Best Hemp and Cannabinoid-Infused Drinks & Beverages to Try in 2024

One trend that we’re seeing more of recently in years is cannabinoid-infused drinks, acting as an alternative to more traditional edibles like gummies and chocolates. Drinking your favorite cannabinoids offers a faster-acting and often more potent high thank to the water solubility factor, allowing the cannabinoid to absorb more easily into the cells of the body. With that piece of information, companies have developed some pretty nice concoctions that are tasty, travel-friendly, and capable of giving you a substantial hemp effect for hours. And, here at The Calm Leaf, we wanna help you decide which one you might want to consider trying the next time you go shopping for hemp.

An Overview of Hemp and Cannabinoid-Infused Drinks & Beverages

Hemp and cannabinoid-infused drinks & beverages are liquid consumables infused with cannabinoids (non-psychoactive or psychoactive) derived from the cannabis plant. These beverages include a wide range of products, such as water, sodas, teas, coffees, syrups, and even alcoholic drinks, offering a unique and refreshing way to consume cannabinoids.

How Hemp and Cannabinoid Drinks Are Made

The production of hemp and cannabinoid-infused beverages involves several steps, with key considerations for the solubility of cannabinoids, dosage control, and flavor profile:

1. Cannabinoid Extraction: The process begins with the extraction of cannabinoids from the cannabis or hemp plant. This is usually done using CO2 extraction, ethanol extraction, or lipid extraction methods, resulting in a concentrated cannabinoid extract. For non-psychoactive products, CBD is often the primary focus, extracted from hemp to comply with regulations like those in the United States that require hemp-derived products to contain less than 0.3% THC.
2. Decarboxylation: If the beverage aims to contain active THC, the extract must undergo decarboxylation. This process involves heating the cannabis extract to convert THCA (tetrahydrocannabinolic acid) into psychoactive THC. For CBD products, a similar process ensures that CBDA is converted into CBD.
3. Emulsification: Cannabinoids are hydrophobic and do not naturally mix well with water. To incorporate them into beverages, the extract is often converted into a water-soluble form through emulsification. This process involves breaking down the cannabinoid oil into tiny particles and encapsulating them in a surfactant, making the oil particles stable and dispersible in water. Nanoemulsion technology is commonly used for this purpose, as it creates very small particles that can easily blend into beverages, improving the bioavailability of cannabinoids.
4. Infusion: The water-soluble cannabinoid emulsion is then mixed into the base beverage. This could be anything from water, tea, coffee, juice, or even alcoholic drinks. The infusion process must be carefully controlled to ensure even distribution of the cannabinoids throughout the batch.
5. Flavoring and Carbonation (if applicable): Additional ingredients such as flavors, sweeteners, and carbonation can be added to enhance the taste and appeal of the beverage. The flavoring process is particularly important, as it can help mask the natural taste of cannabinoids, which some consumers may find unpleasant.
6. Packaging and Labeling: Once the beverage is infused and flavored, it is packaged in bottles, cans, or other containers. Proper labeling is crucial, indicating the type and amount of cannabinoids per serving, ingredients, and other relevant information for consumers. Packaging should also protect the product from light and air to preserve its potency and freshness.

What to Look For in Hemp and Cannabinoid Drinks & Beverages

When exploring hemp and cannabinoid-infused drinks & beverages, the selection criteria are similar to edibles but with some nuances specific to liquid forms. To be a bit more specific, here what you need to know about selecting high-quality, effective, and enjoyable drinks & beverages:

1. Source of Hemp: Prioritize drinks made from high-quality, organically grown hemp. The hemp should be sourced from reputable farms that follow strict agricultural practices to ensure the plants are free from pesticides and heavy metals.

2. Type of Extract: The drinks or beverages you come across can be made from a few main extracts:

• Full-Spectrum: Contains all cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids found in the plant, including trace amounts of THC.
• Broad-Spectrum: Similar to full-spectrum but with THC removed.
• Isolate: Contains only the specific cannabinoid, like CBD, with all other compounds removed.

3. Potency & Dosage: The product should clearly indicate the amount of cannabinoid(s) per serving and the total content in the bottle. Starting with a lower dosage and gradually adjusting is advisable to find your optimal level.

4. Bioavailability: The form of the cannabinoid in the beverage affects how much and how quickly it is absorbed into the body. Water-soluble formulations tend to have higher bioavailability than oil-based extracts when ingested as a drink.

