Delta-9 drinks are popping up everywhere: from evening relaxation and backyard hangouts to social scenes. Many people are also choosing it instead of alcoholic beverages to have a good time. But let’s get to the question everyone’s asking: Do Delta-9 drinks get you high?
The short answer is yes, but it’s not quite the same high you’d get from smoking cannabis or eating a THC gummy. These drinks offer a smoother, more manageable experience, often described as uplifting, relaxed, and clear-headed.
In this article, we’ll understand if Delta-9 drinks can get you high, what the buzz feels like, how long it takes to kick in, and who they’re best for. If you’re new to THC or just curious about this fast-growing trend, we have you covered.
Do Delta-9 Drinks Get You High?
Yes—Delta-9 drinks get you high. But unlike smoking or eating a strong edible, the high from a Delta-9 beverage feels smoother, more approachable, and easier to control.
These drinks are infused with hemp-derived Delta-9 THC, the same psychoactive compound responsible for the classic cannabis high. So when you sip a Delta-9 drink, you’re not just enjoying a flavored seltzer, lemonade, or tea—you’re getting a legit THC experience in liquid form
Most drinks contain anywhere from 2 mg to 20 mg of Delta-9 THC. At the low dosage, you’ll feel a subtle but noticeable buzz. The buzz becomes much stronger at higher dosages, which is mentally uplifting but can also be overwhelming if you are not used to it.
The exact effects of a Delta-9 drink you feel depend on a few key factors:
Your THC tolerance level.
The amount of Delta-9 THC in the drink.
Whether you’ve eaten recently.
Your body weight and metabolism.
That said, Delta-9 drinks are still psychoactive, even in drink form. If you’re sensitive or new to THC, start with a low dose (2 mg) and give it time to kick in before deciding if you want more.
How the High Feels: What to Expect from the Buzz?
Delta-9 drinks deliver a high that’s often described as calming, sociable, and mood-lifting, great for when you want to unwind without feeling overwhelmed.
It’s the kind of buzz that helps you feel good in your body and present in the moment, without the heavy, foggy side effects that often come with alcohol or stronger edibles.
Compared to smoking a joint or eating a high-dose THC gummy, the high from a Delta-9 drink is typically milder and more balanced. It builds slowly, then settles into a clear-headed, relaxed buzz that’s easy to manage.
Here’s how most people describe the experience with Delta-9 drinks:
Uplifting: A gentle lift in mood, like stress melting away after a long day.
Relaxing, but not sedating: Your body may feel calm and loose, but not heavy—unless you go overboard on the dose.
Sociable: You might find yourself more talkative, open, and comfortable around others.
Clear and functional: At low to moderate doses, you’ll stay mentally sharp and in control, perfect for a laid-back hangout or creative project.
Although how high you feel depends on the dose.
2–5 mg of THC: Mild effects—think subtle mood boost and light relaxation.
10 mg: More noticeably high—euphoric, giggly, and relaxing.
20 mg or more: Expect a stronger, possibly overwhelming high, especially if you’re not used to THC. You may feel confused, drowsy, or even couch-locked.
How Fast They Kick In and How Long They Last?
One of the biggest differences with Delta-9 drinks’ high is how quickly you start to feel them, usually within 15 to 45 minutes, and can last up to 6 hours.
That’s much faster than traditional THC edibles like gummies, which can take up to 1 to 2 hours to kick in. The reason? Your body absorbs the water-soluble Delta-9 THC faster through your digestive system and even a little through the lining of your mouth as you sip.
Here’s what to expect with most Delta-9 drinks:
15 to 45 minutes: You can start to feel a light shift in mood or a slight body relaxation. Though it may take some more time if you have a slow metabolism or have eaten recently.
45 minutes to 2 hours: During this time, the effects of a Delta-9 beverage peak, giving you that mellow, relaxing, clear-headed buzz.
2 to 6 hours: The high starts to gradually wear off, often without a harsh comedown.
That said, the peak usually hits around the 1 to 2 hour mark, then slowly tapers off. You’ll feel the strongest effects during the first half of the experience, with a gradual return to baseline afterward.
Although the exact timing and intensity of effects can vary by person. If you’ve eaten recently or have a slower metabolism, it might take a little longer. On an empty stomach, it could hit faster and feel stronger.
What Makes the Delta-9 Drinks High Appealing?
Delta-9 drinks offer a different kind of THC experience, one that feels lighter, more controlled, and often more enjoyable for casual or social use. But it’s not just about convenience. The high itself has qualities that set it apart.
