Delta-9 drinks are popping up everywhere, from evening wind-down routines and backyard hangouts to concerts and dinner parties. A lot of people also reach for them when they want a buzz but don’t want alcohol.
That brings us to the question everyone asks the first time they see a THC seltzer in the fridge: Do Delta-9 drinks get you high?
Yes, they can. But the experience usually doesn’t feel exactly like smoking or taking a strong gummy. Many people describe the Delta-9 drinks’ effect as smoother and a social buzz, especially at lower doses.
In this guide, we’ll explain whether Delta-9 drinks get you high, what the buzz feels like, how fast it kicks in, and what influences how strong it gets.
Do Delta-9 Drinks Get You High?
Delta-9 drinks can get you high. They contain hemp-derived Delta-9 THC, the same psychoactive cannabinoid responsible for the classic “THC buzz”. So even if it tastes like a normal seltzer, lemonade, or tea, it can still change how you feel.
Compared to smoking or taking an edible, many people find the high from Delta-9 drinks feels more gradual and easier to steer, especially when you sip slowly and keep the dose modest.
Most Delta-9 drinks land somewhere around 2 mg to 20 mg of THC per can (sometimes higher). At the low end, you’ll likely feel a light, pleasant relaxation. At the higher end, the effects can get strong quickly and may feel too intense if you’re not used to THC.
A few factors determine how high you feel:
Your THC tolerance (new users feel more with less).
Dose per serving and how fast you drink it.
Food (with an empty stomach, it hit faster and stronger).
Metabolism and body chemistry.
If you’re new or sensitive to THC, start low. A good first-time dose is 2 to 5 mg; give it time before deciding to have more.
How the High Feels: What to Expect From the Buzz
Most people describe the Delta-9 drink buzz as calming, mood-lifting, and social. It’s often the kind of high that helps you feel more relaxed and present without feeling overly heavy.
Delta-9 drinks usually feel more balanced, especially at low to moderate doses. The buzz tends to build gradually and settle into a comfortable groove.
Here’s what people commonly report:
Uplifting: Your mood feels lighter, like stress loosens its grip.
Relaxing without being “knocked out”: Your body feels calmer and looser (higher doses can turn this into drowsiness).
More social: You may feel more talkative, open, and at ease in a group.
Clear and functional (at lower doses): Many users feel in control and mentally present, which is why these drinks work well for casual hangouts.
Dose plays a big role in how strong it feels:
- 2–5 mg THC: Usually a mild buzz. Think light relaxation and a subtle mood shift.
- Around 10 mg THC: More noticeable. Often euphoric, giggly, and clearly “high.”
- 20 mg+ THC: Strong for many people, especially beginners. This is where you’re more likely to feel overly sleepy, foggy, or uncomfortable if you overshoot your tolerance.
How Fast They Kick In and How Long They Last
For many people, Delta-9 drinks start to kick in within 15 to 45 minutes, and the full experience can last a few hours (often up to around 6 hours, depending on dose and your body).
This is one reason people like them. Compared to classic edibles that can take 1 to 2 hours to really show up, drinks often feel easier to time for a social night or a wind-down routine.
Here’s a typical timeline of a Delta-9 drink:
- 15 to 45 minutes: Early effects may start showing up: a lighter mood, a calm body feeling, or a subtle “shift.” If you ate a full meal, this stage may take longer.
- 45 minutes to 2 hours: Effects commonly build and peak somewhere in this window.
- 2 to 6 hours: The high gradually tapers off for most people, often without a harsh comedown.
Your timing can still vary. If you drink on an empty stomach, it may hit faster and feel stronger. If you ate recently (especially a heavy meal), it may take longer to peak and feel more gradual.
What Makes the Delta-9 Drink High Appealing?
The appeal of Delta-9 drinks isn’t only convenience. It’s the way the buzz builds and the way it fits into social life.
A gradual, smoother buzz
With drinks, the high often feels more gradual and easier to ride. Instead of feeling instantly “stoned,” it feels like a gentle lift: a brighter mood, a calmer body, and a warmer, more pleasant headspace.
That slower build is also why THC drinks feel more comfortable when you sip carefully.
