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Table of Contents
- What are THC drinks?
- When do effects kick in?
- How long do the effects of THC drinks last?
- Do THC seltzers get you high?
- Choosing a THC drink
- The bottom line
Step aside, alcohol! The THC drink has arrived. While this buzzy new beverage has technically been around for years, the THC beverage category as a whole has recently exploded in popularity. That’s largely thanks to more states legalizing cannabis, a shift towards habits that support wellness, and, honestly, more enjoyable options, like THC seltzers.
If THC drinks are suddenly on your radar, and you’re wondering what’s what, you’re in the right place. This beginner’s guide covers all the details about the high, the benefits, and the risks of THC drinks so that you’re clear on what to expect before that first sip.
What are THC drinks?
The simple definition of a THC drink is a beverage infused with tetrahydrocannabinol. Of the roughly 100 identified cannabinoids in the cannabis plant, THC is the one responsible for the psychoactive effects. It’s the “high” long associated with marijuana.
Infused into a beverage, low-potency THC has a mild effect that makes people feel relaxed and happy, so THC drinks play well in social settings. That's especially true for people who are looking to replace alcohol. Cannabis infused beverages, like THC seltzers, teas, and lemonades, offer the social benefits of alcohol without the associated health risks, heavy intoxication, and hangover.
Now, if you’re thinking to yourself, "THC is illegal, isn’t it?"—you’re missing some key details.
In 2018, the Farm Bill, also known as the Agricultural Improvement Act of 2018, legalized hemp and products derived from it. That includes CBD, which made a huge splash at the time as new companies rushed to market their products. The Farm Bill defined hemp as cannabis plants that contain less than 0.3% THC by dry weight, differentiating them from marijuana plants, which are also a type of cannabis plant, but with higher levels of THC. Assuming a cannabis-infused beverage is made with THC derived from hemp and that it meets the federal limit of 0.3% THC, it’s federally legal in accordance with the Farm Bill.
Please note that individual state laws also apply. If you live in a state with legal medical or recreational cannabis use, you can very likely buy products with much higher levels of THC. If cannabis is illegal in your state, well, you’re out of luck (so consider petitioning your state’s lawmakers!).
Typical effects of THC drinks
As we've covered, THC drinks are designed for enjoyment and relaxation. And as more people look for alternatives to alcohol, cannabis-infused beverages are filling the gap, minus the booze-associated drawbacks. But as is typical with THC in general, the effects of THC drinks depend on the potency of the product, how much you’re consuming, and a few personal factors.
The golden rule of cannabis consumption is to start low and go slow. That’s because everyone is different, which means individual experiences likewise vary. Most THC drinks have a lower potency, between 2mg and 10mg or so, but you can find higher-potency options.
In general, you can expect low-potency THC drinks to offer a mild euphoria similar to a gentle buzz. But if you knock back three or four cans in a row, that low dose suddenly becomes a high dose, which means your experience is going to change—and it may not be for the better. That’s why it’s essential to read the label so you’re clear on serving size (usually one can or bottle) and overall potency before you start sipping.
Effects of 50mg THC drinks
Fifty milligrams of THC is considered a very high dose. If you aren’t familiar with the psychoactive effects of THC, this is probably not where you want to begin. That gentle buzz is more likely to be intensely euphoric, but it might become overwhelming enough to stop being enjoyable. Altered sensory perceptions are also possible, and you may find it difficult to focus, experience richer colors and sounds, or lose track of time.
Consuming 50mg of THC is probably going to make you feel drowsy, to the point you want to take a nap. There’s also a greater likelihood of adverse side effects, like an elevated heart rate or feeling anxious or outright paranoid, especially if you aren’t in a comfortable and familiar setting. You might feel dizzy or lightheaded, get a severe case of the munchies, or have gastrointestinal issues, like nausea or even vomiting.
Effects of 20mg THC drinks
For most people, 20mg of THC is a moderate to high dose, but it depends on your personal cannabis habits. If you don’t use THC much, or ever, 20mg is a lot. After sipping a 20mg THC drink, you may feel really happy and relaxed, even creative. This amount of THC is enough for a sense of full-body relaxation, likely without the heavy sedation that comes with higher doses, along with some stress and tension relief.
