Everything you can possibly know about Cannabis Drinks: A Sober-Curious Guide

Cannabis-infused beverages – from THC sodas and herbal drinks to sparkling CBD seltzers are becoming the trendy alcohol alternative. As more U.S. states legalize marijuana, these drinks offer a way to unwind without booze. Sales of “zero-proof” drinks are rising with movements like Dry January and sober curiosity. This phenomenon has quickly reached the mainstream. A writer from the popular food blog Bon Appétit reports going “Cali-sober” – ditching alcohol but still enjoying cannabis cocktails – and waking up “the next morning sans hangover.” In other words, people are looking for good alternatives to alcohol, and cannabis beverages are becoming the top choice.

Cannabis-infused seltzers and teas offer flavor-packed, alcohol-free ways to relax. Many promise a gentle buzz without the headache of a hangover.

What Are Cannabis Drinks?

Cannabis drinks come from the Cannabis plant. The plant makes over 100 chemical compounds called cannabinoids. The two you’ve likely heard of are THC and CBD. THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) is the psychoactive compound that causes high or intoxication. CBD (cannabidiol) does not get you high; instead it has potential anxiety-relieving properties and other therapeutic effects. Both can be in drinks. For example, many cannabis sodas or teas list a dose of THC (often around 5 mg, though some beverages have up to 200 mg) and sometimes added CBD. 

Legally, hemp and marijuana are simply terms for cannabis with different THC levels. By U.S. law a hemp plant has <0.3% THC by weight, while a marijuana plant has >0.3%. (Hemp is in the same family as marijuana, just bred to be low in THC.) So a “hemp water” or CBD drink is hemp-derived and federally legal marijuana, whereas a full-strength THC drink is only legal in states that allow recreational cannabis.

How Cannabis Drinks Work (Faster Than Edibles)

Cannabinoids in drinks are specially formulated to dissolve in water. That means a THC soda or CBD seltzer can hit your system faster than, say, a gummy or brownie. Harvard Medical experts note people often feel cannabis drinks in 15–20 minutes, whereas edible foods can take 30–90 minutes to kick in because they must be digested. In fact, nano-emulsified (cannabis broken down into smaller molecules so they are easier to consume, typically in water or a natural oil) cannabis drinks can kick in in as little as 10 minutes!

Because drinks absorb quickly, it’s important to dose carefully. For example, if you quickly drink one THC beverage and don’t feel much, you might be tempted to drink another – but then the first one finally kicks in, effectively doubling your dose. This is a common pitfall. Our experts here at LURE often advise newcomers to start small (for instance, one of our 4mg THC CBD Mocktails) and wait at least an hour before trying more.

THC vs. CBD: High vs. Calm

Whether a drink will get you high depends on its ingredients. A THC drink (often branded as a marijuana drink or weed soda) contains psychoactive THC. Even a small amount (around 5–10 mg) typically produces a mild buzz akin to a glass of wine. Larger doses can lead to stronger intoxication. Harvard warns that if too much THC is consumed too fast, “you can go from an experience that’s reasonably pleasant to one that’s not,” causing anxiety, racing heart, nausea or even paranoia. In short, yes – THC drinks do get you high if they contain enough THC, but not all infused drinks are made with high doses of THC.

A CBD drink, on the other hand, contains little or no THC. CBD is non-intoxicating, so a CBD-infused mocktail or seltzer will not produce a high. Instead, CBD is often associated with relaxation and reduced anxiety. Some drinks combine THC and CBD (for example, LURE’s “social tonic” uses 4 mg THC plus 4 mg CBD per can) to balance the effects. In that combo, the CBD may help soften any sharp edges of the THC high.

Full-Spectrum vs. Isolate: The Entourage Effect

You’ll also see terms like full-spectrum hemp or CBD isolate on labels. Full-spectrum means the drink contains the whole set of hemp’s cannabinoids (like CBD, THC up to 0.3%, plus dozens of minor ones and natural terpenes). The idea (called the entourage effect) is that all these compounds work together to enhance the experience. Isolate means the drink has a single pure compound (like pure CBD or pure THC) with nothing else.

Full-spectrum gives a more complete effect. One review of LURE’s full-spectrum drinks noted the drink “chilled me out, without making me anxious.” In practice, a full-spectrum drink feels subtly different (often described as smoother) than an isolate. 

