TL;DR:
THC drinks usually start working in 15–30 minutes (sometimes up to 60), with effects peaking around 1–2 hours and lasting 4–6 hours. Timing depends on dose, metabolism, stomach contents, and tolerance. They’re popular as a smoke-free, social alternative with faster onset than edibles but longer-lasting effects than smoking.
- What they are: Beverages infused with cannabinoids (Delta-9 THC, Delta-8 THC, etc.) from cannabis or hemp
- Onset: Typically 15–30 minutes; faster on an empty stomach
- Peak: Around 1–2 hours after drinking
- Duration: About 4–6 hours for most users
- Why popular: No smoke/vape gear needed, alcohol alternative, social-friendly format
- Dose guide: 5–10 mg for casual relaxation; higher doses for experienced users
Wondering how long THC drinks take to feel – how long before their effects start to kick in? For most users, they begin noticing a sense of relaxation and an uplifted mood somewhere between 15-60 minutes, often but not always around the half-hour mark.
There are many factors that influence exactly how long it takes a THC drink to kick in, from a recent meal to the speed of your metabolism. That’s why there’s a time range for when THC drinks start to work, and why it changes between people and even for the same person at different times.
Let’s take a closer look at THC drinks – what they are, why they’ve quickly become so popular, and when you can expect them to kick in.
What Are THC Drinks? A Popular and Potent Beverage Explained
A THC drink is simply a beverage – a seltzer, water, soda, or other liquid – that contains cannabinoids. Cannabinoids are a specific type of chemical, the active ingredients found in cannabis and hemp. They tend to give users feelings like elevated mood, changes in perception, a sense of relaxation, and more.
THC drinks can contain Delta 9 THC from cannabis, which is federally illegal but legal in about half of all states for medical or recreational use. These drinks can also contain cannabinoids sourced from hemp, like Delta 8 THC and many others. These hemp-derived cannabinoids are federally legal thanks to the 2018 Farm Bill and legal in many (although not all) states.
Why are THC Drinks So Popular?
THC-infused beverages are one of many options for enjoying cannabinoids, but they’ve exploded in popularity in recent years. While tinctures and oils have long allowed users to make their own THC drinks, pre-packaged options have pushed these beverages to the next level.
Reuters reported that these drinks have taken a noticeable share of the traditional alcoholic drink market, to the point where large alcohol companies are looking to start selling their own offerings.
So, what makes THC drinks so popular?
- These beverages don’t have the same health risks or drawbacks as alcohol, which can range from hangovers in the short term to an increased risk of certain types of cancer in the long term.
- They don’t require any papers, lighters, charged vape pens, or anything else – all users need to do is open the can or bottle.
- THC drinks look similar and are consumed similarly to beers and other canned beverages, meaning they easily fit into social situations where alcohol is consumed. They don’t have the same associations as smoking or vaping for many people, even though the active ingredients are the same.
- They hit a unique sweet spot in terms of their effects. They kick in faster than edibles because the body doesn’t need to digest them in the same way as food. And, their full effects last longer than smoking or vaping. How long do THC drinks take to kick in? Roughly 15-30 minutes for most users.
Common Questions About Using THC Drinks
How Much THC is Enough to Relax?
For canned and bottled THC drinks, many casual users find that a dose of 5-10 milligrams (often 1-2 drinks) is the right dose for relaxation. More experienced users might opt for a few drinks, totaling 10-30 total milligrams of cannabinoids.
What Happens When You Sleep High?
Occasionally sleeping while under the influence of a THC drink isn’t an issue for many users, although high doses and very frequent use may interfere with sleep quality.
Does THC Hit Right Away?
The effects of vaping and smoking THC kick in very quickly, within seconds or minutes, but THC drinks take longer. How long for THC drinks to kick in? Usually, it takes about 15-30 minutes to feel the effects.
How Fast Do THC Drinks Work?
How long do THC drinks take to hit? For most users, they start to feel the effects of THC-infused drinks in roughly 15-30 minutes with a gradual onset. The peak of effects often hits in 1-2 hours, and the drink will gradually wear off in about 4-6 hours.
There are several factors that can affect exactly when these drinks start to work, reach their peak, and fade away, however. They include:
- Metabolism. The faster the body digests the cannabinoids, the more intense the effects can feel. However, the length of the experience will also be shorter.
- Dosing. A higher dose can lead to longer-lasting effects.
- Empty or full stomach. How long for a THC seltzer to kick in? It can vary significantly based on whether you’ve eaten recently. Drinking a THC drink on a full stomach will slow its effects, while having one on an empty stomach means a faster onset of effects.
- Personal sensitivity and tolerance. Experienced users might need higher doses to feel stronger effects than inexperienced users. And, even with all of these other factors being equal, some people are innately more sensitive to cannabinoids than others.
Frequently Asked Questions About THC Drinks & Edible Cannabinoids
How Long Do THC Drinks Take to Kick In?
THC drinks take about 15-30 minutes to kick in for most users. The cannabinoids move more quickly through the digestive system into the bloodstream because they don’t need to be broken down as much as edibles, as Harvard Health Publishing explains. Keep in mind that the onset of effects can be delayed by a full stomach.
How Long Does Oral THC Take to Work?
For edibles – foods containing cannabinoids – the onset of effects is roughly 30 minutes to 2 hours. For THC drinks, the time until effects begin is about 15-30 minutes. For cannabinoid tinctures absorbed under the tongue, the timeline is also roughly 15-30 minutes.
Cannabinoid Infused Drinks You’ll Love From Delta 8 Resellers
Delta 8 Resellers works with the best THC drink brands in the industry to bring you a carefully curated collection of tasty, potent, and effective beverages.
