Do THC Seltzers Get You High? What You Should Know Before That First Sip…

You’ve heard all the buzz about them, but do THC seltzers get you high? Yeah…that’s the whole point! At least, for a lot of people. Others choose to microdose them and just take the edge off without really feeling anything too intense. That’s the beauty of Vena’s Happy Tonix THC seltzer line - you control the experience. 

We’ll help you set your expectations with THC drinks below, including how they work, when they kick in, how long they last, and what you’ll feel with each sip. Learn more below, or order your first 6-pack and discover the THC seltzer effects firsthand!

Key Takeaways

• THC seltzers have delta 9 THC in them - even though it comes from hemp (in most cases), it’s still THC. THC is the intoxicating cannabinoid in cannabis.

• How high THC drinks get you all depends on 1) your tolerance and 2) how much you drink. It can range from a mellow, clear-headed vibe to mind-bending effects. 

• THC drinks hit fast, usually in 15 minutes or so. They can last a few hours, with a gradual tapering off that feels smooth. No crash or hangover.

• We recommend starting with 2mg of THC for your very first seltzer experience. You can always drink more next time, but you don’t want to overdo it.

What Are THC Seltzers?

These are exactly what they sound like - seltzers infused with delta 9 THC, usually derived from hemp to align with the 2018 Farm Bill. This piece of legislation legalized hemp-derived cannabis products nationwide, which is why you’ve seen such a massive boom in this space since then.

That distinction matters for anyone trying to buy THC drinks online, because hemp-derived is the only option. Marijuana-derived THC is still illegal on a federal level, even though most states have some sort of adult-use program at this point. There is zero difference as far as the effects and the experience go, though. THC is THC. 

It’s not just THC in the can, though. Most brands balance the experience out with CBD, a cannabinoid better known for its balancing effects. Some brands go even further with botanical support in the mix.  

You’ll find doses ranging from chill 2mg THC seltzers to 10mg THC seltzers that pack a serious punch. For the sake of comparison, a THC gummy typically falls somewhere between 5-10mg of THC. But, the effects hit way different - which is why you should take the time to read up on our THC drinks vs edibles comparison.

How Do THC Drinks Work?

Consuming THC orally, be it through a drink or a gummy, is not the same thing as inhaling it (smoking/vaping). The THC takes the scenic route through your digestive system, where the cannabinoid is converted into 11-hydroxy-THC. This is a stronger, longer-lasting cannabinoid. 

It takes a while for this to happen, which is known as first-pass metabolism. It’s why edibles take anywhere from 45-60 minutes to start working, whereas the effects from inhaled cannabis hit you almost right away. 

THC drinks are unique, though, in that they can start working in as little as 15 minutes. That’s because the cannabinoids use nano-emulsion or liposomal technology to break THC into particles small enough for faster absorption. 

We don’t want to overcomplicate things, but basically, THC is wrapped in tiny fat-soluble bubbles that can be absorbed through the mucous membranes in your mouth and stomach lining. Some of the first-pass metabolism gets skipped, but not all - so you get a good balance of fast effects and lingering effects.

This is what makes THC drinks such a great alcohol alternative. You can hold a can and look the part, and you’re still getting a slight buzz with each additional sip you take. But let’s get into what you really came here to learn today: do THC seltzers get you high? 

Does THC Seltzer Make You High?

Yes - it’s just a matter of how high you’ll get from THC drinks. There are a lot of moving pieces here, from the type of THC within the seltzer to your tolerance level, how much you drink, your stomach contents, and more.

What to Expect When You Drink THC

THC binds to CB1 receptors in your brain. That interaction leads to the altered sense of time and perception, the euphoria, the tingles throughout your body - all things that describe the “high” from cannabis.

That happens every time you drink a THC seltzer. As a result, you’ll probably feel a bit more giggly. Food tastes yummier. Music sounds better. Vibes are just higher. You may notice stress melt away. Maybe conversation flows more naturally in social settings. 

There’s no way to tell you for sure what you’re going to feel, because it depends on how much you drink and what’s actually in the drink itself. Like we touched on earlier, the CBD to THC ratio can vary from one can to the next. That impacts the experience more than most people realize. So does whether the brand includes botanicals (L-theanine, chamomile, etc.) in the formula.

But the biggest variable at play is your dosage relative to your tolerance level. This can be the difference between feeling a chill buzz that elevates your evening or getting stuck on the couch and going non-verbal for an hour.

Onset and Duration Timelines

We mentioned this earlier, but THC drinks are unique in that they hit a bit faster than your average edible would - because they’re crafted with nano-emulsified cannabinoids or liposomal delivery. You can generally expect to feel the initial effects kicking in within 15-20 minutes. 

The peak - where effects feel most intense - should hit around the 45-60 mark of your first sip, assuming you drink the can at a fairly steady pace. That’s another variable at play. Someone who nurses a can for 30-60 minutes is going to have a dramatically different experience than someone who chugs it in under a minute.

The whole experience can last anywhere from 2-4 hours, which is a good thing - you can enjoy a single can and let it ride for the better part of the night. But, it’s not going to be something that lingers into the next morning like an edible might.

How High Will a THC Seltzer Get You?

So, do THC seltzers get you high? No doubt. But dosage dictates how high, and this is what we really want you to take away from this conversation - because there’s a sweet spot where you feel the vibes without getting “too high.”

The last thing you want is to have a bad first experience tainting your opinion on THC drinks. They can be a wonderful addition to your self-care arsenal if you use them right. Here’s a quick breakdown of what you can expect at different doses:

• 2mg THC: Light and social. A subtle shift - the perfect starting point for someone who’s never tried THC before. It’s very unlikely that you’ll feel “baked” at just 2mg of THC, but you will feel something.

