THC seltzers are a fast-growing category of cannabis and hemp-derived beverages that combine carbonation with cannabinoids for a social, alcohol-free alternative. This guide explains what they are, how they work, their legal status, and why they’ve become so popular.
- THC seltzers are carbonated drinks infused with cannabinoids, offering effects like relaxation, mood elevation, and creativity.
- Legality depends on the source: cannabis-derived drinks are only legal in some states, while hemp-derived THC seltzers are federally legal under the 2018 Farm Bill.
- Market growth is rapid, with THC seltzers projected to reach $2.65 billion by 2030, showing over 34% annual growth.
- Effects typically begin in 15–30 minutes, lasting several hours with a smoother onset and comedown than smoking or edibles.
- They’re a popular alternative to alcohol—no hangovers, socially friendly, and easy to integrate into gatherings.
THC seltzers are simply seltzer – carbonated water – that includes cannabinoids ranging from Delta 9 THC to a variety of federally legal options. They offer the effects of cannabinoids in a new format.
Whether or not you already use cannabinoids, there’s a good chance you’ve heard of THC seltzers and drinks.
This emerging category of cannabinoid products has quickly gained popularity because they’re easy to drink, deliver quick effects, and fit right in at hangouts and parties.
So, what are THC seltzers, and what makes them unique? Why have THC drinks exploded across the market so quickly?
Keep reading to learn more about THC Seltzers.
Key Info About THC Seltzers
What are THC seltzers? THC seltzers are a category of cannabinoid and cannabis infused beverages that use carbonated water or seltzer as the non-active ingredient.
The active ingredients are cannabinoids. These are chemicals that interact with the body’s natural endocannabinoid receptors, leading to effects like an elevated mood and general sense of relaxation.
Combining carbonated water and cannabinoids offers a new way to enjoy the active ingredient, different than vaping, smoking, or edibles.
From club sodas to colas, from sparkling wine to beer, carbonated beverages are enjoyed across the globe. So, it shouldn’t be too surprising that many cannabinoid beverages are made with seltzer. Let’s learn a little more about them.
Legality of THC Seltzers
These seltzers fall into one of two categories, broadly speaking. It all depends on where the cannabinoids in them come from.
Seltzers and other drinks made with Delta 9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) sourced from cannabis plants are technically illegal on the federal level, although those laws generally aren’t enforced. They are legal on the state level for medical and/or recreational use in about half of all states.
Seltzers and similar drinks made with cannabinoids that come from hemp are federally legal, thanks to the 2018 Farm Bill. This legislation legalized the commercial production of hemp.
The law restricted the maximum amount of THC, specifically Delta 9 THC, in hemp. However, it didn’t limit the amount of other cannabinoids that have similar effects naturally, or those that can be chemically converted into cannabinoids with similar effects.
At Delta 8 Resellers, we offer delicious, potent, and relaxing hemp-derived cannabinoid seltzers.
What Makes THC Seltzers Popular
THC drinks deliver the same cannabinoids found in other products, like vapes and edibles. What makes them so popular compared to other options for enjoying the effects of THC – the elevated mood and increased sense of creativity – that cannabinoids can offer?
As Good Morning America points out, a major part of the appeal is that these drinks are an alternative to alcoholic beverages. They’re recreational, offering users a buzz, but they tend to have gentler effects. They don’t lead to hangovers and other side effects associated with alcohol.
That reporting isn’t just based on casually sensing a trend – market data shows THC seltzers are a big hit. Grand View Research explains that THC seltzers are expected to become a $2.65 billion market by 2030, with a massive compound annual growth rate of above 34%.
Because they’re beverages, and similar in portion size to beers, alcoholic seltzers, and similar drinks, they also have a social benefit. It’s just as easy to drink a THC seltzer at a get-together as another beverage, and they easily fit into the social scene.
Finally, THC drinks hit a sweet spot between edibles and vaping or smoking when it comes to their effects. Specifically, seltzers:
- Start working in about 15-30 minutes. That’s faster than edibles, because liquid is more easily absorbed than solids.
- Have a more gradual and pleasant onset and end of effects than smoking or vaping.
- Have effects that last for several hours.
- Can be enjoyed sipped gradually or drank quickly, extending or shortening the time it takes for them to kick in.
Frequently Asked Questions About THC Seltzers and Their Answers
Will THC Seltzers Get You High?
Yes, THC seltzers contain psychoactive compounds called cannabinoids. These drinks deliver effects like an elevated mood and sense of relaxation. They’re a recreational product that delivers a high, and an increasingly popular alternative to alcoholic beverages. The high kicks in after about 15-30 minutes and lasts for several hours.
Do THC Seltzers Show Up in a Drug Test?
Yes, evidence of THC seltzer use will show up on common drug tests. Many drug tests look for evidence of use of cannabinoids, called metabolites. These are what’s created when your body breaks down the active ingredients in THC seltzers.
While our hemp-derived seltzers are federally legal, the metabolites created by your body after consuming them are very similar to those created through cannabis use. Most drug tests do not differentiate between cannabis metabolites and hemp-derived cannabinoid metabolites.
How Long Does it Take for THC Seltzers to Kick In?
THC seltzers take roughly 15-30 minutes to kick in as your body absorbs the cannabinoids contained in the liquid. Liquid is more easily absorbed in the digestive tract than solid material, which is why THC seltzers get to work faster than edibles. The exact timeline depends on your metabolism, weight, if you have an empty or full stomach, and other factors.
If you want faster effects within that timeline, you can drink your THC seltzer quickly. If you’re new to seltzers and want to ease into them, just sip your seltzer slowly for a more gradual experience.
Does THC Seltzer Help You Sleep?
THC seltzers may help some users fall asleep or stay asleep, but that’s not a guarantee for all users. CBD products can address many common issues that interfere with sleep, such as inflammation and pain. They may be a better choice if your primary goal is to get better sleep or more sleep.
What Does a THC Seltzer Make You Feel Like?
Users of THC seltzers often report effects like relaxation, a happier or elevated mood, and an enhanced sense of creativity. Too large of a dose can cause unwanted side effects, like anxiety or red eyes. So, our recommendation is to enjoy your seltzer slowly if you’re new to cannabinoids.
An Incredible Selection of THC Seltzers at Delta 8 Resellers
Delta 8 Resellers brings you a range of hemp-derived cannabinoid drinks, including seltzers, from the industry’s top brands. Check out our selection of infused drinks!