5. Lab Testing and Transparency: Look for products that have been third-party lab tested, with accessible reports confirming cannabinoid content, purity, and absence of contaminants such as heavy metals, pesticides, and solvents.

6. Extraction Method: The method used to extract cannabinoids from hemp affects the purity and quality of the product. CO2 extraction is widely regarded as safe and efficient, avoiding the use of harsh solvents.

7. Product Type and Variety: Drinks & beverages come in various types like we talked about earlier, so consider your preferences and lifestyle when choosing the type of drink or beverage.

8. Taste: The flavor of the beverage is key to enjoyment. Look for products with positive reviews regarding taste. Many brands offer a variety of flavors to cater to different preferences.

9. Ingredients: Review the ingredient list for quality and potential allergens. The best cannabinoid drinks use natural, organic ingredients and avoid artificial colors, flavors, and sweeteners. Additional health-focused ingredients, such as vitamins or herbal extracts, can be a bonus.

10. Packaging and Labeling: Proper packaging is crucial for protecting the drink from light and air, which can degrade cannabinoids. Dark-colored, sealed bottles or cans are preferred. Packaging should also be easy to use and recyclable or eco-friendly. Labels should provide comprehensive product information, including ingredients, cannabinoid content, suggested dosage, and manufacturing details.

11. Brand Reputation and Transparency: Choose products from reputable brands that are transparent about their sourcing, manufacturing processes, and lab testing. Customer reviews, brand history, and industry recognition can provide insights into the brand’s reliability and product quality.

12. Legal Compliance: Verify that the product complies with local laws regarding hemp and CBD products. The THC content should be within legal limits (usually less than 0.3% THC by dry weight in many jurisdictions).

13. Price vs. Quality: While price can be an indicator of quality, the most expensive products are not always the best. Consider the factors mentioned above and opt for products that offer the best value for money.

14. Personal Needs and Preferences: Reflect on what you’re looking to achieve with hemp or cannabinoid-infused drinks & beverages. Whether it's for bliss, sleep aid, potential pain relief, or other benefits, choose products tailored to meet those specific needs.

Pros & Cons:

Pros:

• Ease of Use: Beverages are a familiar and convenient way to consume cannabinoids, appealing to those who may be new to cannabis products.
• Discretion: Hemp and cannabinoid drinks can be consumed discreetly, resembling regular non-infused beverages, making them suitable for various social settings.
• Variety of Options: Again, there's a wide range of cannabinoid-infused beverages available, including teas, coffees, waters, sodas, energy drinks, syrups, etc. catering to different tastes and preferences.
• Controlled Dosage: Many infused beverages come in precise dosages, making it easier for consumers to manage their intake and experience consistent effects.
• Alternative to Alcohol: These beverages offer a non-alcoholic alternative that can provide relaxation or other desired effects without the risks associated with alcohol consumption.

Cons:

• Delayed Effects: Similar to edibles, the effects of cannabinoids in beverages can take time to manifest, potentially leading to overconsumption if the user is unaware or impatient.
• Inconsistency in Absorption: The body's absorption of cannabinoids from beverages can vary based on individual metabolism, the presence of food in the stomach, and other factors, leading to inconsistent experiences.

Our Top 2024 Picks for Hemp and Cannabinoid-Infused Drinks & Beverages

Now, the moment you’ve been waiting for folks. Let’s take a look at our favorite hemp-infused drinks, all of which are made by trusted brands, and contain potent servings of cannabinoids along with clean ingredients. Of course, these products below have been lab-tested to ensure only the highest quality and safety levels possible.

Hemp and Cannabinoid-Infused Drinks & Beverage #10: CBD For The People Hemp CBD Lemon Ginseng Tea

Sipping on a warm cup of tea is relaxing as it is, but when you throw CBD into the mix, it takes on a whole new level. This tea from CBD For the People combines hemp flower with lemon ginseng tea leaves, to offer a soothing taste along with the benefits of real, pure hemp in the Wine Widow strain. Each tea bag contains 27% CBD.

Hemp and Cannabinoid-Infused Drinks & Beverage #9: Sunday Seltzer Hemp Enhanced Drink

We’re going to go out on a limb here and guess that based on the name and ingredients, this drink could really come in handy for a lot of people when Sunday morning comes. The hemp can ease you when you’re feeling physically and mentally off, whether you were partying the night before, or you just need a bit of rebalancing. Each can contains 20mg hemp extract, without any psychoactive properties, and you’ll consume just 10 calories each time you chug it down.

