Let’s start with a story about my mom, a woman who lives in one of the first states to legalize cannabis. Since that fateful day, she’s talked a big game about trying it—medicinally, she will hasten to add, in a loud voice, in case the neighbors are listening. But despite the proliferation of dispensaries in her community, and the increasingly common sight of local youths puffing on vape pens as they skateboard past her beachfront patio, my dear mother has yet to make good on her word.
I get it. She can’t help associating marijuana with soggy blunts half-full of grass clippings, with furtive exhales out the window of the girls’ bathroom, with fearful imprecations by her Southern Baptist pastor. For her, cannabis still means risking eternal damnation while hacking up a lung on smoldery schwag grown in someone’s brother’s backyard ditch.
For my mom, and anyone who prefers not to get their lungs dirty, there are drinkables, i.e., THC-infused beverages. Unlike pot brownies and other edibles, these cannabis-infused treats offer a uniquely precise dosing measure that lies lightly on your palate and takes it easy on your digestion. (Something you can’t say about, say, cannabis-dosed cheese puffs.) Low in sugar and even lower in calories, these THC beverages will get you positive while still leaving you plenty of opportunity for post-indulgence munchies.
It’s worth noting that, as with edibles, the serving sizes on these beverages should be carefully observed for safe enjoyment. As a result, most of these beverages are only available through a licensed dispensary. If you’re lucky enough to live near one that carries these tasty THC drinkables, join us in raising a glass to the healing wonders of plant medicine.
Legal Beverages
The undisputed ruler of the cannabis beverage market, Legal Sparkling Tonics feature an array of delicious fizzy flavors thoughtfully infused with a perfect pairing of cannabis. From Espresso Mocha Sativa, a sparkling cold brew spiked with sativa, to Rainier Cherry, a festival-ready blend of Washington cherries and indica-sativa hybrid, these refreshing 12-ounce bottles are the ideal way to turn on and tune in.
Giant
Step away from the 5-Hour Energy drink and reach instead for these 2-ounce herbal energy shots infused with nature’s own medicine. Each of the four flavors supports whatever quest your day might hold, from Waking Giant’s combination of cannabis sativa with guarana and gingko biloba, to Jolly Giant’s pairing of maca root and gotu kola with an even proportion of THC and CBD, to Gentle Giant’s sleepy mix of chamomile, ashwaganda and indica. It’s plant medicine for the modern age.
Artet Cannabis Aperitif
The number one spot on our list has to go to Artet’s cannabis-infused non-alcoholic drink that brings together cocktail culture and the sociability of cannabis. Every batch of it is made with a blend of seven botanicals and cannabis. Inspired by traditional Italian liqueurs, like Campari and Aperol, Artet’s flavor profile balances floral, herbal, and dry notes that make it perfect for drinking alone on the rocks or for mixing into your favorite cocktails. Each bottle of Artet has fifteen shots of 2.5mg THC and 37.5 mg THC in the entire bottle, making it perfect for cannabis newcomers and longtime users alike to find their perfect pour.It is a sessionable beverage that will accompany you through your nights of good food, good friends, and good conversations. Besides, Artet uses nanoencapsulation technology, which means that its effects can be felt in just less than 15 minutes, faster than typical edibles, and similar to drinking a glass of wine. Artet is a pioneer in the promising cannabis drinking culture, and this product will surely become a must-have for all bartenders and at-home imbibers.
Lagunitas Hi-Fi Hops
Lagunitas is a fresh looking and fresh delivering IPA-inspired sparkling beverage. Putting their IPA knowledge to the test, the Lagunitas masterminds have put together a hops-infused, but non-alcoholic beverage with zero calories and zero carbs.
Every Lagunitas product is infused with high-quality THC extracted from sun-grown cannabis and is split up into three different drinks; Unplugged, Tuner, and Reverb.
The Unplugged version is dosed with an 18:1 THC to CBD ratio, the Tuner offers a 5:5 ratio, and our personal favorite, the Reverb is a straight THC drink with 10mg of THC that will propel anyone into a stimulating and invigorating experience.
Recess CBD Sparkling Water
Recess managed to can a feeling. Calm and yet not drowsy, opening a can of Recess is like sipping pure contentment. Recess is a craft brand of sparkling water, infused with hemp extract and other adaptogenic herbs. Try Recess in any of its six naturally flavored options: Pomegranate Hibiscus, Blackberry Chai, Blood Orange, Peach Ginger, Coconut Lime, and Black Cherry, each containing only 25 calories and 5 grams of sugar a pop. With every can of Recess, you will not only be getting a refreshing and delicious beverage, but you will also feel calm, focused, relaxed, and creative. All sensations that will help you find your center, even on a bad day.
Kikoko Herbal Tea
If you were looking for the best infused hot beverages out there, look no further than Kikoko. This all-woman run California brand specialized in creating a variety of low-dosed herbal teas that are specifically designed to assist you in areas like sleep, sex, mood, and pain relief. Each one of the teas features a specific blend of cannabinoids, terpenes, and other therapeutic herbs to deliver a well-rounded effect.
Their Tranquili-Tea is a caffeine-free herbal tea that promotes sleep and relaxation by combining 5 mg of CBN with 2 mg of THC and a blend of soothing herbs. For the CBD users, the high-CBD, Sympa-Tea is the ideal end to a stressful day, letting you relax and reduce your anxiety.
Their Sensuali-Tea is for those looking to intensify pleasure and receive the sex-enhancing benefits of moderate THC (7 mg). This tea is designed to increase libido and heighten orgasms. For an uplifting sensation, try their Positivi-Tea, their strongest THC blend with 10 mg of THC and 5 mg of CBD per bag.
CBD American Shaman Sparkling Water
Much like Recess, these sparking drinks from CBD American Shaman are pure enjoyment in a can. Featuring 10 mg of full-spectrum nano-hemp extract and two mouthwatering flavors: Watermelon-Strawberry Lime and Coconut-Grapefruit, these fruity drinks are the ideal go-to for a summer day. For some fast-acting, delicious, and soothing refreshment go with CBD American Shaman’s canned drinks.