Last updated October 5, 2026. Written by Lars Miller. Some links are affiliate links; I earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Short answer: Yes, THC drinks get you high. Hemp-derived delta-9 THC is the same molecule as dispensary THC, and a 5mg can produces a noticeable, mild high in 15 to 30 minutes that lasts two to four hours. The difference from smoking is dose and shape: most cans hold 2 to 10mg, the effect builds like a drink rather than hitting like a joint, and it fades without the heaviness of an edible.
What a THC drink high feels like, by dose
| Dose | Feels like | Onset | Duration | Example can |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 to 2.5mg | One glass of wine. Relaxed, chatty, fully functional. | 15 to 25 min | About 2 hours | Cann Social Tonic (2mg), Wynk 2.5 |
| 5mg | Two drinks. Clear buzz, lighter body, music sounds better. | 15 to 30 min | 2 to 3 hours | Wynk 5, Willie’s Remedy |
| 6 to 10mg | A full evening. Couch-friendly, not for first-timers. | 20 to 40 min | 3 to 4 hours | Crescent 9 (6mg), Wynk 10, oHHo |
Those numbers come from drinking these cans for years and timing them. Food slows onset and stretches the effect. Tolerance from regular cannabis use pushes every row down a notch.
Why people drink them (it is mostly not to get high)
BevNET reported on September 30, 2026 that relaxation and stress or anxiety relief are the top reasons consumers give for buying intoxicating hemp beverages, a category it sized at roughly $300 million at retail. That matches what I hear from readers: the goal is a glass-of-wine feeling without the hangover, the calories, or the next-morning fog. Brightfield’s 2025 survey found 47.8% of THC drink consumers say they drink less alcohol since they started.
THC drinks vs. alcohol
Onset is similar (15 to 30 minutes versus 10 to 20 for a drink on an empty stomach). The high is different. Alcohol dulls; THC at 2 to 5mg sharpens senses while loosening the body. There is no hangover at low doses, though 10mg and up can leave you groggy the next morning. Calories range from zero (Wynk) to about 30 (Cann) versus 120 to 200 for a beer or glass of wine. The one place alcohol wins is predictability: a beer is a beer, while a THC drink depends on what you ate, your tolerance, and the brand’s emulsion.
THC drinks vs. edibles
Drinks hit faster and leave sooner. A gummy takes 45 to 90 minutes and runs four to six hours because it goes through the liver. Nano-emulsified drinks absorb partly through the mouth and stomach lining, so you feel them in under half an hour and they clear in two to four. That is why a 5mg drink feels stronger at the 30-minute mark than a 5mg gummy, and weaker at hour four. If you want to compare, my High Confectionary gummies review covers the 5mg edible side.
How to try one for the first time
Buy a 2 to 2.5mg can, drink it with food, and give it 45 minutes before deciding on a second. Cann (code LMM15) and Wynk 2.5 (code liftoff20) are the two I hand to first-timers. Do not drive. Do not mix with alcohol the first time. If you want a full ranked list, start with my best THC drinks of 2026, and grab the codes on the discount codes page.
FAQ
Do THC drinks get you high?
Yes. A 5mg hemp-derived THC drink produces a mild, noticeable high in 15 to 30 minutes that lasts two to four hours. 2mg cans feel like one glass of wine; 10mg cans are a full evening.
How many THC drinks does it take to get high?
One 5mg can for most people without a tolerance. Two 2mg Canns gets you to a similar place. Count milligrams, not cans, and stop around 5mg until you know how you respond.
How long does a THC drink high last?
Two to four hours, with the peak around the one-hour mark. Food and higher doses stretch it; an empty stomach and a 2mg can shorten it to about two hours.
Are THC drinks bad for you?
At 2 to 5mg they are a low-calorie, no-hangover alternative to a drink, but they are still THC: do not drive, do not combine with alcohol, and avoid them if you are pregnant or have a history of psychosis. They also show up on drug tests like any other THC.
Will THC drinks still be legal after December 11, 2026?
Unclear. A federal cap of 0.4mg of THC per container takes effect December 11, 2026 unless Congress passes a replacement like the Beverage Regulatory Parity Act. I keep a running guide to where to buy THC drinks before the deadline.