Hemp and Cannabinoid-Infused Drinks & Beverage #8: Hectare’s Delta 9 THC + CBD Infused Beverage

We love this tasty drink that combines 5mg delta 9 with 10mg CBD, for a gentle and relaxing effect that’s just mildly intoxicating. Available in lots of tasty flavors (we love Blood Orange), this is a concentrated fruit drink that can be diluted in your favorite beverage, or simply enjoyed on its own sort of like a shot.

Hemp and Cannabinoid-Infused Drinks & Beverage #7: Rebel Rabbit Delta 9 THC High Seltzer

What’s not to love about this delta 9 seltzer, which comes in a variety pack of tasty fruit flavors? Each can supplies 5mg or 10mg pure delta 9 distillate, depending on which option you choose at checkout, and it’s totally legal – not to mention intensely refreshing. This low-calorie beverage uses natural ingredients to provide a gentle formula that you can enjoy daily without any guilt, and it’s really delicious – you will want to sip all 12 cans that come in each pack.

Hemp and Cannabinoid-Infused Drinks & Beverage #6: Smoking Dog Delta 9 THC Infused Lemonade

Available in lots of dreamy flavors, including Blue Lemonade, Pink Lemonade, and more, this delta 9 drink is tasty, and a nice change from the more popular sparkling drinks. Each bottle contains 100 milligrams of delta 9 THC, which sounds like a lot until you consider that you get a good number of portions in each bottle. Besides that, you’ll enjoy nothing but pure ingredients that aren’t artificial-tasting in any way.

Hemp and Cannabinoid-Infused Drinks & Beverage #5: Farma Barn Delta 9 THC Water Soluble Beverage Enhancer

If you want to simply add some delta 9 THC to an existing beverage of your choice, this product from Farma Barn is the way to go. It offers up nano-emulsified delta 9 distillate, meaning that it’s water-soluble, and ready to enhance any drink you have in your hand. It’s unflavored, and each bottle contains 150mg of the cannabinoid in total, so you can also dose out according to your preferences and tolerance – a pretty innovative product, if you ask us.

Hemp and Cannabinoid-Infused Drinks & Beverage #4: Delta 8 Pro Delta 8 THC Syrup

For something a little bit different, this delta 8 syrup can be added to any drink, or enjoyed on its own, to offer a controlled dosage of delta 8 THC. This cannabinoid is less potent than delta 9, and it offers a more calming type of high that many people prefer over anything else that’s on the hemp market. It comes in both grape and strawberry flavors, with 300mg delta 8 total in each bottle.

Hemp and Cannabinoid-Infused Drinks & Beverage #3: CBD Living Nano Infused Delta 9 THC Lemonade

We already covered one lemonade product, and this one is just as enticing, this time delivering delta 8 THC – 100 milligrams to be exact – in 3 different flavor options to choose from. It’s the ideal way to refresh your taste buds while treating yourself to a mellowing high that can help you feel more grounded.

Hemp and Cannabinoid-Infused Drinks & Beverage #2: ELYXR Delta 9 THC Infused Drinks

Yet another fabulous delta 9 beverage comes from ELYXR, this time offering a sparkling water that arrives in a can, for a single serving fix. Each can contains 25mg of delta 9 THC, which is definitely strong enough to get most people generously high, and you can choose from lots of enticing flavors that are alone worthwhile.

Hemp and Cannabinoid-Infused Drinks & Beverage #1: High Spirits Delta 9 THC + CBD 1:1 Terpene-Infused Cannabis Seltzer

With 10mg CBD + 10mg delta 9 in every can, this tasty, refreshing drink from High Spirits is unique in that it comes in two options: indica and sativa, thanks to its use of terpene extracts, which offer a more customized kind of THC beverage experience. Made with natural ingredients, it hits the spot, and provides you with a long-lasting high that’s absolutely blissful.

Sip Your Way to Hemp and Cannabinoid Satisfaction!

At The Calm Leaf, we offer plenty of must-try hemp and cannabinoid-inspired drinks & beverages like the ones above, in order to offer up a unique experience when it comes to the cannabinoids that you seek out on a regular basis. Explore these awesome formulas and many more on our website, for a brand-new delivery method that really satisfies on all levels.