Jul 25, 2025
Cannabis drinks aren’t new—but it sure feels like they’re having a moment.
Not long ago, infused beverages were a niche category—hard to find, inconsistent in effect, and not exactly flying off shelves. But thanks to better technology, smarter formulations, and a growing number of curious consumers, THC beverages are now one of the fastest-growing product types in New York dispensaries.
At Treehouse, we’ve seen it firsthand: more and more customers are trading joints for juice cans, gummies for spritzers, and asking not just what’s good, but what kind of high will this give me?
So why the shift?
For a lot of people, smoking or vaping just doesn’t feel like their thing—especially if they’re new to cannabis or returning after a long break. The idea of lighting something or using a cartridge can be intimidating. THC drinks offer a softer entry point.
They’re discreet (they look like any other canned drink)
They’re smoke-free (nothing to inhale, no smell)
They’re easy to understand (you drink it… and feel something)
And thanks to advances in fast-acting formulations, they kick in quicker and more predictably than traditional edibles.
A wide mix of people:
Canna-curious social drinkers looking for a buzz without the booze
Low-dose lovers who want something light and functional
Wellness-focused consumers drawn to 1:1 or CBD-rich options
Experienced smokers looking for a mellow body high without combustion
These drinks aren’t trying to replace your favorite flower strain—but they can absolutely round out your rotation. Think of them as sessionable, functional, and highly sippable.
One big appeal of THC beverages is how easy they are to fit into your routine. You don’t have to roll anything, time your gummy hours in advance, or explain what “rosin” means to your friends.
Instead, you just crack a can—at brunch, after work, before dinner—and enjoy a buzz that builds gradually, without the spikes or crashes that sometimes come with alcohol.
Plus, for anyone trying to avoid hangovers, hangxiety, or loud bar energy, a lightly dosed drink can be the perfect substitute. It’s the soft drink of soft highs.
At a glance, THC drinks look like any other seltzer or canned iced tea—but under the label, they’re built very differently.
These aren’t just regular edibles in liquid form. Thanks to advances in cannabis formulation (especially in New York’s maturing market), most modern beverages are designed to kick in faster, hit cleaner, and feel more controlled. But to really understand how to shop for them, it helps to know what’s going on inside that can.
Most cannabis beverages in NY feature at least one of the “big three” cannabinoids:
THC (Delta-9) – The classic high
CBD – Known for calming, anti-anxiety effects
CBN or CBG (sometimes) – Found in drinks aimed at sleep or recovery
Look for 1:1 THC:CBD drinks if you want a milder, more balanced experience, or stick with pure THC if you’re looking for a stronger psychoactive effect.
Pro tip: a 5mg THC + 5mg CBD beverage will often feel smoother than a 5mg THC-only drink—even though the THC dosage is technically the same.
This is where things get interesting.
Most infused drinks use nanoemulsified THC, which breaks cannabinoids into tiny, water-soluble particles. That means your body doesn’t need to digest the beverage like a brownie—it can absorb THC through your mouth and stomach lining, leading to:
Faster onset (10–30 mins)
More predictable effects
Shorter duration than traditional edibles (2–4 hours)
This tech is why cannabis drinks have become so popular for social and daytime use. You’re not stuck wondering when it’ll hit—or how long you’ll be stuck on the couch.
Sparkling drinks (seltzers, spritzers) tend to feel lighter, often with lower THC (2–5mg per can).
Still drinks (iced teas, tonics, juices) often carry higher doses (10mg+), and sometimes use richer infusions like rosin or full-spectrum oils.
Flavor-wise, carbonation can help offset some of the “cannabis taste,” especially in lower-dose drinks.
For most THC beverages sold in NY:
Onset: 10–30 minutes
Peak effects: ~1 hour in
Duration: 2–4 hours depending on dose, metabolism, and tolerance
Compare that to a traditional edible, which might take 60–90 minutes to kick in and last 6+ hours, and it’s easy to see why beverages feel more manageable—especially for newer consumers.
With cannabis beverages, it’s dangerously easy to forget you're consuming something psychoactive—especially when the branding is clean, the flavor is subtle, and the can looks like something you’d grab at Whole Foods.
But THC drinks are not “just seltzer.” And if you don’t check the label, you might sip your way into a much deeper high than you intended.
