The Best THC Soda for 2025

Cannabis beverages are one of the quickest-growing product types in the cannabis industry, with sales in North America reaching nearly $2 billion in 2023, according to market data from Fortune Business Insights. Some of the most popular cannabis drinks, THC sodas and seltzers, can be found at dispensaries in most states that have legalized cannabis for medical or recreational use. 

What Is THC Soda?

Simply put, THC sodas are carbonated beverages that contain THC, the cannabinoid largely responsible for the intoxicating effects of cannabis. Often, THC sodas will also contain other cannabinoids, such as CBD or CBG. 

These carbonated beverages, which are steadily gaining popularity, usually contain flavorings to make them tasty and appealing. Some THC sodas may contain sugar or other sweeteners, but many sugar-free options are available.

How Is THC Soda Made?

Making THC sodas involves several different manufacturing steps.

1. Extraction: Manufacturers begin the THC soda-making process by extracting THC (and perhaps other compounds) from cannabis flower and other plant biomass. CO2 extraction is often used to help maintain the purity of the cannabis extract. Other methods, such as hydrocarbon or solventless extraction, may be employed instead.

2. Emulsification: THC is hydrophobic, meaning that it does not mix with water or water-based solutions. Because of this, cannabis soda manufacturers generally mix THC oil with emulsifiers that help separate the oil into small particles that can be mixed into the beverage evenly. This process, referred to as nanoemulsification, also enhances the bioavailability of THC, making it more easily absorbed by the body.

3. Formulation: The beverage manufacturer then creates a formula for the beverage that will produce the desired flavor and potency. A formula helps ensure that the THC sodas will provide a consistent experience.

4. Beverage Mixing: The emulsified THC is mixed with water and flavorings in carefully controlled ratios to create the beverage according to its formula. Other ingredients, including sweeteners and preservatives, are often added during this step to make the final mixture. It’s then carbonated to add refreshing effervescence.

5. Quality Control and Testing: After mixing or production, manufacturers conduct quality testing to ensure the beverages are made according to the formula. Testing also verifies THC potency and helps ensure that the sodas are manufactured in compliance with state laws and regulations.

6. Packaging: The THC sodas are then packaged in bottles or cans before being distributed to dispensaries and other retailers.

Why Choose THC Soda?

THC sodas are a convenient way to enjoy the potential benefits of cannabis without smoking. Unlike most other consumption methods, they are ready to use as-is, without the need for additional accessories. Beverages are also discreet, making them more appropriate for some situations.

Cannabis drinks are popular among young adults who see them as an alternative to alcohol, according to a report from Harvard Medical School. While still offering a buzz, drinking THC sodas does not have the side effects often associated with alcoholic beverages. 

THC sodas are also popular with patients and consumers because they offer versatility in dosing. Some have as little as 2mg THC per serving, making them a low-dose option suitable for some patients. Others are significantly more potent and have 10mg THC or more per serving. Additionally, it is easy to “stack” doses to get the desired potency of THC by drinking more than one seltzer or soda.

Do You Get a Buzz from THC drinks?

The THC in cannabis sodas and seltzers will impart a buzz and can even get a person high, although the effects can vary widely between individuals. Some will begin feeling the intoxicating effects of cannabis by drinking a beverage with as little as 2mg THC. Others will need more, with some needing as much as 50mg THC or more, depending on tolerance and other factors.

It is important to note that the intoxicating effects of THC sodas often have a quicker onset than cannabis edibles. Because the THC in weed drinks is formulated to be water soluble, it can be absorbed by the body’s soft tissues more quickly than foods containing cannabinoids.

Do THC Drinks Show Up on a Drug Test?

Like all products that contain THC, using THC sodas and other beverages can result in a positive drug test for cannabis metabolites. Those who are subject to drug tests for cannabis should not use THC drinks.

Is THC Soda Available Near You?

Most states that have legalized cannabis for medical or recreational use allow dispensaries to sell THC-infused sodas, seltzers, and other beverages. However, regulations vary from state to state. Depending on their location, patients may notice differences in availability, maximum potency, and other factors.

Since the federal legalization of hemp in 2018, hemp-derived THC sodas can be found in many jurisdictions, including in states where cannabis has not been legalized. However, the regulatory environment for these products is dynamic, and regulators are increasingly regulating THC beverages. Several states have banned or regulated consumable hemp products. In states without regulations, consumable hemp goods, including THC sodas, may not meet the same quality and potency standards as regulated cannabis products in legal states.

To protect themselves, patients and consumers should check the laws governing THC drinks and edibles in their state before purchase. 

What To Look For When Buying THC Soda

A few key factors can help patients and consumers choose a THC soda that best suits their needs. This information is generally found on the package or a certificate of analysis when available.

• Cannabinoid Content: Perhaps the most important factor to consider is cannabinoid potency. Most cannabis sodas and other beverages will have the THC potency listed in milligrams and printed on the packaging. Some cannabis beverages are rich in CBD and may have little or no THC, while others will have a balanced ratio of the two major cannabinoids. Specialty cannabis beverages may contain minor cannabinoids, such as CBG and CBN.

• Flavors: Fruit flavors are quite common, and many manufacturers offer classic soda selections, such as cola, root beer, and lemon-lime. Some have sugar in one form or another, while others rely on artificial sweeteners. Although some varieties will have a distinct cannabis flavor, in others, the taste of weed is faint or nonexistent.

• Expected Effects: THC beverages are sometimes labeled to give patients and consumers an idea of the product’s expected effects, such as relaxing or uplifting. A few may have indica, sativa, or hybrid listed on the package to convey this information.

Top 5 THC Sodas

While personal preference should be the key factor in deciding which cannabis beverage to buy, brands that have gained popularity with patients and consumers can help guide product selection. 

Here is a list of the top five THC sodas for 2025:

1. Not Your Father's THC Infused Root Beer: A favorite traditional root beer brand, Not Your Father’s has released a live resin-infused 100mg THC root beer for California consumers.

2. Hi5 Soda: This seltzer soda comes in six traditional soda flavors. Massachusetts consumers can get it in a four-pack, with each can containing 5mg THC.

3. Mary Jones Cannabis: This high-dose THC soda is available in California and Nevada. Hemp-derived sodas with low THC are also sold online for shipment to many other states.

4. Keef Brands: Enriched with 10mg THC, this company's THC soda is available in the following flavors: Bubba Kush Root Beer, Original Cola, Orange Kush, Blue Razz, and Purple Passion. Depending on the state, these tasty beverages may contain up to 100mg THC per can. They are available in Arizona, California, Colorado, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Oregon, Puerto Rico, and Ontario.

5. Magic Number: Hand-crafted in Oregon with natural ingredients, these full-spectrum refreshments contain 5mg THC per can. Flavors include Sasparilla, Classic Cola, Mandarin Lime, and Cherry Vanilla.

Because they’re easy to consume and fun to share with friends, THC drinks are finding their way into the homes of more patients. If you haven’t tried them yet, check out the selection of THC sodas during your next dispensary visit.

The information in this article and any included images or charts are for educational purposes only. This information is neither a substitute for, nor does it replace, professional legal advice or medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have any concerns or questions about laws, regulations, or your health, you should always consult with an attorney, physician or other licensed professional.