Benefits of Cannabis Drinks (vs. Alcohol)

Many people turn to cannabis drinks for healthier drinking habits. In fact, experts note that cannabis tends to come with fewer risks than alcohol. Unlike alcohol, THC/CBD beverages don’t damage the liver or cause alcohol poisoning, and there are no known overdoses from cannabis alone, unlike alcohol.

Some specific advantages often cited:

• No Hangover: Cannabis drinks are generally hangover-free. Alcohol hangovers (headaches, dehydration, nausea) aren’t part of the cannabis scene.

• Fewer Calories: THC drinks usually pack far fewer calories than hard alcohol or sweet cocktails. One analysis pointed out a typical THC-infused drink might be ~50 calories, compared to 150+ in a glass of wine. (Alcohol has 7 calories per gram; cannabis extracts added to sugar-free mixers keep things light.)

• Relaxation and Stress Relief: Both THC and CBD can promote relaxation. Users often report a calm, happy mood after a cannabis drink. In a review of hemp beverages, Cleveland Clinic explains CBD is linked to “relaxation and stress relief” and may improve sleep and reduce inflammation. (THC can also ease mild pain and tension for some people.)

• Social Ease (Sober-Curious Friendly): Many find cannabis drinks help with social anxiety without the slurred speech or aggression sometimes caused by alcohol. They fit into a “sober curious” or “Cali-sober” lifestyle (abstaining from booze but maybe enjoying a THC cocktail). Because the drinks look and taste like regular mocktails or sodas, they let you feel like you’re having a social drink without the alcoholic buzz.

  
  

Importantly, doctors note that the short-term side effects of cannabis tend to be much more mild than alcohol’s. After a night of cannabis beverages, most people feel just tired or “refreshed” the next day, rather than hungover. Of course, individual experiences vary, but many users indeed say they feel ready to go, whereas a big night of drinking could leave one hungover for a day.

Effects and Risks Compared to Alcohol

Short-term effects: Alcohol intoxication typically impairs coordination and judgment, causes slurred speech, drowsiness or agitation, and almost always leads to a next-day hangover. Cannabis effects can overlap in some ways (both can slow reactions and cloud thinking), but they differ. Common immediate effects of cannabis include, increased appetite, dry mouth, and relaxation or mild euphoria. Some people feel giggly or sleepy instead of boisterous. Hangovers from cannabis (sometimes called “weed hangover”) are much milder: users report only slight fatigue at worst. Alcohol hangovers (headaches, nausea, dehydration) are far more severe.

However, it is important to know what you are drinking. Many believe higher THC contents are “better” because they get more bang for their buck, but more often than not, they are trading a quality experience for an uncomfortable high. Overdoing THC can cause anxiety, paranoia, dizziness or vomiting in some people. (This is especially true for inexperienced users or those sensitive to THC). This is why full-spectrum, low-dose beverages, which only use THC as a kickstarter for CBD and the relaxing cannabinoids are significantly better for both mood and overall health. Remember it's not the amount of THC that matters, it's the quality of the experience, so try out different options starting with low THC and working your way up to find what is right for you.

Types of Cannabis Drinks

Cannabis beverages come in many styles. Here are some popular categories (you may see these buzzwords on labels):

• THC Sodas/Seltzers: Carbonated drinks infused with THC (and often some CBD). These are like craft sodas with names hinting at flavor. Cann, Boldt, Ayrloom and Cantrip are examples of brands making THC sparkling tonics. They might be flavors like grapefruit-mint or peach-ginger, with doses around 2–10 mg THC (and sometimes some CBD) per can.
  

• Full-Spectrum Cannabis Mocktails: These are non-intoxicating. They contain CBD (and other hemp extracts) but by law <0.3% THC, so they won’t get you high. They come in fruit or herbal flavors. Drinking a CBD seltzer is like sipping flavored sparkling water that might help you relax. (Because CBD is gentle, you can drink these any time – they’re more about stress relief or sleep support). LURE falls into this category, our team creates cannabis mocktails with THC as the kickstarter, to activate a long list of cannabinoids. This offers a relaxing and calming experience.
  

• THC Drinks: Many restaurants now offer THC Drinks – essentially cocktails without booze, instead spiked with THC. Think of a virgin margarita with THC extract or an iced tea “mocktail” with a hit of THC oil. You might hear terms like weed juice drink, THC tonic, or cannabis coolers to describe these. These are THC isolate drinks, and often used to get a high.
  

