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Living in California, where recreational cannabis has been legal since 2016, I did a sharp double-take when I scrolled past a few headlines about a potential ban on THC products. Uhh, what? It led me to a simple, yet surprising, truth: high-THC marijuana from dispensaries is not the same thing as hemp-derived THC, which has been federally legal since 2018.
A little backstory. Thanks to a clever loophole in the 2018 Farm Bill, hemp was removed from Schedule I status—opening the door for psychoactive cannabinoids like delta‑8, delta‑9, and delta‑10 to be infused into everything from seltzers to gummies to tinctures. So long as the THC level being derived from dry hemp was less than 0.3%, you could legally strap on a mild buzz without an ID or dispensary visit. But here’s the thing: this all hinges on a legal gray area. States like Texas—with bills in motion—and even Congress are starting to unravel the fabric that allowed hemp-based THC to thrive. California’s hesitation isn’t unique; it’s part of a growing trend.
With state-level bans on the horizon and federal rules under review, the moment to explore hemp-derived THC is ASAP. So, in true Quality Edit fashion, we taste-tested the brands with the buzziest drinks and edibles on the market. Below is our curated list of THC beverages and edibles to try—while they’re still in stock.
Best Hemp-Derived THC Beverages
Hemp‑THC drinks are having a moment. They’re light, refreshing, and deliver just enough buzz in a single can or bottle. Thanks to a nano-emulsification process (THC molecules broken down into nanoparticles), the effects tend to kick in within 15 to 30 minutes. These beverages are mighty appealing as hangover-free, alcohol alternatives that can be enjoyed socially or winding down solo. With plenty of options on the table, we narrowed it down to the main brands we’re loving.
Delta-brand seltzers are all about simplicity and consistency. They want your experience to feel dialed in and totally on your terms. Their range starts with 5 mg “Light” seltzers (with 1 mg CBD) in refreshing flavors like Tropical Mango and Bright Berry, perfect for a gentle social buzz. For something bolder, the 10 mg cannabis waters offer a cleaner, slightly stronger lift. And for seasoned users, the stronger 20 mg cannabis waters (with indica, sativa, or hybrid options) deliver deeper, full-bodied feels.
TQE Pick: Delta Light in Tropical Mango 5mg | $16.99 for a 4-pack
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This is the craft-cocktail lover’s answer to traditional THC drinks. Each 8 oz can is microdosed with 2 mg THC and 4 mg CBD, infused with sparkling water, fruit juice, agave, and botanical flavor profiles like blood orange, lavender, and yuzu-elderflower. For those seeking more lift, their bigger “Hi Boy” cans bump up the dose to 10 mg THC. Cann Social Tonics have also taken home a bevvy (pun intended) of Clio Cannabis Awards, so they’re vetted by the pros, too.
TQE Pick: Cann Social Tonic 2mg Lemon-Lavender | $66 for a 12-pack
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Dad Grass delivers a laid-back, weekend-vibes energy in their THC beverages. Each can of their Leisure Drink packs a modest 3 mg of THC (plus 6 mg CBD), and even includes extras like electrolytes, lion’s mane, and L-theanine to support hydration, focus, and a mellow mood. They utilize real fruit juice blends, so it tastes more like a sophisticated sparkling juice than a cannabis drink.
TQE Pick: Dad Grass Leisure Drink in Jalapeno Lime | $37 for a 6-pack
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Best Hemp-Derived THC Edibles
Gummies remain a go-to in the hemp‑THC world. They’re discreet, portable, and come in doses ranging from 5 mg to 10 mg. Expect the effects to take hold 30–90 minutes after eating, and last for several hours. Perfect for aiding in relaxation or a good night’s sleep. But without strict regulation in place, you’ll want to steer towards brands that practice batch-to-batch transparency, so you know exactly what you’re ingesting. Below are our top picks.
Cornbread stands out not just for flavor but pedigree. These vegan-friendly gummies are made from USDA-organic, flower-only Kentucky hemp, honoring a 250-year state hemp heritage. It’s a claim that few brands can make. Each gummy delivers a clean 10 mg THC dose in a fruity chew that brings gentle, consistent relaxation without feeling spacey. As a bonus, the brand offers seed-to-sale tracking and third-party lab testing—which is a big win for those seeking extra transparency.
TQE Pick: Cornbread Blueberry Breeze THC Gummies, 10mg | $49.99
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Cycling Frog takes their gummies into grown-up territory. Their 10 mg vegan chews are made with real fruit juice and organic sweeteners—so no high-fructose corn syrup. They also offer microdose mints (with 1 mg) or high-potency THC brownies with 50 mg for those who want just a little or a whole lot. They opt to use whole-plant hemp extract (not just isolated cannabinoids) meaning you get the THC alongside naturally occurring terpenes and minor cannabinoids. In layman’s terms, that’s like getting the full team of plant compounds working together, rather than just THC alone, which potentially creates a smoother, more nuanced effect.
TQE Pick: WintergreenTHC Mints in Wintergreen | $11.99
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For those looking for more of a wellness approach, Joy Organics focuses their THC gummies on stress management rather than a high. They thoughtfully craft their formulas with 30 mg broad-spectrum CBD and just 1 mg THC, plus adaptogens like ashwagandha and L-theanine. If you’re looking for sleep support, their bedtime version also includes a touch of melatonin. These gummies are vegan, gluten-free, and designed for optimal rest and recovery.
TQE Pick: Joy Organics CBD Sleep Gummies with CBN & THC | $49.95
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Your Friendly Heads‑Up Before the Ban Hits
There’s never been a more intriguing (or fleeting) moment to explore hemp-derived THC. With a few clicks of a mouse, you can easily shop to pick up a pack of seltzers to lift your spirits or a jar of THC gummies to pop before bed. While their legal future is unclear; for now, beverages and edibles made from federally compliant hemp remain widely accessible for ages 21 and up. So if you’re hemp-curious, now’s the time to experiment and find what works for you—before that tricky regulatory window adjusts again.
