THC Drinks for Beginners: Essential Tips for Your First Try

Are you curious about cannabis but not sure what to expect? You’re in the right place! This guide explains how THC drinks work, more about THC drinks’ effects, how to find the right dosage for you, and what makes them a popular alternative to alcohol or other cannabis products.

Jack Sherrie

February 12, 2025•6 min Read

Jack Sherrie

February 12, 2025•6 min Read

Set your mind free

THC drinks are quickly becoming one of the most popular and accessible ways to experience cannabis, especially for those new to it. But with so many options available, where do you start? How do you choose the right beverage, and what should you expect?

Fear not—we’re here to guide you through everything you need to know, so consider this your intro to cannabis beverages. By following the steps outlined in this article, you’ll set yourself up for a safe, enjoyable first experience that aligns with your personal preferences and wellness goals.

What Are THC Drinks?

THC drinks are soft beverages infused with tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the uplifting compound in cannabis. They work similarly to edibles but tend to have quicker onset times due to the way THC is absorbed in liquid form.

Legality

Under the Farm Bill 2018¹, US legislation federally legalized cannabis containing less than 0.3% THC – designated as hemp. Some state laws still classify hemp and cannabis products as illegal, but as of February 2025, products containing hemp-derived THC are legally available in most states².

Faster-acting and more predictable effects

THC beverages are made using nanoemulsification – a process that breaks down THC into tiny particles that evenly distribute throughout the liquid. This enables faster absorption of THC into the bloodstream as there is no need for digestion, and it provides more predictable effects. These two benefits combined enable simple dosing and more considerate consumption.

Natural ingredients

Many high quality THC drinks are made using natural ingredients, making them a healthier alternative to artificial cannabis edibles or sugary mocktails. Options like our Delta seltzers also contain zero sugar and zero calories, meaning they can be integrated into a healthy diet for guilt-free relaxation.

Alcohol-free

THC drinks are becoming increasingly popular amongst people seeking alternatives to alcohol and an end to the dreaded next-day hangover. Thanks to the uplifting properties of THC, cannabis drinks can provide similar effects to those people look for in alcohol such as relaxation and social lubrication, but without the health and wellbeing drawbacks.

How to Choose the Best THC Drinks for Beginners

It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the variety of choices in THC drinks today. For beginners, selecting the right THC drink for your first experience is key, but how do you know which is best for you?

Check the Label

When selecting your THC drink, check for clear dosage information and what strain of THC it uses as this will directly influence what sort of experience you have, regardless of the strength.

Indica is typically more relaxing and great for winding down or falling asleep.
Sativa tends to be energizing and uplifting, ideal for social or creative activities.
Hybrid offers a balanced effect, combining traits from both indica and sativa.

Also, note that THC drinks dosages vary a lot as they are designed for all levels of users. A low-dose drink will contain up to 5mg of THC and up to the same amount of CBD. Stronger drinks will contain 20mg or more of THC and are best suited to people who have more experience with cannabis.

Choose a Reputable Brand

Once you know the type of drink you’re after, it is time to look at brand credibility. Trusted brands will clearly display their third-party testing or COAS (Certificate of Analysis) on their website. If you can’t find one, best to move on!

Choosing a reputable brand ensures that what you consume is consistent in quality and dosage, and free from contaminants.

Consider Flavor & Type

THC drinks come in different flavors and types like sparkling seltzers, teas, and juices. Choose one that suits your taste preferences for a more enjoyable experience. Just be wary that the names may be misleading. For example, cannabis water tends to be stronger than delta seltzer, so always check the label before you make a purchase.

Start Low and Slow

Once you have honed in on what THC drink best suits your needs, it’s time to start sipping. If you are starting with a low-dose drink (recommended) we suggest pouring half a can into a glass with some ice and saving the rest for later. By taking it sip-by-sip you can gradually increase the effect and gauge your tolerance. You should start feeling the sensations within half an hour.

Try waiting at least an hour before reaching for the rest of the can to fully assess the effects.

What to Expect When Trying THC Drinks for the First Time

When you try a THC drink, you can expect calming, balanced, and uplifting effects. These vary depending on the dose, your tolerance, and your mindset. With an open frame of mind, many people experience a sense of relaxation and focus, helping to ease stress and promote mindfulness.

THC drinks and delta seltzers are perfect for unwinding with friends, enjoying creative activities, working out, or simply decompressing after a long day.

Compared to edibles, THC drinks offer a faster onset, with effects typically felt within 10–20 minutes. The effects usually last 2 to 4 hours, which is shorter than edibles making them ideal for casual or social use. This shorter duration offers a more manageable experience for beginners or those wanting a light, enjoyable high.

By sipping slowly and adjusting your intake, you can tailor the experience to your preferences, ensuring a smooth and controlled effect that matches your needs.

