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

Rise to your occasion

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.

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What is Delta 9 THC?

Delta 9 THC is the chemical in cannabis plants that makes it so much fun. It’s the reason we have cultural icons like The Grateful Dead, Bob Marley, or Pineapple Express, and why you get the munchies. Every one of our seltzers is infused with the perfect dose of THC, so whether you want to elevate your night out or park it on the couch with a pizza for 8 hours, There’s a Delta for That.™

How is this Legal?

Full transparency? We found a loophole. In 2018, Congress passed the Farm Bill. This legalized hemp-derived products containing less than 0.3% Delta-9 THC by dry weight. By carefully crafting our seltzers and ensuring every can is precisely dosed, we adhere to these guidelines.

Will this show up on a drug test?

Yes. No way around it. While our products are 100% legal, culture is still catching up. Most commercial and over-the-counter drug tests still test for THC. So, enjoy with caution and ensure you’re partaking with any future drug tests in mind. If your job, sports team, or that one really strict relative requires you to pass a THC screening, you might want to save Delta for your retirement party.

How much should I drink to start?

Canna-curious? Welcome. Our products are totally safe, but as with any psychoactive drink, there’s no harm in being cautious. For first-time users, we recommend starting with slow sips at our 5mg level. Gauge your tolerance every 10 minutes and drink until you’re comfortable. When it comes to Delta, be the tortoise, not the hare.

Delta Drinks vs. edibles – how do they compare?

It’s not a competition. But if it were, we would win in every category. More consistent dose. Quicker onset. A more curated experience. Have you ever eaten half a gummy before a movie only for it to hit you in the last 15 minutes so hard you’re drooling by the time the credits roll (yes, speaking from experience here)? Well, with our consistent, fast-hitting doses, you’ll feel the effects 10-15 minutes from your first sip, so you’re always in control.

What does it taste like?

While our products break the mold, we ran out of creative juices when naming them. So, if you want to know what they taste like, just read the label. Crisp. Refreshing. And whatever flavor note it says on the can. Plain and simple.

What is the difference between hemp and marijuana?

Hemp and marijuana are both cannabis plants, just with different THC concentrations. Legally, hemp contains 0.3% or less THC by dry weight, while marijuana contains more. We focus on premium hemp-derived THC that delivers a reliable, controlled experience while meeting regulatory standards.

How can I trust this?

We were founded on not blowing smoke. So, every seltzer undergoes multiple rounds of testing at certified labs, ensuring they are precisely dosed at 5, 10, or 20mg, every time. All our Certificates of Analysis are readily available on our website here.