It’s still possible to experience negative effects, like mild anxiety or dizziness, but it’s more likely if you’re in an unfamiliar environment or new to THC altogether.
Effects of 5mg THC drinks
Five milligrams is a low to moderate dose, and this is a great place to begin if you’re new to cannabis-infused beverages or to cannabis as a whole. The goal, after all, is a good time, and low-potency THC is the best bet for a mild, relaxing experience. Think of it as a gentle introduction, with subtle sensory perception changes and euphoria.
You’re far less likely to experience the kind of cognitive impairment possible from, say, 50mg, but you’ll probably feel pleasantly relaxed. That makes it easier to unwind and enjoy yourself.
As an aside, cannabis-infused drinks with 5mg of THC are a great substitute for alcohol. In fact, many people compare 2 to 5mg of THC to the effects of a single light beer. The buzz is mild and controlled, without the intensity and intoxication associated with moderate to heavy drinking. While hangovers are par for the course after a night of pounding beers or downing shots, low-dose THC drinks don’t cause dehydration, nausea, headaches, or fatigue the next day. Instead, you can expect to feel pretty clear-headed after the effects wear off.
Effects of 2.5mg THC drinks
People exploring THC drinks as an alcohol alternative or an introduction to cannabis itself may want to start here. It’s about as low as you can go potency-wise, with very subtle euphoric or uplifting effects, and is unlikely to be overwhelming or anxiety-provoking. You might notice mild tension relief and a sense of relaxation, but overall, the experience is controlled and manageable. Like 5mg THC drinks, there’s no risk of a hangover, either, something you can't say for alcoholic beverages!
When do effects kick in?
Now that you’re clear on what to generally expect from varying amounts of THC in a cannabis-infused drink, how quickly do you notice them? It’s typical to lump cannabis beverages into the cannabis edible category. It makes sense, since you have to digest a THC drink just like you do, say, a THC gummy. But liquids are actually absorbed more quickly than solids, and many THC drinks use pretty fancy technology for even faster absorption
That means you can realistically expect effects to kick in between 15 and 30 minutes after you start sipping. And here’s a bonus—unlike THC edibles, which have a higher risk of overconsumption because it can take a really long time to feel anything, you’re less likely to overdo it with a THC drink. That means a better experience all around.
Keep in mind that THC drinks with higher potencies don’t technically kick in faster, but once they do, they’re more likely to have a much stronger peak effect. That means a longer-lasting high (and a greater chance of those negative side effects we mentioned above).
How long do the effects of THC drinks last?
Like onset time, the duration of effects from THC drinks depends on potency and serving size. In other words, the more THC you consume, the longer the effects last. With low to moderate doses, the effects generally last between two and four hours. Effects from higher doses may last somewhere between three and six hours.
Your own metabolism also plays a role here. If you just happen to be wildly efficient at metabolizing THC, your experience may be on the shorter side.
Do THC seltzers get you high?
THC seltzers are one type of THC drink, and yes, they create a sense of euphoria that’s generally described as being “high” or “buzzed.” Remember that potency is a big player in the overall experience, and that more isn’t always better. In fact, for people interested in feeling relaxed and social, low-potency THC seltzers in the 5mg range are usually the best bet.
Choosing a THC Drink
It's best to choose a THC drink with the same care you would any cannabis product. This means paying close attention to potency and quality indicators, such as the hemp source, ingredients, and nutritional facts, and verifying the presence of a current certificate of analysis. That's the only way to be certain that a particular product is free and clear of pesticides, heavy metals, and other contaminants, and it also confirms that the advertised THC levels are accurate. Of course, it goes without saying that you should only purchase from brands you know and trust.
Keep in mind that many infused beverages are high in sugar or contain preservatives and artificial ingredients. If you're considering cannabis-infused drinks as a wellness choice, look for one that's low in calories and sugar, without suspicious ingredients.
The bottom line
There’s a reason that THC-infused drinks are hitting the mainstream. Done right, these buzzy beverages are low in sugar and calories and big on taste, and they can be a safer, healthier alternative to alcohol. While there is no "perfect dose" for everyone, remember that less is more. For the most positive experience, look for low-potency THC drinks from a brand you trust.
