Crescent 9 vs. Nowadays vs. Hempzer Seltzer: Which THC Drink Is Best?

With the rise in popularity of sober-curious lifestyles, THC drinks are more popular than ever. 

If you’re looking for an alcohol alternative, Crescent 9, Nowadays, and Hempzer are three popular hemp-derived beverages you should consider. 

However, these brands differ in flavors, potency, convenience, and overall experience, making it difficult to decide which one is right for you. 

So, if you’re trying to decide between Crescent 9, Nowadays, and Hempzer, this guide is for you. 

We’ll break down the key factors to consider so you can choose the brand that best fits your preferences.

Crescent 9 vs. Nowadays vs. Hempzer Seltzer: Quick Comparison

Crescent 9 Overview

Best For: Consumers looking for both low-dose and high-potency THC beverage options from the same brand.

THC Strengths: 5mg, 10mg, 20mg, and 50mg THC

Drink Types: THC seltzers, variety packs, and Ellora THC-infused spirit alternatives

Popular Flavors: Raspberry Lime, Sour Watermelon, Ginger Lemonade, Tropical, Strawberry Lemonade, Grape Lemonade

Crescent 9 might be one of the most recognizable THC drink brands, with products sold in more than 8,500 retail locations across 20 states. 

That doesn’t automatically make it the best choice for everyone, though, especially if you are microdosing or looking for low-dose options.

Crescent 9 drinks start at 5mg and offer dosages up to 50 mg, making the lineup suitable for everyone from beginners to experienced users. However, the brand doesn’t currently offer a 2.5mg option for those who prefer an even lighter dose.

Its flavor lineup is just as diverse, with options like Raspberry Lime and Sour Watermelon and lemonade flavors like Strawberry and Grape Lemonade. 

Like the other brands in this guide, Crescent 9 is known for having little to no grassy hemp aftertaste, making it appealing to consumers who prioritize flavor.

All in all, if you’re looking for a potent experience with a wide variety of flavors to choose from, Crescent 9 might be the choice for you. 

Pros

• Wide range of THC strengths
• Available at popular retailers such as Total Wine and Winn-Dixie 
• Nanoemulsified formula for fast-acting effects 
• Large flavor selection
• Popular for higher-tolerance consumers

Cons

• Higher-dose products aren’t ideal for beginners
• No 2.5 mg option for microdosing
• Unique flavors like Ginger Lemonade aren’t for everyone’s palates 
• Carbonated format may not appeal to everyone
• Shipping availability depends on state laws

Nowadays Overview

Best For: Consumers looking for a customizable THC drink that can be mixed, poured, or dosed based on tolerance.

THC Strengths: 2mg, 5mg, and 10mg THC per serving

Drink Types: THC-infused spirits, canned cocktails, and THC shots

Popular Flavors: Citrus, Tropical, Berry, Spicy Lime, Black Cherry

Nowadays is one of the most versatile THC drink brands in this guide, offering bottles, cans, and shots rather than just a standard canned seltzer. 

Unlike traditional THC seltzers, Nowadays offers bottled spirits that let you pour and customize your own servings.

To cater to different tolerances or desired effects, THC strengths vary by product type. While its canned drinks contain up to 10 mg, you can buy bottled spirits, which come in 33 mg, 83 mg, and 166 mg options, allowing you to mix your own drinks and control your serving size. 

That makes Nowadays a good choice for consumers who want more flexibility, whether that means creating mocktails, adjusting their THC dose, or experimenting with different flavors.

If you'd rather mix your own drinks than stick with a standard canned THC seltzer, Nowadays offers the flexibility to do just that.

Pros

• Wide variety of THC strengths for beginners and experienced consumers
• Available in bottles, cans, and shots
• Easy to customize strength and serving size
• Popular alcohol alternative
• Widely available online and in retail stores

Cons

• Easy to overpour compared to single-serve cans
• Some consumers find it stronger than expected
• Flavor reviews are mixed
• Bottled products require measuring for consistent dosing
• Premium pricing compared to some competitors

Hempzer Seltzer Overview

Best For: Consumers looking for a low-dose, wellness-focused THC seltzer with simple ingredients and straightforward flavors.

THC Strengths: 5mg and 10mg THC

Drink Types: THC seltzers and variety packs

Popular Flavors: Blood Orange, Blackberry, Mango, Peach Ginger

At Hempzer, we exclusively sell THC seltzers, with our focus completely on our simple, approachable, and enjoyable drink lineup. 

Our THC seltzers are available in two straightforward dosages: 5mg for a lighter social lift and a 10mg option if you want stronger – but still controlled – effects.

We've found that many people don't want higher THC doses. They're looking for a drink they can enjoy socially without wondering if they've overdone it. That's why we kept our lineup focused on lower-dose 5mg and 10mg options.

As for flavors, we stick to classic fruit profiles like Blood Orange, Blackberry, Mango, and Peach Ginger, available individually or in a variety pack if you want to try the full lineup. 

More than just a buzz, we created a drink that keeps you "high-drated," helping you enjoy everyday moments while staying present instead of feeling overly intoxicated. 

To do so, every drink is made with hemp-derived THC, carbonated spring water, natural fruit extracts, botanical terpenes, electrolytes, and an adaptogenic herbal blend.

Every can contains zero calories, zero sugar, and no artificial sweeteners.

Our founder’s background in kinesiology, personal training, and endurance helped shape Hempzer's wellness-focused approach, making our drinks a great fit if you want to unwind without feeling weighed down the next day.