Tips for a Safe and Enjoyable First Experience

In this beginner’s guide to THC beverages, we have covered a lot of themes, so here are some essential tips to make your first experience a memorable one that you will want to repeat.

Choose the right drink – Start with a low-dose THC drink like Delta Light.
Drink in a comfortable environment – Be in a familiar and relaxing setting.
Be around trusted people – Your first experience is best enjoyed with close friends who can help you relax and reassure you if you’re unsure of the effects.
Eat beforehand – A small meal can help regulate absorption and reduce an overly fast onset.
Stay hydrated – Keep water nearby to stay refreshed.
Sip slowly – Give your body time to adjust before drinking more.
Avoid mixing with alcohol – It’s important to keep in mind THC drink safety, and mixing alcohol with THC³ can lead to dizziness or sensations of nausea. We strongly advise against combining THC drinks with alcohol or any other substance.

We want every sip of your THC drink to be a great experience. While THC beverages offer a fun and mindful alternative to alcohol, it’s essential to enjoy them responsibly and in a way that aligns with your health and wellness goals.

Cheers to your first sip of canna-curiosity!

We at DELTA endeavor to provide you with research-backed information and education – our goal is to empower you with information to make choices about your lifestyle and holistic health. The Food and Drug Administration has not evaluated the statements made in this article and the efficacy of said products has not been confirmed by FDA-approved research. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. All information presented here is not a substitute for or alternative to information from health care practitioners. Before using any products, please consult your healthcare professional about potential interactions or other possible complications. This notice is required by the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act.

You might like

Too High? Our Top Tips to Sober Up Fast

It doesn’t matter how experienced you are, sometimes you can take that little too much. Maybe you...

How to Dose Delta Cannabis Water

THC drinks provide a controlled method to explore cannabis, allowing individuals to find their op...

What’s Next for Cannabis Water?

We offer a diverse range of THC and CBD-infused cannabis waters, providing various flavors and ef...

What is Delta 9 THC?

Delta 9 THC, or Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, is a naturally occurring cannabinoid found abundantly in cannabis plants. Its usage has increased in popularity, and it can be obtained at dispensaries and mainstream retail locations.

How is this Legal?

In 2018, Uncle Sam passed the Farm Bill, and bam! Delta struts onto the scene, legal as a Netflix subscription. It's like finding a loophole in the Matrix. So, while Mary Jane might still be playing hide and seek with the law, Delta-9 is out there living its best life. Just don't tell anyone we're having this much fun, okay maybe you can tell your friends?

Will this show up on a drug test?

Yes, Our products will cause you to test positive for THC. We recommend not drinking them if you are required to pass a drug test for marijuana.

How much should I drink to start?

First time with DELTA? Think of it like dipping your toes into a pool, start out slow at first. If you’re new to the game, begin with one can of DELTA LIGHT – that’s 5mg of THC to get those mellow vibes rolling. If you’re feeling bold, step up to our DELTA 20mg drink, but remember, everyone’s ride on the THC train is different, so start slow. Our formulas have a higher absorption rate and kick in faster compared to edibles.

DELTA Drinks vs. edibles – how do they compare?

Your average edibles take much longer to hit because they have to make it all the way through your liver before you feel that THC goodness. DELTA provides a fast-acting THC onset that usually hits within 10-15 minutes! Mic drop.

What’s it taste like?

It’s like a flavor ninja – sneaky in the best way. All the fun, all the taste, with zero hempy hiccups. We have worked with top tier flavor experts who have redefined our flavors to make them more enjoyable for everyone. Whether drinking it straight from the can or getting fancy by creating the perfect mocktail, DELTA has the right stuff.

What is the difference between hemp and marijuana?

Hemp plants and marijuana plants are both the same Cannabis species. Legally, hemp is defined as a cannabis plant that contains 0.3 percent or less THC by dry weight, while marijuana is a cannabis plant that contains more than 0.3 percent THC.

How can I trust this?

Every batch is 3rd party tested – like a lie detector test, but for your drink. All of our Certificate of Analysis (COA’s) are listed for each product – no smoke and mirrors. Plus, our equipment is NASA-level cool, ensuring every can is like a carbon copy of awesomeness. Consistency is our middle name (well, not legally, but you get the idea) Finally, We’re the OGs in this category. With over three years of research and development into our products, you can say we know a thing or two about cannabis beverages.

What is Delta 9 Live Resin?

Delta 9 Live Resin is a cannabis concentrate that is known for its high levels of THC and rich flavor profile. It is made by flash-freezing freshly harvested cannabis plants to preserve the terpenes, flavonoids, and cannabinoids, then extracting the resin using a solvent The resulting concentrate is then purged of any residual solvents, leaving behind a sticky, aromatic resin that is rich in Delta-9 THC. Due to the high terpene content and fresh, flavorful aroma, Delta-9 Live Resin is a popular choice among cannabis enthusiasts looking for a potent and flavorful experience.