Here’s how to decode what you’re drinking—before the can’s empty.
This is the #1 label mistake we see customers make.
Let’s say a can says 10mg THC per serving, but the fine print also says 2 servings per can—that’s 20mg total.
So if you chug the whole thing thinking it’s a “light buzz,” you might be in for a much heavier experience than you planned.
Always check:
Total mg of THC per container
Serving size (often ½ or ⅓ of the can)
Whether there are additional cannabinoids (CBD, CBN, etc.)
If you're new or looking for a functional, daytime effect, 2–5mg per serving is usually plenty.
“Microdosed” – Usually 2–5mg THC per can; ideal for casual or social use
“Balanced” – Often a 1:1 ratio of THC and CBD; gentler effects
“Full-strength” or “High dose” – 10mg+ per serving, best for evening or experienced users
“Nano” or “Fast-acting” – Faster onset (15–30 minutes), shorter duration
These cues give you a general sense of how the drink will behave—but remember, your own metabolism and tolerance matter too.
Some drinks are built purely around taste: seltzers with fruit essences, iced teas, lemonades.
Others are function-forward—meaning they’re infused with calming terpenes, adaptogens, or extra cannabinoids aimed at stress relief or sleep.
If you're trying to unwind, look for:
Products labeled with indica-like effects
Drinks that contain CBN, myrcene, or linalool
Lower sugar (less crash afterward)
If you're aiming for daytime focus or creativity, try:
Uplifting, citrus-forward blends
Light THC doses with pinene or limonene-leaning effects
Carbonated drinks (sippable, social, less heavy)
Just because it looks artisanal doesn’t mean it’s light. Some of the most elegant cans on the shelf still pack 10mg of THC in one sleek little serving.
So if the design screams “craft cocktail,” double-check what’s actually in it—and sip accordingly.
Not all THC drinks are created equal—and not every buzz is right for every moment. Whether you’re easing into a weekend or winding down after work, the key to a great cannabis beverage experience is timing and intention.
Here’s how to pick the right drink for your vibe—so you’re not couch-locked when you meant to clean your kitchen.
Best for: Light focus, creative work, gentle mood boost
Go for: 2–5mg THC or 1:1 THC:CBD beverages
Why: Low doses keep things functional without fogging you up
Pro tip: Look for citrus-forward or sparkling drinks—these tend to feel more uplifting
Example: Sip a fast-acting THC seltzer with 2.5mg THC + 2.5mg CBD while you work on emails, tidy up, or hit the farmer’s market.
Best for: Happy hour, parties, brunch, BBQs
Go for: 5mg per can or less (you can always sip more)
Why: These doses give a light buzz similar to one drink, without the hangover
Pro tip: Choose a drink with nanoemulsified THC for faster onset—so you’re not waiting 90 minutes to feel it
Example: A fruit-infused THC spritz at a cookout. Tastes like a canned cocktail, hits clean, and keeps you level.
Best for: Relaxing after work, mellowing out, reducing screen stress
Go for: 5–10mg THC or balanced 1:1 THC:CBD drinks
Why: These doses bring on relaxation without putting you straight to bed
Pro tip: Still drinks (like iced teas or tonics) tend to feel heavier and longer-lasting
Example: A 10mg indica-leaning iced tea an hour before bed = soft landing and steady comedown.
Best for: Falling and staying asleep
Go for: 5–10mg THC + added CBN or CBD
Why: CBN is often marketed for its sedating qualities; THC helps quiet racing thoughts
Pro tip: Take it 45–60 minutes before bed to let your body start to settle
Example: A lavender-infused 5mg THC + 5mg CBN tonic, paired with blue light glasses and a half-read book.
Our take: don’t.
THC and alcohol can amplify each other’s effects unpredictably—especially with fast-acting drinks. If you’re experimenting, go low and slow, or stick to one or the other. Your head (and stomach) will thank you later.
Cannabis drinks are versatile—but they’re not plug-and-play. A little intention goes a long way.
If you’re not sure what to sip, how much to pour, or what kind of buzz you want—Treehouse has fridge-ready picks for every time of day. Whether you’re unwinding solo or bringing a few cans to share, we’ve got the flavor, format, and vibe to match.