Pros

• Zero calories and zero sugar
• Wellness-focused 
• Simple, clean ingredient profile
• Multiple flavor options
• Available in beginner-friendly 5mg and 10mg servings
• Third-party tested with public COAs

Cons

• Limited to 5mg and 10mg options
• Smaller flavor lineup than some competitors
• No non-carbonated or cocktail-style products
• May feel too mild for higher-tolerance consumers

Crescent 9 vs. Nowadays vs. Hempzer Seltzer: Which Brand Is Best?

Next, we’ll break down the similarities and differences across the most important factors: potency, flavor and drinkability, effects, product variety, and shipping to help you decide which is best for you. 

Potency

When it comes to potency, if you’re a high-tolerance consumer, Crescent 9 offers the highest dose per product and a wide variety of strengths. 

If you’re a high-tolerance consumer and prefer to customize your dose or mix your own drinks, Nowadays may be the top choice. 

If you’re a drinker who’s looking for a straightforward dose, whether low or moderately high, Hempzer is a good option. 

In the end, you’ll need to decide whether you prefer a wider range of THC strengths, customizable dosing, or a straightforward dose you can count on.

Flavor & Drinkability

When it comes to flavors, each brand offers fruit-forward collections, but they’re not all the same. While they’re all carbonated and somewhat sweet, the actual drinkability varies from brand to brand and even between flavors. 

In general, consumers applaud Crescent 9 for its flavor variety, as the brand offers a wide range of drinks, including sour and lemonade varieties. 

As for Nowadays, if you’re purchasing based on flavor alone, this might not be the best choice. Consumers note that its seltzer flavors are hit-or-miss and say they’re better for those looking to mix their own mocktails. 

Hempzer’s fruit flavors have no grassy hemp aftertaste, making them a favorite among consumers, along with their zero-sugar and zero-calorie formula. The drinks deliver fruit-forward flavor without artificial sweeteners or added sugar. 

Cannabinoids & Effects

Cannabinoids and their effects are often the deciding factor for THC drink consumers, especially beginners or those with a low tolerance. 

Crescent 9 focuses primarily on THC-infused drinks, with a wide range of potencies from 5 mg to 50 mg. 

Nowadays is the most customizable THC drink choice in this guide, with spirits containing up to 166 mg of THC, and seltzers starting at 5 mg. 

Hempzer offers straightforward dosages of 5 mg and 10 mg designed for a balanced, clear-headed experience. 

If you’re looking for higher-potency THC options, Nowadays or Crescent 9 may be the better choice. 

If you’re looking to unwind or uplift your mood, Hempzer’s balanced THC options are a reliable choice. 

Product Variety

For some consumers, the choice might come down to product variety. With more product types comes more choice, while a smaller lineup may appeal to consumers looking for something simpler. 

While Crescent 9 and Nowadays offer the widest selection of drink types, they also have the most inconsistent reviews. Meaning sometimes less is better for better taste or product quality. 

That’s where Hempzer enters the conversation. Even though Hempzer only sells infused seltzers, our flagship products are designed to deliver a consistent flavor and experience. 

Shipping

Everyone knows the frustration of adding their items to the cart and feeling an initial shock seeing the shipping cost at checkout. So, let’s break down what you can expect from each brand. 

Crescent 9 is the most accessible, being available in more than 20 states and sold at popular retail locations like Total Wine, Circle K, and The Fresh Market. Online, the brand offers free shipping on orders over $99. 

Nowadays is also available in stores across eligible states, but not quite as accessible as Crescent 9. To get free shipping, you’ll have to purchase over $75 worth of products. 

Hempzer is not yet available in widespread retailers, but you can find it in select stores. You’ll get free shipping on orders over $99.99, and you can take advantage of ongoing savings with a subscription on recurring orders.

Conclusion: Which Brand Is Right for You?

In the end, the best THC drink depends on your personal preference.  

In this guide, you’ve learned the biggest differences and similarities between three popular brands. 

Crescent 9 is the best choice if you’re looking for higher-potency THC options. Nowadays is ideal for flexible, customizable dosing, and Hempzer is the best choice if you prefer a balanced, low-dose THC seltzer. 

Ultimately, which brand you choose comes down to your taste preferences, desired THC strength, and drinking style. 

If Hempzer sounds like the right fit for you, pick up our flavor variety pack to try the full lineup and decide which flavor is your favorite. 

Crescent 9 vs. Nowadays vs. Hempzer Seltzer: Frequently Asked Questions

These are some of the most common questions shoppers ask before choosing a THC beverage.

Is Crescent 9 Legal?

Crescent 9 products are made with hemp-derived delta 9 THC and are federally legal under current hemp laws when they contain no more than 0.3% delta 9 THC by dry weight. However, hemp-derived THC products are regulated differently from state to state, so availability depends on where you live. Be sure to check your local laws before purchasing.

What Are the Effects of Crescent 9?

The effects of Crescent 9 depend on the THC strength you choose. Lower-dose options are generally intended for a mild, social buzz, while higher-potency products can produce stronger effects. The brand uses nanoemulsion technology and advertises a faster onset than many traditional edibles.

Can You Buy Nowadays In a Store?

Yes. Nowadays is available through select retailers in many states, though availability varies by location. The brand is also commonly purchased online where hemp-derived THC products are permitted.

Does Nowadays Give You a Buzz?

Yes, Nowadays contains hemp-derived THC and can produce a mild to moderate buzz depending on your serving size and tolerance. One reason people like Nowadays is that you can measure your own dose, making it easier to find the experience that works best for you.

Is Nowadays Legal?

Nowadays is made with hemp-derived delta-9 THC and is federally legal when it complies with hemp regulations. However, state laws vary, and some states restrict or prohibit certain THC products regardless of federal hemp rules. Availability depends on your location.