THC Seltzer vs. THC:CBD Seltzer: How They Compare

If you've been scanning the cooler for an alcohol alternative, you've probably noticed THC seltzers popping up alongside the beer and hard seltzer. Some keep it simple with THC, while others add CBD to the mix. 

The cans may look similar, but what you get from them isn’t necessarily the same.

 Here’s how THC and THC:CBD seltzers compare, and what to consider before cracking one open.

What Is THC Seltzer?

A THC seltzer is a sparkling, non-alcoholic drink infused with THC, the cannabinoid responsible for cannabis's intoxicating effects. Most seltzers you'll find in liquor stores and bars contain hemp-derived THC, often in relatively low doses such as 2.5mg, 5mg, or 10mg per can. 

Unlike traditional edibles, THC seltzers often use water-soluble or nanoemulsified THC. This helps the cannabinoid disperse throughout the drink and may also help it take effect faster than THC in foods like gummies or brownies [1]. 

At Hempzer, we pair carbonated spring water and natural fruit extracts with either 5mg or 10mg of hemp-derived delta-9 THC. Our seltzers have zero calories and sugar and no artificial sweeteners, making them a great option when you want a drink that gives you great feelings without reaching for a beer or cocktail.

What Is THC and CBD Seltzer?

A THC and CBD seltzer combines THC with cannabidiol (CBD), a non-intoxicating cannabinoid. You’ll typically see the amount of each listed separately on the can, such as 5mg THC and 5mg CBD. Unlike THC, CBD won't get you high on its own, so THC is still responsible for the drink’s intoxicating effects. 

You’ll often see THC and CBD paired in different ratios, with some brands marketing the combination as a more balanced experience. But adding CBD doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll feel less high or experience fewer of THC’s unwanted effects. Research into how the two cannabinoids interact is more complicated, which we’ll get into below.

THC and CBD Ratios in Seltzers

THC ratios tell you how much of each cannabinoid is in a drink relative to the other. A 1:1 seltzer contains equal amounts of THC and CBD, while a 1:2 ratio contains twice as much CBD as it does THC.

Here are a few ratios you may come across:

The ratio only tells you the proportion of THC to CBD, though, so don't use it to judge potency on its own. A 1:1 drink with 2.5mg of THC is very different from a 1:1 drink with 10mg. Check the actual milligrams per serving to know how much THC you're getting.

THC Seltzer vs. THC:CBD Seltzer: How They Compare

Both options sparkling, alcohol-free, and dosed by the milligram, so the real differences come down to four things.

Experience & Effects

How a can feels depends mostly on the THC dose, your tolerance, and whether you've eaten. The question is whether adding CBD changes that experience in a way you'll notice.

• THC Seltzer: At lower doses, THC can produce a mild buzz and feelings of relaxation and euphoria. Our 5mg seltzers offer a milder option, while the 10mg beverages deliver a stronger dose for people who already know how THC affects them. The experience typically lasts around 2-4 hours.
• THC:CBD Seltzer: These are often marketed as smoother or mellower, and some drinkers prefer them for that reason. However, research is mixed, so this combination likely affects every person a bit differently. A King's College London trial found that adding CBD at ratios up to 3:1 didn't change THC's effects on thinking, anxiety, or enjoyment [2]. If you're looking for a ratio beverage specifically to take the edge off THC, pay close attention to the THC dose rather than assuming more CBD means a milder high.

How They Work

THC and CBD both interact with your body's endocannabinoid system, but they work in different ways.

• THC Seltzer: THC activates endocannabinoid receptors -- particularly CB1 receptors in the brain and nervous system -- which is what gives it its intoxicating effect. In a seltzer, the THC is emulsified so it can disperse evenly throughout the water rather than separating like oil.
• THC:CBD Seltzer: CBD doesn’t produce intoxication on its own and interacts with the endocannabinoid system differently than THC. A Johns Hopkins Medicine study found that a high oral dose of CBD slowed the breakdown of THC, resulting in a stronger, longer-lasting effects [3]. However, the study used 640mg of CBD, far more than you’d find in a typical seltzer, so the results don’t tell use how a low-dose THC drink will affect you.

Onset Time

Speed is one of the biggest reasons people pick a drink over a traditional edible. Research has found that nanoemulsified THC beverages can be absorbed faster than THC-infused foods, often taking effect in as little as 15 minutes [1].

• THC Seltzer: With Hempzer, most of our customers begin to notice effects within 15-30 minutes, depending on metabolism, tolerance, and whether they've eaten recently. That quicker window can make it easier to pace yourself. Still, give the first can time to take effect before reaching for another.
• THC:CBD Seltzer: Onset depends mainly on the formulation (water-soluble or nanoemulsified THC), not on whether CBD is in the can. A well-made combo seltzer should kick in on a similar timeline to a THC-only seltzer. Poorly emulsified products of either type can take longer, so the brand's formulation matters more than the ratio.

Legality

Right now, hemp-derived THC seltzers of both types are sold under the 2018 Farm Bill, which covers hemp containing no more than 0.3% delta-9 THC by dry weight.

There have been proposed changes: a federal law signed in November 2025 limits finished hemp products to 0.4mg of total THC per container. 

However, a September 2026 funding bill pushed its effective date from November 12 to December 11, 2026, giving Congress more time to write regulations instead [4].

