Change is a good thing. Except for that time when Neil Young dropped an electronic album in 1983. We love you Neil but stick to rock. We’re talking about changing up your normal routine. If you typically spark a joint for your daily dose of cannabis, consider a THC seltzer next time. If your go-to is martinis but you have an early day, opt for a THC mocktail.
Cannabis brands have mastered the art of infusing beverages and we’re here for it. Read on to discover what makes a THC drink so appealing, and see our top recommendations for the best THC drinks on the market today.
THC Drinks Overview
Cannabis has a very distinct flavor profile. The brightness of the bud itself is like a freshly cut lawn, and then the terpenes come in with a symphony of juicy flavor. Altogether, it’s unmistakable. Some people love this scent and flavor and appreciate it coming through in their weed, dabs, and edibles. Other people want the physical and mental effects without feeling like there’s plant matter on their tongue.
This is one of the biggest appeals of THC drinks. Much of the latest technology allows for complete emulsification of highly concentrated cannabis oils that blends effortlessly into beverages. It’s called nanotechnology, and it ensures that none of the cannabinoids, oils, or plant matter sticks to the inside of the vessel or sinks to the bottom.
It’s a pretty excellent innovation for the cannabis industry because cannabinoids like THC are fat-soluble, and nanotech allows for water solubility and high bioavailability. When something has a high bioavailability, it means that the body can absorb it more efficiently and you feel the effects faster. THC drinks are no exception and often kick in within 15-30 minutes.
Cannabis edibles must pass through the digestive system where the THC is converted into 11-hydroxy-THC. This is a much more potent and hard-hitting version of THC, which is why edibles can feel overwhelming and unpredictable, especially for newcomers to cannabis. In the event that you get uncomfortably high, you’re in it for the long haul as it can take anywhere from 4-6 hours to wear off.
On the other hand, weed drinks offer a slower, more steady high that has a shorter duration. One 10 mg THC drink sipped over the course of a half-hour will provide most people with a light to moderate buzz. The effects will last about a couple of hours, and then you’re just gently dropped off back to ‘normal’. This is a great way to experience cannabis without smoking or vaping and ease into an even-keeled high.
Best THC Beverages
We wanted to include something for everyone on this list. So whether you like a light, refreshing seltzer, a sweet soda, or want the variety of a mixer, we have what you’re after.
Pabst Labs
You know the name and love the famous blue ribbon beer, but Pabst Labs is a different animal. Although they’ve leveraged the bubbly brand expertise, Pabst Labs is a new company formed by California cannabis industry veterans and some of the key players from the brewery days. Their initial launch includes four flavors of PBR High Seltzer—Lemon, Mango, Passion Fruit Pineapple, and Strawberry Kiwi.
Each can contains 10 mg THC, making it the perfect slow sipping dose. These low-cal carbonated beverages are made with real fruit flavoring and taste true to their label. Much like the famous PBR lager, PBR High Seltzer is easy to drink and hits a price point that consumers can feel good about. Drink it straight from the can, pour it over ice, or use it as a mixer with other cocktail or mocktail ingredients.
It’s no surprise that Pabst Labs quickly excelled in the cannabis industry and secured a solid foundation where they could white label for other brands. The next two drinks on our list are also made in their production facility.
Not Your Father’s Root Beer
Not Your Father’s Root Beer is the soda alternative you need in your life. It’s got just the right amount of sweet with that familiar zing you only find in high-quality root beer. Every bottle contains 10 mg THC and is perfect right out of the bottle. As you may have guessed, it also makes a fantastic root beer float.
We like to get a little creative with our THC drinks, and cannot recommend this recipe enough.
You’ll Need:
- 2 bottles of Not Your Father’s Root Beer
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 2 bananas
- 1 cup frozen cherries (pitted)
- 2 frosted mugs
Instructions:
Slice the bananas and put them in the freezer for an hour. Use a mixer or high-speed blender to blend the whipping cream, vanilla, and maple syrup until it’s whipped into peaks. Set aside.
Next, pulse the bananas until they have only a few small chunks. Mix the whipped cream blend with the bananas in a mixing bowl, and fold in the cherries. Place the bowl in the freezer for 30-45 minutes, or until it begins to thicken to an ice-cream consistency.
Then, scoop the ice cream into mugs, and top with root beer. Enjoy!
St. Ides Shots
St. Ides shots will turn you into a mixologist in no time. These highly concentrated shots are sold in four-ounce bottles, much like the hyper-strong energy drinks you find at convenience stores. Except these THC drinks contain 100 mg THC a pop and none of the jittery stuff.
There are three flavors to choose from—Watermelon, Strawberry, and Blue Razz. While 100 mg is a lot of THC for most people, these little shots are perfect for making THC mocktails. Here are a few ideas to get your creative juices flowing. Mix and match to your taste.
Watermelon Fizz
Muddle cubes of watermelon alongside fresh mint leaves and lime juice until smooth and fragrant. Mix with ginger ale and add ½ ounce of Watermelon shots. Serve over ice with a lime garnish.
Blue Lagoon
Grab a can of your favorite sparkling water (or PBR High Seltzer if you’re a cannabis pro) and pour over ice. Add ½ ounce Blue Razz shots and stir in the juice of half a lemon. Garnish with a lemon slice.
Strawberry Mule
Muddle a couple of strawberries alongside the juice of one lime and two basil leaves. Pour ginger beer and Strawberry shots into the mixing glass, and stir. Pour over ice and garnish with a basil leaf and slice of strawberry.
Buy THC Drinks
If you’re ready to try these delicious THC drinks, check out the list of retailers who are currently carrying them. Right now, these beverages are available throughout California, and you can even get these THC drinks delivered to select areas. Remember to go slow and make sure you are comfortable with the effects before diving in for another round. Enjoy!
