Delta 8 seltzer has exploded onto the scene as an intriguing new option in the non-alcoholic beverage space. These cannabis-derived bubbly drinks deliver a mild high and euphoric buzz thanks to their infusion of Delta 8 THC, an isomer compound found naturally in small amounts in the cannabis plant. Delta 8 provides pleasant effects similar to regular THC without the intensity or anxiety sometimes associated with cannabis.
Packed with fruity flavors and zero alcohol or calories, Delta 8 seltzers offer guilt-free intoxication. Their surging popularity suggests these innovative THC-based fizzy drinks may be the best thing going for consumers seeking a legal buzz without the booze or hangover.
What is Delta 8 THC?
Delta 8 tetrahydrocannabinol, commonly referred to as Delta 8 THC or Delta 8, is a naturally occurring compound found in small quantities in the cannabis sativa plant. It is an isomer of CBD and Delta 9 THC, the main psychoactive compound in cannabis.
Delta 8 THC produces similar effects to Delta 9 THC, but it’s less potent – think of it as marijuana-lite. It provides a mild high along with the potential benefits of THC, like euphoria, relaxation, and improved focus. Because it exists in such small amounts in the cannabis plant, most Delta 8 on the market is synthetically derived from CBD.
The rise of Delta 8 seltzer
Delta 8 exploded in popularity in 2021 as a legal way to experience the pleasant buzz and potential advantages of THC without the intensity of regular cannabis. Delta 8 products, including vapes, gummies, tinctures, and seltzers, started appearing everywhere.
Fizzy, fruity Delta 8 seltzers, in particular, have become a top-selling category. They deliver the unique effects of Delta 8 in a convenient, low-calorie, and refreshing format. Leading Delta 8 beverage brands like Happy Apple, Daytrip, and Binoid now offer a wide selection of seltzer flavors and strengths.
What makes Delta 8 Seltzer the best?
Provides a mild high
One of the top reasons Delta 8 seltzer has become so popular is it provides a smooth, mild high, perfect for relaxation and social situations. The intoxicating effects come from the Delta 8 THC infused into each can or bottle. Delta 8 THC is an isomer derived from hemp cannabis that produces a light euphoria without the intense, disorienting high that some experience with traditional cannabis edibles containing Delta 9 THC.
The mellow buzz of Delta 8 allows you to remain functional and clearheaded. It enhances activities like hanging out with friends, listening to music, or enjoying arts while feeling uplifted and carefree. For consumers who find regular cannabis too strong or anxiety-inducing, Delta 8 is a nice alternative.
Uplifting and euphoric feelings
In addition to relaxation, Delta 8 seltzer drinkers report feeling an uplifted, positive mood after consumption. The THC induces feelings of euphoria, contentment, and reduced stress or anxiety. These emotional effects enhance social interactions and everyday experiences.
The quick-acting seltzer format allows you to conveniently experience these mood-enhancing properties at picnics, parties, or any occasion without waiting an hour like traditional cannabis edibles.
Enhances experiences
By uplifting your mood and sparking euphoria, Delta 8 THC can make normally mundane activities more enjoyable and memorable. Music sounds more vivid, a movie becomes more immersive, and a hike more awe-inspiring.
Delta 8 provides a unique “head high” that amplifies sensory pleasures and appreciation for the moment. The motivating and creativity-enhancing effects also make Delta 8 seltzer an appealing afternoon pick-me-up beverage.
Quick onset time
Unlike traditional edible cannabis products, which can take 30-60+ minutes to kick in as they must be processed through the liver, the effects of Delta 8 seltzer are felt quickly within 5-15 minutes of drinking it. This rapid absorption results from the Delta 8 being directly absorbed into the bloodstream through mucous membranes in the mouth and throat when swallowed.
The fast onset time makes Seltzer an ideal format for Delta 8, allowing you to feel its euphoric relaxation in real-time social situations rather than having to pre-plan an hour in advance.
Low calorie
Delta 8 seltzers offer the intoxicating effects of THC without hundreds of “munchie” calories like those associated with alcohol or traditional cannabis edibles. Most Delta 8 seltzers currently on the market are low-calorie or zero-calorie.
This allows health-conscious consumers to achieve a satisfying buzz without weight gain or guilt. The low-calorie aspect combined with the lack of hangover makes Delta 8 seltzer an appealing alcohol substitute for the calorie and health-conscious.