A Gradual Buzz
Where THC gummies often come on strong and linger for hours, Delta-9 drinks produce a gradual, mood-lifting buzz. Instead of feeling “stoned,” you feel gently elevated, like your mind is brighter and your mood a little warmer. It’s “high” enhances your mood and makes you feel pleasant without overwhelming you.
You Stay in the Moment
The drinkable high lets you stay connected to what you’re doing, whether a conversation, a movie, house chores, or a creative project. It doesn’t fog you up the way stronger edibles or flower sometimes can. You’re high, but still very much functional.
You Can Fine-Tune Your Experience
Sipping a Delta-9 beverage gives you the chance to ease into the effects, especially if you’re new or cautious with THC. You’re not committing to 10 mg in one bite; you’re gradually introducing THC to your system, which helps avoid surprises.
Many users describe this as feeling more in control; you can stop when you feel good or drink more slowly to ride a comfortable, euphoric wave.
A Better Alternative to Alcohol
For many, unwinding with an alcoholic drink at the end of the day is more about the ritual than the alcohol itself. But traditional alcohol comes with its downsides: hangovers, dehydration, and long-term health concerns.
Delta-9 drinks offer a refreshing alternative to that nightly glass of wine or weekend cocktail.
Whether it’s a sparkling THC seltzer, a THC-infused lemonade, or a calming tea, you still get that familiar sense of ease and social comfort. Still, instead of feeling foggy or sluggish, you feel clear-headed, uplifted, and present.
Can You Build a Tolerance to Delta-9 Drinks?
Although rare, you can build a tolerance to Delta-9 drinks, but it usually happens with daily and heavy use over time.
At first, a single drink might give you a strong, noticeable buzz. But if you’re drinking Delta-9 beverages every day or using higher doses often, your body can start to get used to it.
That means you may not feel the same effects unless you increase your dose, and that’s how tolerance builds.
Here’s What Tolerance Looks Like:
A single 10 mg drink that once made you feel relaxed and social might start to feel mild or underwhelming.
You may find yourself reaching for higher-potency drinks or multiple servings a day to get the same experience.
The good news is, tolerance to hemp-derived Delta-9 isn’t permanent. If you feel like the drinks aren’t hitting like they used to, taking a short break (even just a few days) can help reset your sensitivity.
To avoid building tolerance too quickly:
Stick with lower doses when you can.
Don’t rely on them every single day. If you are a regular user, take a break from it for at least a couple of days every month.
Listen to your body; if it feels like you need more to get the same effect, that’s a sign to pause and take a tolerance break.
With smart use, Delta-9 drinks can stay fun, effective, safe, and easy to manage in the long term.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do all Delta-9 drinks make you high?
Most Delta-9 drinks are designed to get you high, but the intensity depends on the dosage. Some contain as little as 2 mg of THC for a light, functional buzz, while others have higher amounts that can feel much stronger.
Is 2 mg of Delta-9 drink enough to feel anything?
For many beginners, yes. A 2 mg Delta-9 drink can create a subtle shift in mood and mild relaxation. If you’re experienced with THC, you might need a higher dose to feel noticeable effects.
Are drink highs different from edible highs?
Yes. Delta-9 drinks uses water-soluble THC, which is absorbed faster and feels lighter or more social. Edibles typically take longer to kick in and produce a heavier, more body-centered high.
Do Delta-9 drinks cause a hangover?
Not in the same way alcohol does. Most people don’t report grogginess, dehydration, or headaches the next day. However, high doses of Delta-9 drinks might make you feel disoriented or sluggish for a couple of hours, especially if you’re sensitive to THC.
Final Thoughts: Is a Delta-9 Drink High Right for You?
If you’re looking for a smoother, more social way to enjoy THC without the harshness of smoke or the intensity of strong edibles, Delta-9 drinks might be the perfect fit.
They’re discreet, easy to dose, and offer a high that feels lighter, clearer, and often more manageable, especially for beginners or casual users.
What makes these drinks stand out is how they blend seamlessly into everyday rituals. Whether you’re unwinding after work, hanging out with friends, or replacing your nightly glass of wine, a Delta-9 beverage can offer that relaxed, feel-good vibe without knocking you out or clouding your mind, if you dose properly.
Still, like any THC product, they’re not one-size-fits-all. Your experience depends on your body, your tolerance, and how much you consume.
Check out the article on the best Delta-9 drinks.
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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.