If you had told me a year ago that I would voluntarily, enthusiastically, and with a straight face be discussing THC beverages in my aesthetically-driven newsletter, I would have assumed you had confused me with someone who owns a lava lamp.
I have never historically been a THC girl. Not in college. Not in law school. Not in adulthood. My personal brand has always leaned more “sparkling water in a wine glass” and the only thing remotely herbal was a Fortnum & Mason tea. My indulgence ceiling? A celebratory coupe of Champagne and perhaps a second if the night is particularly jubilant.
Which is why what happened this January feels so improbable.
After a holiday season of joyful excess—cheese boards, dinner parties, bubbles on bubbles—I decided to do a Dry January reset. I wasn’t looking for a personality pivot. I simply wanted to feel clearer, sleep better, and stop waking up mildly annoyed at my past self for pouring that second glass.
Enter: a friend who gently suggested I explore THC beverages.
I blinked.
THC drinks have recently become regulated and more widely available here in Georgia (and across many other jurisdictions). They are positioned not as “weed,” but as low-dose, controlled, adult alternatives to alcohol. Think: 2–10mg, clearly labeled, portioned, and intentionally formulated. It is surprisingly civilized.
I was skeptical, but curiosity (and Dry January resolve) won.
Over the next few weeks, I experimented cautiously—different brands, different dosages, different cannabinoid blends. What surprised me most was how nuanced the category is. Some drinks are cozy and sleep-forward. Others are bright and social. Some are ideal for reading a novel in bed; others are delightful at a small dinner party where you still want to be fully present.
And here is the part that truly converted me: I never woke up regretting it!
No 3 a.m. dehydration. No puffy eyes. No low-grade moral inventory about that second pour. Just sleep. Or conversation. Or both.
Somewhere along the way, my DMs began filling with “wait . . . YOU?” and PR packages started arriving addressed to the most unlikely THC correspondent in Atlanta. The irony is not lost on me. If anything, I think my very square-ness makes me the ideal reviewer. I am not predisposed to love this category. It had to earn me. And it did!
So below, I’ve ranked every flavor I’ve tried, with a few superlatives if you prefer the headlines over the tasting notes.
As always: indulge responsibly (21+ only). Start low. Go slow. And I’ve clearly noted with an asterisk (“*”) which products were sent as PR.
From one former skeptic to another: consider this your permission slip to be curious.
Rankings
14). Five Flowers Grapefruit Miamosa Cooler
5mg THC; 5mg CBD | Ranking: -1/10
Dear Reader, I simply could not. The scent alone transported me to a fraternity basement circa 2013. I did not proceed further than an initial whiff.
5mg THC | Ranking: 2/10
Overwhelmingly sweet—so much so that I couldn’t finish it. I suspect it might improve dramatically over ice, but as served, it wasn’t for me.
12). Artet Chamomile Lemon Spritz
5mg THC | Ranking: 3/10
Insert the “I was rooting for you!” Tyra here. On paper, this should have been my soulmate: chamomile! lemon! spritz! But the flavor and aroma skewed distinctly hemp-forward. After tasting the rest of the field, I realized my initial generosity was misplaced.
5mg THC; 10mg CBD; Lion’s Mane | Ranking: 4/10
Originally reviewed more favorably, but after comparison, it fell short. More foamy than fizzy, and the taste skewed gritty and earthy. That said? It did help me sleep exceptionally well. So while it won’t win for flavor, it may have a niche.
10). Nine Dot Peach Punch*
3mg THC; 5mg CBG | Ranking: 7/10
Bonus points for being an Atlanta-based company! I feared “peach punch” would skew syrupy, but it was light and pleasant. Lower-dose friendly and approachable.
10mg THC; 10mg CBC | Ranking: 8/10
Sparkling water profile—barely-there flavor in a LaCroix-adjacent way. Cozy and clouded without blasting me into orbit, which is impressive at 10mg.
8). WIMS Pocket Tonic*
4mg THC; 4mg CBD | Ranking: 8.5/10 | Best for Beginners!!!
Ingenious packaging (snap-to-open, no ripping required) and completely flavorless when mixed. Subtle effect—like a weighted blanket gently draped over your shoulders. Not as sleepy-making as others, but excellent for first-timers or microdosers.
7). BLNCD Prickly Pear Bee’s Knees
10mg THC; 10mg CBD | Ranking: 9/10 | Best Taste!!!
I am OBSESSED. The flavor is, without question, the most delicious of the entire lineup—bright, juicy, complex. The only reason this didn’t take the crown overall? The 10mg THC paired with 10mg CBD absolutely sends me to the moon. Divine for at-home-in-bed evenings. Perhaps not for PTA meetings.
6). BLNCD Hibiscus Punch Brain Boost
5mg THC; 5mg CBD; adaptogens | Ranking: 9/10
A light, fizzy sparkling water with just enough flavor to feel elevated. The 5mg + 5mg CBD combination was perfect for a couple’s mahjong night: relaxed, softened edges, fully present. Not sleepy. Not foggy. Just lovely.
5). CANN Naked High Boy*
5mg THC | Ranking: 9/10
An elite socializing option. Mixes clear and tasteless, quick onset, and without CBD it kept things floaty/fun rather than cozy/sleepy. It’s discreet, easy to carry, and ideal for small gatherings where you want to feel sparkly but sharp.
4). Happi Glow (Blood Orange Ginger)*
5mg THC; 5mg CBD; 3mg CBG; 2mg CBN | Ranking: 9/10 | Best Feeling!!!
Light, tart, and beautifully balanced—but the true star was the experience. Cozy, gently clouded, yet clear enough to read my novel. I slept deeply and woke before my 5 a.m. alarm fully rested. And refreshed.
5mg THC; 10mg CBD | Ranking: 9.5/10
So delicious—though very rosemary-forward with grapefruit as the supporting actress. Excellent for intimate dinner parties or winding down at home.
10mg THC | Ranking: 9.5/10 | Best for Socializing!!!
Poolside with a lime wedge and a splash of Pellegrino? I cannot wait. Despite the 10mg, the absence of CBD kept me alert and connected. It made me gigli (you’re welcome), but not foggy. This is your summer soirée drink!!!
1). CANN Lemon Lavender*
5mg THC; 10mg CBD | Ranking: 11/10 | Overall Winner!!!
My crown jewel. Fizzy, light, beautifully flavored—lavender present but not perfumey. The CBD adds a cozy undertone that eases you toward sleep, but not so much that you can’t enjoy it socially. Mahjong? Yes. Dinner party? Yes. In bed by 9:30? Also yes.