• THC Seltzer: THC seltzer is currently legal under the 2018 Farm Bill. Hempzer is made with hemp-derived delta-9 THC and complies with this bill, so you can buy it online or at a store near you. State and local laws vary, so confirm the rules where you live before you order. Unless Congress acts before December 11, 2026, products with more than 0.4mg of THC fall under the new federal definition of hemp.
• THC:CBD Seltzer: Adding CBD doesn't change the legal distinction because the new federal limit applies to total THC. THC:CBD seltzers therefore face the same federal restrictions as THC-only seltzers.

THC Seltzer or THC:CBD Seltzer: Which One Is Right for You?

Neither cannabinoid blend is universally better. Instead, choose based on your needs and preferences.

Choose a THC seltzer if…

• You want the most predictable experience. 
• You’re new to THC or haven’t used it in a while. 
• You know your tolerance and want a stronger high. 
• You’re after the classic THC experience: a social lift, relaxation, and a mood boost.
  

Choose a THC:CBD seltzer if…

• You want a lighter head high; CBD tends to temper the psychoactive effects of THC. 
  
• You already consume CBD and like the idea of getting it in the same drink.
• You want less THC per can without giving up a full-size drink. CBD-forward ratios like 1:2 or 1:3 pair a smaller THC dose with more CBD.
  

What to Look for When Shopping for THC and CBD Seltzers

Not every infused can is made to the same standard. Check these four things before you buy.

Clear, per-can dosing

The label should state exactly how many milligrams of THC (and CBD, if included) are in each can. Vague terms like "infused" or "microdosed" with no number are a red flag. This matters most if you're new to cannabis or THC drinks, since knowing your dose is how you learn your sweet spot.

Third-party lab testing

Look for a certificate of analysis (COA) from an independent lab. A COA lets you verify the cannabinoid content and, when included in the testing, check for contaminants. At Hempzer, we verify our products with third-party COAs (available here) and produce our seltzers in a cGMP facility with ISO clean-room verified standards.

A clean ingredient list

Be sure to read the back of the can. Look for ingredients that match what you want from a seltzer, whether that’s no added sugar, no artificial sweeteners, or fewer calories. We make Hempzer with carbonated spring water and natural fruit extracts, and every can is free of sugar, calories, and artificial sweeteners.

Fast-acting, water-soluble formulation

If a faster onset matters to you, look for products that use water-soluble or nanoemulsified THC. These formulations are what lets a drink kick in within about 15-30 minutes instead of an hour or more. Give yourself time to feel the effects before reaching for another can.

Stay High-Drated With Hempzer THC Seltzers

Whether you're looking to replace alcohol or just want a better way to relax, Hempzer THC seltzers deliver the effects and flavor you're looking for.

Available in two potencies (5mg or 10mg THC per can) and four flavors (Blood Orange, Peach Ginger, Blackberry, and Mango), our seltzers deliver measured THC doses to elevate your every day routine. 

Sip confidently and guilt-free: our beverages contain zero sugar, calories, or artificial sweeteners, and every batch is lab-tested to confirm potency and safety.

Browse our THC seltzer collection today to find the flavor and dose that feels right for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some questions we frequently get asked about different cannabinoid blends in seltzers. 

Is THC With CBD Better than Just THC?

Not necessarily. Controlled research hasn't shown that CBD reliably softens THC’s effects, so adding CBD is proven to create a milder experience [2]. However, many people anecdotally report this. Ultimately, it comes down to the experience you prefer, along with the amount of THC in the can.

Which THC Drink is the Strongest?

The strongest drink is the one with the most milligrams of THC per serving, and some brands sell high-dose beverages with 50mg of THC in a 2-ounce bottle [1]. Among hemp seltzers, 10mg per can sits at the higher end, which is why we make our seltzers with either 5mg or 10mg of THC per can. How strong a beverage feels to you also depends on your tolerance and other individual factors.

Do CBD Drinks Get You Buzzed?

No. CBD is non-intoxicating, so a CBD-only drink won't produce a high, though some full-spectrum products can contain trace amounts of THC. If you want to avoid THC altogether, check the cannabinoid content on the label.

What Calms You, THC or CBD?

Both cannabinodis can deliver relaxation, but they do so differently. THC produces intoxicating effects that some people find relaxing, while CBD doesn’t produce a high but rather creates subtle mental and physical relaxation.

References

[1] LoParco, C. R., Tillett, K. K., Chen-Sankey, J., Berg, C. J., & Rossheim, M. E. (2024). Public health considerations about tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)-infused beverages. Addiction. https://doi.org/10.1111/add.16676

[2] King's College London. (2022). Cannabis not made safer by increasing its CBD content. https://www.kcl.ac.uk/news/cannabis-not-made-safer-by-increasing-its-cbd-content

[3] Johns Hopkins Medicine. (2023, February 13). CBD may increase the adverse effects of THC in edible cannabis products, study shows. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/news/newsroom/news-releases/2023/02/cbd-may-increase-the-adverse-effects-of-thc-in-edible-cannabis-products-study-shows

[4] Herrington, A. J. (2026, September 3). Trump signs bill delaying hemp THC ban until December. Forbes. https://www.forbes.com/sites/ajherrington/2026/09/03/trump-signs-bill-delaying-hemp-thc-ban-until-december/