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CBD Drinks vs. THC Seltzers: Which Infused Beverage is Right for You?

May 27, 2025
May 27, 2025
cbd drinks vs thc seltzers
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8 min read

CBD drinks and THC seltzers are changing the way people think about cannabis beverages. You’ll find them lining the shelves of dispensaries and getting more attention from those looking for something low-key and easy.

As more people move toward alcohol alternatives and wellness-focused options, CBD infused drinks and cannabis drinks with THC are gaining steady interest. In this blog, we’re comparing them side-by-side. You’ll get the lowdown on what each drink is, how they differ, and how to choose based on what actually works for your needs.

What Are CBD Drinks?

thc lemonade

CBD drinks are non-intoxicating beverages that contain cannabidiol (CBD), a natural compound found in cannabis plants. They're used by adults looking for a mellow, functional beverage option without the intensity of THC.

You’ll see CBD infused drinks show up in many formats: sparkling waters, teas, mocktails, or even seltzers. The main draw is that they’re hemp-derived, so they won’t produce any psychoactive effects. That makes them a choice for people who prefer staying sharp and present while still choosing cannabis-derived products.

CBD drinks have become popular among those who are wellness-minded, sober-curious, or just exploring drink options outside the typical alcohol aisle. At Apotheca, we offer a full collection of CBD beverages and other cannabis drinks that meet strict quality and compliance standards.

Key things to know about CBD drinks:

  • Contain no THC or low, compliant levels of THC (depending on the product type)
  • Non-psychoactive, meaning no mental “high”
  • Made from hemp-derived CBD, which is federally legal under the 2018 Farm Bill
  • Great for routine use or sober-friendly occasions
  • Available in sparkling waters, iced teas, mocktail-style drinks, and more
  • Often paired with other functional ingredients like herbal extracts or fruit infusions

This kind of product works well for everyday use and doesn’t call for special settings or events. Many CBD drinks can be enjoyed during the day, with meals, or as a casual alternative to other drinks you already reach for.

What Are THC Seltzers?

thc seltzer

THC seltzers are cannabis-infused sparkling drinks that contain Delta 9 Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the compound responsible for the intoxicating effects of cannabis. These drinks are popular with adults looking for a recreational experience without traditional smoking or vaping.

Unlike CBD drinks, which are non-psychoactive, THC seltzers are meant for users who want that classic cannabis effect but in a controlled and drinkable form. Most products stick to low-dose formats to stay within legal limits, making them easier to enjoy at your own pace.

We carry carefully curated Delta 9 drinks that are third-party lab-tested, compliant, and made for adult use. Whether you're new to infused drinks or already exploring cannabis beverages, these options are available for a variety of settings.

What makes THC seltzers different?

  • They contain legal, hemp-derived THC, typically Delta 9 in compliant doses.
  • These are psychoactive and may produce a mental or physical effect.
  • Most come in sparkling formats, similar to flavored seltzers or canned spritzers.
  • Available in low-dose servings (like 5mg THC) or balanced ratios with CBD.
  • Often chosen for social settings, casual gatherings, or chill nights in.
  • May include flavor combos or botanical ingredients (no health claims made).

One of our most talked-about choices is the Apotheca Fizzy Delta 9 Hybrid Seltzer. It offers a compliant amount of THC with added CBD. Since these are cannabis drinks, they follow strict rules by state. That’s why we always recommend you double-check local regulations before making a purchase or bringing them anywhere.

CBD Drinks vs. THC Seltzers: Key Differences to Consider

The biggest difference between CBD drinks and THC seltzers comes down to intoxicating effects, legality, and use cases. Let’s look at how they stack up side by side. This helps you see the differences clearly without having to guess or search through every label.


