterilize a second muslin bag in boiling water for 10 minutes. Take it out and let it cool enough to handle safely.
• Add the weed: Put the ground cannabis in the warm bag and tie it shut. Drop the bag into the fermenting bucket and close the lid.
• Let fermentation work its magic: Over the next ten days, the yeast will ferment the mix into beer. Give the bucket a gentle shake every day to move the ground cannabis around.
• Bottle it: After ten days comes the fun part: bottling. Pull the bag of weed out of the bucket and fill the bottles from the fermenter's spigot. Cap the bottles with a bottle capper and refrigerate.

Now you're ready to enjoy your homemade cannabis beer! Drink responsibly and share your creation with friends who appreciate the combo.

One thing worth stressing: as with any cannabis product, weed beer should be consumed responsibly, keeping an eye on how much you drink, following dosing guidelines and keeping in mind interactions with other substances or medical conditions. Homemade potency is impossible to know without lab testing, so start with a small glass and wait.