Variety of flavors
Delta 8 seltzer comes in a growing range of delicious flavors, from lemon to strawberry, mango, peach, and more. This gives the product wide appeal across taste preferences. The flavored seltzers mask the natural botanical taste of hemp, making them refreshing and fruity versus earthy.
Having a spectrum of flavors caters to individual palates and gives consumers variety to keep their experience novel.
No hangover
A major advantage Delta 8 seltzer holds over alcoholic beverages is it will not leave you with that dreaded foggy, nauseous hangover the next day. By avoiding alcohol, Delta 8 avoids the dehydration and toxic effects behind hangovers.
This makes Delta 8 better suited for daytime or workday use when you need to remain clearheaded and productive. The lack of hangovers also encourages responsible consumption.
Legal in many states
Delta 8 derived from hemp is currently legal at the federal level thanks to the 2018 Farm Bill and legal in most states. This gives of-age consumers access to Delta 8’s euphoric effects without breaking laws against traditional cannabis.
However, some states have started banning or restricting Delta 8, so always check your local laws before trying Delta 8 Seltzer. Where it remains legal, Delta 8 presents an appealing new option for enthusiasts looking for a legal hemp-derived THC beverage.
How to find the best Delta 8 Seltzer?
With Delta 8 beverages exploding, more brands are rushing products to market to meet demand. But not all seltzers are created equal when it comes to safety, quality, and potency. Here’s what to look for when picking a Delta 8 seltzer:
Third-Party Testing
- Brands should provide lab certificates of analysis from independent, accredited labs, not internal tests.
- Tests should verify the actual Delta 8 cannabinoid content, lack of contaminants, and legal THC levels.
- Third-party testing ensures unbiased results on the product’s safety and potency.
Hemp-Derived Delta 8
- Delta 8 must be extracted from legal hemp containing less than 0.3% Delta 9 THC per regulations.
- Hemp-derived Delta 8 complies with federal law, unlike marijuana-derived products.
COAs for every batch
- Thorough companies should test and provide certificates for each unique batch.
- Occasional or random testing leaves inconsistencies in safety and potency undetected.
- Require up-to-date COAs to know the exact contents of the product in hand
Reviews
- Check third-party sites, forums, and the company website for customer reviews.
- Look for consistent positive feedback on the effects and flavor of that brand’s seltzers.
Packaging
- Legitimate seltzer brands package products in proper containers, like cans, versus questionable bags
- Child-resistant packaging indicates extra safety precautions for consumers
Reasonable potency
- Very highly potent over 50mg Delta 8 per serving may be unsafe, especially for beginners
- Stick to reasonably dosed seltzers with 25-50 mg total Delta 8 content
Price
- Well-made Delta 8 seltzer averages $5 to $10 per individual can or bottle
- Avoid prices too cheap to plausibly cover quality ingredients and good manufacturing
Starting with Delta 8 Seltzer
If you’re new to Delta 8 THC, Seltzer is a great introduction. Here are some tips for beginners:
- Start low – choose a seltzer with 25mg or less of Delta 8 and see how it affects you before going higher.
- Sip slowly – drink half a seltzer and wait at least 60-90 minutes before deciding to consume more.
- Avoid mixing with alcohol or medications the first time.
- Have food in your stomach to help absorption.
- Stay hydrated with water to avoid next-day grogginess.
- Note your reactions, like mood, anxiety level, and sleep quality, to find your optimal dosage.
The future of Delta 8 beverages
While Delta 8 is still a new, emerging product category, the early popularity of THC-infused Seltzer suggests it may be here to stay and continue growing. As more states move to legalize both hemp and cannabis, access to Delta 8 drinks will likely expand. New startups will enter the market, giving consumers more variety.
Beverage industry giants like Anheuser-Busch and Constellation Brands have already invested heavily in cannabis, signaling their belief it will rival alcohol one day. Savvy cannabis drink makers are also innovating with nanoemulsions and water-soluble techniques to improve Delta 8 bioavailability and taste.
As social attitudes toward cannabis continue shifting, Delta 8 seltzer has the potential to become the new go-to intoxicant for the health and environmentally-conscious consumer.
With its light euphoric buzz, a multitude of flavors, and zero calories, Delta 8 THC-infused seltzer offers an appealing alcohol alternative. Early adopters have fueled Delta 8 beverage sales, especially fizzy seltzers. While being a new product comes with risks, choosing properly tested brands from reputable sellers can give you peace of mind. If you’re looking to cut back on drinking without sacrificing that social vibe, crack open a Delta 8 seltzer and enjoy the uplifting ride. Just sip responsibly and stay hydrated.