• 5mg THC: The sweet spot for most people. A clear mood lift and real relaxation. You might feel a little overwhelmed if you’ve never used THC before, though. 

• 10mg THC: Intense. This is a full dose of THC from your typical dispensary edible. Expect to feel serious mind-altering effects, and you’ll probably feel the high in your body as well. 

Our advice is simple: you can always drink more next time. But you can’t go back in time and drink less if you overdo it. We’d rather you try 2mg of THC first, feel frustrated that you didn’t feel anything, and bump up to 5mg of THC the next time. Because the alternative is diving straight into a heavier dose than you can handle, and feeling uncomfortable for the next few hours. Taking too much THC isn’t “dangerous.” It’s just no fun.

How Does the THC Seltzer High Compare to Edibles, Smoking, or Vaping?

Now, do THC seltzers get you high the same way other methods do? Definitely not. Each type of product feels a little different - edibles, vapes, pre-rolls, etc. Don’t make the mistake of thinking, “Oh, I’ve smoked a joint before - I can totally handle 5-10mg of THC.”

Smoking or vaping hits fastest (within minutes) and fades within 2-3 hours. There’s no conversion process (11-hydroxy-THC). It’s easier to control since you can take a puff and know exactly what it does to you - then, you can choose to take another or call it good.

Edibles swing to the other extreme. They’re the longest-lasting, hardest-hitting consumption method. It can take over an hour for your gummy to kick in, at which point you’re in for a 4-8 hour ride. That’s not a bad thing - THC edibles have their place when you need lasting relief or sustained support, be it for discomfort or sleep.

THC seltzers sit in the middle ground. They take longer to kick in than inhaled THC but not nearly as long as most edibles. They last far longer than inhaled THC, but not quite as long as edibles. The intensity of effects lands somewhere between the two as well, since some of the THC is absorbed through first-pass metabolism but a lot of it gets right into your bloodstream through liposomal delivery. 

We say this to tell you that you should approach THC drinks without any sort of preconceived notions about what you’re in for because you’ve tried a vape before, or had an edible back in the day. They’re totally different - and when used correctly, the best way to enjoy all that cannabis has to offer!

Tips on Enjoying the Buzz Without the Adverse Effects

Like we touched on earlier, almost all the horror stories we’ve heard about THC drinks getting people too high were the result of user error. This is so easy to avoid. It’s as simple as following these tips below:

• Start at 2mg THC: The worst thing that will happen if you do this is you don’t feel as strong of effects as you had hoped for. That’s not ideal, but it’s way better than the alternative - overshooting your comfort zone and getting too high. Once you’ve crushed a can, there’s no turning back. You can always bump up to a second can (for 4mg of THC total) next time.

• Eat something beforehand: Ideally, something with healthy fats. This will support THC absorption and ensure the experience unfolds smoothly. THC on an empty stomach hits harder and faster. 

• Sip slowly to let the effects build gradually: There’s no need to race to finish the can. The slower you sip, the more gradually the effects will start working in. 

• Keep water close by: Dry mouth is normal from THC (AKA cottonmouth), so make sure you are sipping something after finishing your can. 

• Enjoy the ride: You should plan on chilling out for the next few hours. Don’t drink your THC seltzer if you have responsibilities to cross off your to-do list still - unless of course your goal is to make some household chores a little more fun. Just don’t drive!

All that’s left to do now is try our low-calorie THC seltzer and see for yourself what makes it the #1 Hiyo alternative and BREZ alternative. Amazing flavors, different strengths to choose from, and prices that won’t hurt your wallet. Your purchase is backed by our 30-day money-back guarantee, so place your order risk-free today!

Frequently asked questions

Can you get a buzz from THC seltzers?

Definitely - that’s the whole point, right? THC is THC, whether it comes from hemp or marijuana, whether it’s drunk, eaten, or smoked/vaped. It’s just a matter of how many THC seltzers it’ll take to get you buzzing the way you want to.

How many THC seltzers get you high?

That depends on your tolerance more than anything else. A single 2mg Happy Tonix THC Seltzer is usually a good starting point. You might feel a little buzz, but nothing crazy. You can drink two to amplify the experience, or try our 10mg THC seltzers for something stronger. 

Are THC drinks legal?

Yep! We know it sounds too good to be true, but it’s all thanks to the 2018 Farm Bill, which legalized hemp-derived cannabis products nationwide as long as they meet strict requirements. Ours check every box, so you can order online now and we’ll ship the drinks right to your door. 

Do THC seltzers show up in a drug test?

Yeah, THC is THC - so depending on when you drank the seltzer relative to when your drug test is, you may fail it. Our advice is to hold off on any sort of THC consumption for at least a few weeks leading up to a drug test. Better safe than sorry! 

Are THC seltzers weaker than edibles?

Just slightly since there’s a little less conversion from THC to 11-hydroxy-THC. But, 10mg THC in an edible and 10mg THC in a drink are going to hit pretty similarly. 

What happens if I drink THC seltzer and alcohol?

It can get a little overwhelming, since you have multiple mind-altering substances working at once. We don’t recommend this. 

Can I use THC drinks to sleep better?

For sure! They’re great for an evening wind-down ritual. THC and CBD help remove the barriers between you and good sleep (mental noise + physical tension). Honestly though, our THC sleep gummies might be a better pick!

So, Do THC Seltzers Get You High? Wrapping Things Up…

In closing, do THC seltzers get you high? Definitely - so proceed with caution. Start low and work your way up. Order Happy Tonix THC Seltzers at Vena and enjoy!