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Cannabis beverage sales grew by 8% from 2023 to 2024. It looks like weed lovers found a different kind of liquid courage—one without a next-day hangover and anxiety.
THC drinks are the sophisticated alternative on the rise, all with varying doses to suit your preferences. But which are actually worth trying?
Whether you’re seeking deep relaxation after a long day or a light buzz for social situations, we’ve sampled some of the top THC drink brands nationwide to bring you something worthwhile.
Need a new go-to? Let’s dive into the star players of the THC drink world and their best cannabis-infused beverages to date (in our opinion).
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Let’s address the elephant in the room. Are THC drinks bad for you, and do they cause a similar aftermath as alcohol? Thankfully not.
THC beverages are generally considered safer than alcohol for several reasons. Unlike alcohol, they aren’t associated with liver damage, and they typically don’t result in the kind of intense hangover alcohol is known for.
However, they can still produce strong effects, especially in higher doses. Like any cannabis product, how you’ll feel depends on several factors, like your tolerance, body chemistry, and the doses of cannabinoids in your chosen product.
Most THC drinks are created with natural ingredients, are usually gluten-free, and have far fewer calories than alcohol. That said, every beverage is different. Some might be loaded with sugar, while others contain none. Always check the ingredients list to make sure your THC drink matches your preferences.
Another note: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) hasn’t evaluated these products to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or medical condition. Sure, they’re an alcohol alternative. But if you’re taking medication or experiencing a condition that might negatively interact with THC, be sure to consult your physician or healthcare provider. For safety reasons, pregnant or nursing individuals should definitely avoid THC products.
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Keep in mind the following factors when choosing which THC beverages are right for you:
As a reminder, we always look for THC drinks from reputable brands that always conduct third-party lab testing. None of that biased BS. They test for potency, quality, and purity, ensuring that the end product perfectly aligns with the mood or moment you’re aiming to create.
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Best product: Hi Boy Lemon Lavender
Fun doesn’t even begin to describe sipping on a Hi Boy. These seltzers from Cann contain 355ml of a citrus-floral delight, along with 5mg THC and 10mg CBD. This brand is known for delivering low-to-moderately dosed THC beverages that bring all the good vibes without the next-day regrets.
What we love most about Cann is the control it offers. The effects typically kick in within 30-60 minutes and last 1-2 hours, making it easy to enjoy a few cans throughout the day without feeling a hard crash.
At $72 for an 8-pack, these premium non-alcoholic beverages aren’t cheap. But there’s a reason why they snagged a top spot.
Best product: Good Vibes Fast-Acting Syrup
For those who want to control both their dose and mixing options, Good Feels has created something special. Their Good Vibes Fast-Acting Syrup delivers 5mg THC per serving with 500mg THC per bottle. Want more than 5mg? Add another dropper. You’re in control here.
The ability to mix this syrup with any beverage gives it incredible versatility. We’ve tried it in everything from sparkling water to iced tea with great results. Mind you, we only tried the unflavored option, and it blended well in every test.
Effects start quickly—usually within 10-15 minutes. At $40 per bottle (100 servings), it’s also one of the most economical options for regular cannabis users looking for a lift at their own dose.
Best product: Energy High Octane
Not all THC drinks are designed for relaxation. Keef’s Energy High Octane changes the game with a wicked dose that’s sure to get you moving and grooving.
Each can combines 100mg THC with 90mg of caffeine per can, creating an energizing cannabis experience unlike any other we’ve tried. The lemon-lime flavor leaves no traces of hemp taste. It’s honestly one of the most delightful flavors on this list.
This hybrid-strain infused beverage is perfect for creative projects or daily tasks where you want both energy and the mood-boosting effects of THC. Available in both the U.S. and Canada, Keef has priced this premium drink at $13 USD per can. Cheap? Definitely not. But the combination of 100mg THC and 90mg caffeine makes it worth every penny.
