Cannabis drinks have exploded in BC — and they're not just novelty. Here's how they work, how to dose them, and what makes them so popular right now.
Cannabis beverages have quietly become one of the fastest-growing categories on our shelves. At Hive Cannabis, we've seen customers across BC swap out a glass of wine or a beer for a cannabis-infused drink more and more often — and the products have gotten genuinely good. Here's the rundown.
What Counts as a Cannabis Beverage?
A cannabis beverage is any drink that contains cannabinoids — usually THC, CBD, or a mix. They come in formats like:
- Sparkling waters and sodas (often 2 to 10 mg THC per can) - Iced teas and tea-based drinks - Lemonades and fruit drinks - Coffee and cold brew formats - Mocktail-style craft beverages
Most are non-alcoholic. They're not "weed beer" in a literal sense — they're standalone drinks infused with cannabis.
How Do They Work?
When you eat or drink cannabis, the cannabinoids are absorbed through your digestive system and liver. This is different from smoking, where THC enters through your lungs and bloodstream much faster.
For traditional edibles, this can mean 30 to 90 minutes for onset. Cannabis beverages often use nano-emulsion technology — tiny particles of cannabinoid suspended in liquid — which many manufacturers claim leads to faster onset, sometimes as quick as 15 to 30 minutes.
In practice, your mileage may vary. We tell customers to expect somewhere between a quick-onset edible and a traditional one.
Why People Are Loving Them
A few reasons drinks have caught on:
- Familiar format. Cracking a can feels social and normal. - Lower calorie than alcohol. Many are 5 to 30 calories per can. - No hangover from the cannabinoid (though late nights are still late nights). - Predictable dosing — each can is labeled with exact mg. - Great for hosting. Easy to offer alongside non-alcoholic options.
How to Dose
Beverages are usually sold in 2.5 mg, 5 mg, or 10 mg THC per can. Some come as 5 mg CBD + 5 mg THC, or higher-CBD ratios.
- New to cannabis: start with 2.5 mg, sipped slowly over 20+ minutes. - Comfortable consumers: 5 to 10 mg is a typical "one drink" experience. - Higher tolerance: you can stack a second can, but wait at least 60 minutes before deciding.
Sipping over time matters. Chugging a can changes the experience and can lead to a stronger, less controllable effect.
Pairing and Occasions
Some ideas:
- Sparkling lemon CBD water with a spicy dinner - Low-dose THC iced tea on a hot patio - Cold brew with a hint of THC for a slow Sunday morning (very low dose only) - Mocktail-style craft beverages as the centerpiece of a dry social gathering
A Few Cautions
- Don't mix with alcohol. Combining THC and alcohol can amplify effects unpredictably. - Don't drive after consuming a cannabis beverage. - Label and store carefully. A cannabis can in the fridge looks just like a regular drink. Keep them clearly identified and away from anyone under 19. - Pace yourself. It's easy to drink a second can out of habit before the first one has fully kicked in.
Where to Find Them
Our shelves at Hive Cannabis locations in Abbotsford, Terrace, Quesnel, Port Alberni, and Fort St. John rotate selection regularly. New brands and flavours are launching constantly — ask a budtender what's been popular lately. Cannabis is for adults 19 and over in BC.
More from Cannabis Education
Keep reading
Best Strains for Sleep: Your Guide to Restful Nights
Struggling to wind down at night? Discover the cannabis strains and cannabinoid profiles that many British Columbians turn to for a more restful evening routine.
What's the Buzz About CBD? Celebrate CBD Month with Hive Cannabis
CBD is everywhere, but what actually is it, and how is it different from THC? Here's a clear-headed look at one of cannabis's most-talked-about compounds.
Joints, Blunts, and Spliffs: Rolling Into the Basics
Joint, blunt, or spliff? They look similar but they're not the same. Here's a clear breakdown of each — and a few tips for choosing what's right for you.