Feature: CBD Drinks

Main Active Compound: Hemp-derived cannabidiol (CBD)

Psychoactive? No, non-intoxicating

Use Case: Daytime routines, wellness-friendly settings

Common Formats: Teas, sparkling waters, mocktails

Legal Status: Legal in most states under the 2018 Farm Bill

Onset Time: Varies based on formulation; generally subtle and gradual

Common Ratios: CBD-only or low THC + CBD combo

Ideal For: Adults avoiding intoxicants or alcohol

Feature: THC Seltzers

Main Active Compound: Hemp-derived Delta 9 Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)

Psychoactive? Yes, can produce psychoactive effects

Use Case: Social occasions, off-hours, adult gatherings

Common Formats: Sparkling seltzers, lemonades, fruit-infused spritzers

Legal Status: Legal in many states, but varies. Check your local laws

Onset Time: Varies by product; often felt within 15 to 60 minutes

Common Ratios: Low THC or balanced THC:CBD (e.g., 5mg THC/10mg CBD)

Ideal For: Adults looking for a compliant alternative to traditional THC

Other Factors to Keep in Mind

Legal rules don’t just vary from state to state, they can even differ within counties or cities. Here are more things to think about:

  • Flavor profiles: THC seltzers may lean toward bold or citrus-forward flavors, while CBD drinks often stick to clean, herbal, or subtle tastes.
  • User tolerance: If you're new to infused drinks, it’s smart to choose something with a balanced CBD-to-THC ratio or start with CBD only.
  • Setting matters: A THC seltzer might work better for weekend plans or evening use, while CBD drinks can slide into your daily routine.

And if you’re not sure where to start, try something that blends both compounds in a legal ratio. One example is the Rizzy THC Lemonade Tea, it’s got both CBD and THC in one can, offering a more layered experience.

Which One Is Right for You?

pair of girls enjoying thc seltzer

Choosing between CBD drinks and THC seltzers depends on how you plan to use them, your comfort level with cannabis, and the kind of experience you’re looking for. There’s no single right answer, just what fits your lifestyle best.

You’re not alone if you’re stuck between the two. These drinks overlap in many ways but still serve different types of users. 

Choose CBD drinks if you…

  • Prefer non-intoxicating options and want to keep a clear head
  • Are looking for a routine-friendly beverage that works with your daily flow
  • Want a drink that pairs easily with work hours, errands, or downtime
  • Are curious about cannabis but not ready for THC
  • Like having control and predictability in your infused products

These drinks are often picked by people who want cannabis in their lives without the intensity. If you’re easing into the scene or just prefer light, legal options, CBD infused drinks are a good place to begin.

Go with THC seltzers if you…

  • Are looking for a weekend or social option with a legal amount of THC
  • Are familiar with cannabis and want something discreet yet effective
  • Enjoy cannabis beverages during leisure time, adult gatherings, or creative breaks
  • Prefer the format of a sparkling drink over other methods
  • Want a simple, ready-to-use product with no setup or mess

These are great for people looking to enjoy an adult beverage with delta-9 in legal doses.

Still can’t decide? Try both based on context

Some customers keep both in rotation depending on the day:

  • Weekday? CBD iced tea or sparkling water.
  • Friday night? Legal THC seltzer for a social wind-down.
  • Sunday brunch? A product that mixes both.

What kind of user are you?

  • User Type: New to infused drinks
  • What to Try First: CBD-only sparkling waters or herbal teas
  • User Type: Sober-curious
  • What to Try First: CBD beverages with zero THC
  • User Type: Social weekend user
  • What to Try First: Low-dose THC seltzers in controlled settings
  • User Type: Dual-interest consumer
  • What to Try First: Balanced CBD:THC combos (e.g., 5mg/10mg split)
  • User Type: Daily routine user
  • What to Try First: CBD drinks with functional ingredients (no health claims)

Everyone’s tolerance and goals are different. What works for one person may not hit the mark for someone else. That’s why we always suggest starting with clear labels, certified test results, and brands that put transparency first.

You’re never locked into just one category. In fact, many customers try different products over time and adjust based on what works best in real life, not just what sounds good on paper.

Conclusion

CBD drinks and THC seltzers serve different purposes, and choosing the right one depends on how you plan to use it. One gives you a non-intoxicating experience, the other is more for adult social plans. 

CBD drinks are great if you want something calm, simple, and ready for daily use. They’re low-key and easy to fold into your schedule. On the other hand, THC seltzers bring a little more to the table for recreational settings where you’re looking for something legal but stronger than your usual sparkling water.

You might prefer to keep CBD options for weekdays and reach for THC seltzers on weekends. You could also try drinks that combine both, giving you balance and variety in one can.

At Apotheca, we make it easy to browse everything in one place. Our curated collection of cannabis drinks includes clear product details, lab test info, and compliant options you can trust. And since all our drinks are lab-tested and legally sourced, you can shop confidently online or in-store.


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