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Best product: Peach Ginger CBD Sparkling Water
While not technically a THC drink, Recess deserves mention for those who want cannabinoid benefits without THC’s psychoactive effects. Their Peach Ginger CBD Sparkling Water contains 10mg of full-spectrum hemp oil with zero THC, plus adaptogens like American Ginseng (200mg), L-theanine (130mg), and Schisandra (200mg).
The flavor is super sophisticated—real dried peaches and ginger for a fruity start and a zesty finish. It’s a party on the palate. My favorite part? It’s only 25 calories per can—a guilt-free treat designed for bliss.
An 8-pack costs $39.99. But with such beneficial ingredients, you get exactly what you pay for.
Best product: Cherry Cola 6-Pack
Every sip of lolli’s Cherry Cola is a buzzed-out sip of nostalgia. The ripe cherry with classic cola notes is a fan-favorite among our crew, but the real MVP was the fast-acting effects. These drinks take effect within 5-10 minutes, thanks to lolli’s nano THC.
The buzz is social and euphoric without being overwhelming, with a standard dose of 10mg delta-9 THC per can. At $16 for a 6-pack, they’re surprisingly affordable compared to other THC drinks on the market.
Best product: Elevated Dose 5mg – 750ml
Any fans of mixology here? Stay behind the bar and whip up your favorite mocktail with IGETHI’s Elevated Dose 5mg bottle. It contains 750ml of cannabis-infused goodness that can be consumed as a shot, on the rocks, or mixed into cocktails. Each 1.5-oz serving delivers 5mg of THC, with approximately 16 servings per bottle.
The minimal flavor profile makes it an excellent choice for creating your own unique concoctions. We’ve mixed it with lemonade, and it was perfect for some poolside social sipping and relaxed vibes.
At $64.95 per bottle, it’s pricier than some options, but the flexibility and quantity make it a fan-favorite for home mixologists.
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THC beverages offer a more controlled experience compared to smoking or vaping, and even most edibles. One full beverage contains one serving size of cannabinoids. With paced sipping, the effects of gentle euphoria, relaxation, and mood enhancement gradually kick in.
Sometimes, you’ll find THC drinks mixed with CBD, minor cannabinoids, or terpenes to encourage what’s called the entourage effect. This refers to the way different cannabis compounds work together synergistically to enhance or balance the overall effects, creating a fuller, more true-to-plant experience compared to using a single cannabinoid alone.
When it comes to the overall feeling of sipping on THC drinks, we’d best describe it as a light buzz similar to having a glass of wine, but without the intense intoxication that comes with booze.
One of the biggest pros of THC drinks is their faster onset of effects compared to usual edibles. Most beverages begin working within 15-30 minutes, with some fast-acting ones delivering effects in 5-10 minutes (thanks to nanotechnology).
For both regular and nano versions, the effects usually peak around 60 minutes and last 2-3 hours. But that depends on metabolism, tolerance, and whether you’ve consumed food.
Most THC beverages use one of three sources:
It’s a misconception to believe that hemp-derived THC is weaker than cannabis-derived THC. A beverage with 10mg hemp-derived THC will feel pretty much the same as one with 10mg cannabis-derived THC. They both offer the same physical and mental support.
However, the reason behind the source comes down to legality and location. The majority of products available for nationwide delivery use hemp-derived THC to comply with federal law under the 2018 Farm Bill. On the other hand, states with recreationally or medically legal cannabis will often use cannabis-derived THC.
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. The number of THC drinks you should have per day comes down to your tolerance and overall experience with THC. Beginners will feel a solid buzz from a 5mg THC drink, whereas someone with a higher tolerance might not feel that at all.
Experienced users could consume 20-50mg across multiple drinks in a day in order to truly feel their efficacy. Just keep in mind the additional ingredients, like added sugar.
When it comes to doses, always start with a single serving and wait to feel the full effects (at least one full hour). Only then should you decide if you want more.
Start low, go slow, and enjoy the ride!
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