You stay present in the moment
A lot of users like Delta-9 drinks because they don’t always cause the heavy, foggy feeling that THC is popular for. At low to moderate doses, the buzz often feels compatible with real life: conversation, a movie, light chores, or a creative project.
You still feel the THC, but you don’t necessarily feel “taken out” of your evening.
You can fine-tune the experience
This is one of the biggest practical advantages of drinks. If you sip slowly, you can stop when you feel good, or pace it out so the buzz stays steady for a long time.
That control is especially helpful for beginners, lower-tolerance THC users, or anyone who wants to avoid the “oops, too much” moment.
A popular alternative to alcohol
For many adults, the drinking ritual matters: cracking a can, sipping something flavorful, and feeling the day loosen up. Delta-9 drinks can fit that same ritual without the many downsides associated with alcohol.
That said, Delta-9 drinks can be an alcohol alternative for many people, especially when they want a buzz but don’t want a next-day hangover. However, they still require responsible use, and you should never use them while driving or engaging in other risky activities.
Can You Build a Tolerance to Delta-9 Drinks?
Yes, you can build tolerance to Delta-9 drinks, especially if you use them frequently or at higher doses. Over time, your body can become less sensitive to THC, which means the same drink that once felt strong may start to feel mild.
What tolerance can look like
When tolerance builds, you might notice things like:
A 10 mg drink that used to feel relaxing now feels underwhelming.
You feel tempted to choose higher-potency cans more often.
You need multiple servings to reach the same level of buzz.
The good news: tolerance isn’t permanent. For many people, even a week off can help the body “reset” and make lower doses feel effective again.
How to avoid tolerance (without making your routine complicated)
If you want Delta-9 drinks to stay enjoyable long-term, these habits help:
Use the lowest dose that works for you. If 5 mg feels good, stay there; there’s no need to push to 10 mg after a couple of weeks.
Avoid daily use when possible. Even a few “off” days in a month can make a difference.
Take short breaks when you notice you need more. A few days off can help you return to your normal baseline.
Pay attention to why you’re increasing. If the only reason is “it doesn’t hit as it used to,” that’s usually a sign to pause.
With smart use, Delta-9 drinks can stay fun, manageable, and consistent.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do all Delta-9 drinks make you high?
Most Delta-9 drinks can create a THC buzz, but the strength depends on the dose. Some are made for microdosing (2 mg or 5 mg), which may feel mild, while others are much stronger. The same can feel very different depending on your tolerance and how quickly you drink it.
Is 2 mg enough to feel anything?
For many beginners, a 2 mg serving can create a subtle shift in mood and mild relaxation, especially if you’re sensitive to THC. If you have a higher tolerance, 2 mg may feel very light or almost unnoticeable. The best approach is to start there, see how your body responds, and adjust over time.
Are THC drink "high" different from edibles?
Many Delta-9 drinks are designed to absorb more efficiently than classic edibles, so people often feel effects sooner and describe the experience as lighter or more social. Traditional edibles tend to take longer to reach peak potency and may feel heavier, making socializing difficult.
Do Delta-9 drinks cause a hangover?
Delta-9 drinks don’t cause dehydration-style hangovers. However, high doses can leave you feeling sluggish, foggy, or “off” for a while afterward, especially if you’re sensitive to THC or you took more than your comfort level.
Final Thoughts: Is a Delta-9 Drink High Right for You?
If you want a smoother, more social THC experience without smoke and without committing to an edible, Delta-9 drinks can be a great fit. They’re discreet, easy to pace, and easier to manage when you start low and sip slowly.
What makes these drinks stand out is how naturally they fit into everyday routines. For some people, it’s a calm way to unwind after work. For others, it’s a weekend hangout drink that feels more relaxed, social, and guilt-free.
If you want help choosing quality options with clear dosing and lab testing, check out our guide on the best Delta-9 drinks.
Disclosure:
The information provided in this article is meant for general use only and may not always suit everyone’s individual needs. Your health and wellness are personal, so you should consult a medical professional for personalized advice before making decisions based on our content. For more information, please read our Disclosure Policy.