The Best Gluten-Free THC Drinks

How to enjoy a buzz, minus the booze

Less people are drinking alcohol these days than ever before, myself included. (You can read all about how quitting drinking improved my health.)

While alcohol use is down, cannabis use is growing in the US. It makes sense: Widespread legalization has made it easier to access, and it’s also seen as a “safer” option than alcohol.

I’ll admit, I do enjoy taking an edible from time to time to relax without the hangover. Last year for 4/20, I even did a piece on whether cannabis is gluten-free and shared my favorite gluten-free edibles.

In the past year, I’ve noticed THC drinks becoming more and more popular. I’ve seen many of these products pop up at stores in NYC, and I’ve also been pitched quite a few by publicists working with brands in this category.

I love trying new non-alcoholic beverages—I’ve shared my obsession with hop water, which is naturally gluten-free, previously—so I was certainly intrigued by all of these THC beverages hitting the market.

Ahead, I’m breaking down everything you need to know about THC drinks and how to find gluten-free options.

Table of contents:

• What are THC drinks?

• Are THC drinks gluten-free?

• The best gluten-free THC drinks

What are THC drinks?

THC drinks are infused with tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive compound in cannabis.

They often contain low doses (anywhere from 1 mg to 5 mg) of THC, and they typically produce a high in 10 to 30 minutes, which is faster than edibles.

They may also contain CBD, the cannabis compound known to promote relaxation and pain relief.

Are THC drinks gluten-free?

Many THC drinks, like seltzers, sodas, mocktails, and teas, are gluten-free. The higher end brands making these beverages tend to use simple ingredients, which are naturally gluten-free.

However, I always encourage you to do your own research before trying anything because products can change.

The best gluten-free THC drinks

My favorite THC drinks either state on their packaging or website that they’re gluten-free or made without gluten-containing ingredients.

These are the brands/products I like best:

• Cann: THC mocktails in sophisticated flavors like blood orange cardamom, lemon lavender, and grapefruit rosemary. My go-to is the 2 mg THC/4 mg CBD option.

• Downshift: THC sparkling waters formulated with hemp-derived compounds and a proprietary blend of terpenes. I tried at a friend’s party a few months ago and was impressed!

• High Rise: THC + CBD seltzers made with real fruit and plant-based ingredients. They offer 5 mg (my preferred) and 10 mg seltzers in a variety of flavors.

Tip: The herbs in Parentheses Before and Before Dusk nonalcoholic drinks increase saliva, which can help with dry mouth, a common side effect of THC. My friend Tawny Lara owns Parentheses and highly recommend her drinks in general!

Have you tried THC drinks? Drop a comment and let me know!

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Disclaimer: If you click on a link, I may get a small commission. This helps support this newsletter so I can keep writing it. Additionally, while I received some free product samples for review, all opinions are my own.

Photo via High Rise Beverage Co.