• Edible-style Drinks: Some beverages taste and behave like smooth liquors or mixers. For example, THC cocktail mixers are sold (like a THC-infused lemonade mix), so you can “make drinks” by adding them to soda water, just like making a cocktail. One brand calls their line “beverage spirits” – a nod to alcohol culture, but these have hemp-derived Delta-9 THC and zero alcohol.
  

• Specialty Teas and Tonics: Companies also infuse cannabis into teas, coffees, kombuchas and wellness tonics. For example, a Southern iced tea brewed with cannabis extract, or a “chill pill” mineral drink with CBD. These blur the lines with health drinks and mocktails.
  

Whatever the form, all cannabis drinks will have a label showing how many milligrams of THC and CBD per serving (and usually a big THC% or “0.0% ABV” if it’s alcohol-free). In many cases, one can is one dose.

Tips for Trying Cannabis Drinks

If you’re new to cannabis beverages, follow some basic guidelines:

1. Start Low, Go Slow: Begin with a low dose of THC. A good rule is 2–5 mg of THC (often 1 drink’s worth) to see how you feel. Wait at least 1–2 hours before considering more, because it can take time for the full effect.
   

2. Be Mindful of Mixing: Don’t mix alcohol and cannabis. Doing both can be unpredictable and is not recommended. If you plan to abstain from alcohol, stick with cannabis products instead of doubling up.
   

3. Control the Setting: Use cannabis drinks in a safe, comfortable environment – the same advice as for any cannabis or alcohol. Since THC can cause impaired judgment, avoid driving or risky activities after drinking.
   

4. Stay Hydrated and Have Snacks: Cannabis can cause dry mouth or increase appetite, so keep water and healthy snacks handy.
   

5. Respect Others: Even though no alcohol is involved, the drink still contains psychoactive properties. Keep it out of reach of kids or pets. Use only if you’re 21+ in most places, and follow any local laws.
   

Key takeaway: Many first-time cannabis drinkers find that a single drink has effects comparable to a light cocktail – relaxing but not overwhelming. Overindulging (drinking many cans quickly) can lead to feeling “too high,” so treat it like any tonic. As one expert puts it, “be mindful about controlling the experience until you know how a product affects you.”

FAQs and Myths

• Do THC drinks get you high? Yes, if they contain THC. THC is intoxicating. A typical cannabis soda can give the same mild euphoria as a glass of wine. Higher doses can produce a stronger high. By contrast, CBD drinks won’t make you feel high – they just deliver the calming, non-intoxicating effects of CBD.
  

• Is this better than a regular alcoholic drink? In many ways. Cannabis drinks don’t come with a hangover or liver burn. They often have fewer calories and may even help you relax or sleep. Health experts note they tend to come with fewer risks than alcohol. However, they’re not risk-free – you still need to be careful with dosing and avoid drinking too many high THC dose drinks.
  

• What is a mocktail? A mocktail is simply a cocktail without alcohol. It looks fancy and can contain juices, sodas, herbs, etc. A cannabis mocktail uses THC or CBD in place of liquor. For example, a virgin margarita spiked with a few drops of THC tincture or a CBD-infused Mojito. It’s just a playful way to enjoy social drinks without booze.
  

• Can CBD help with hangovers? CBD is not a cure for hangovers, but some people use it to ease symptoms like headache or nausea. Early research suggests CBD might have anti-inflammatory or nausea-reducing effects, but it’s not a proven hangover remedy. (It’s always healthier to avoid the hangover by drinking less alcohol in the first place!)
  

• How can I replace champagne at celebrations? You can find sparkling THC or CBD beverages that mimic the bubbly experience. For example, some brands make hemp sparkling wine or CBD champagne alternatives (flavored fizzy beverages). A non-alcoholic celebratory drink might be a fruity THC soda or a CBD-infused sparkling water that feels festive but won’t get you drunk.
  

• Are cannabis drinks legal? Hemp-derived drinks (like most CBD drinks) are federally legal across the U.S., thanks to the 2018 Farm Bill. They must contain <0.3% THC. Stronger THC drinks are only legal in states where recreational cannabis is allowed. Always check your local laws before buying any cannabis-infused beverage.
  

In summary, cannabis drinks from THC seltzers to CBD mocktails give adults a new way to socialize and relax without alcohol. They can be a good alternative to drinking alcohol, especially for the “sober curious” crowd. Just treat them with the same respect as any plant-based psychoactive: know your dose, start slow, and enjoy the calm… hangover-free.