Trip vs Recess Drink vs Mellow Fellow - THC Beverage Guide

Published on Feb 13, 2026 • Reviewed & Updated on Feb 13, 2026 by Lindsey Goldstein

Quick Answer: Trip and Recess are non-intoxicating wellness drinks built around CBD, hemp extract, magnesium, and adaptogens for calm and balance. Mellow Fellow is a psychoactive Delta 9 THC + CBD seltzer delivering 10mg THC and 10mg CBD per can.

THC beverages have moved from novelty products to serious alternatives for people who want fast onset without smoking or vaping. As nano-emulsification technology improves, drinks from Trip, Recess, and Mellow Fellow now compete directly with traditional consumption methods. The choice between these brands depends on your dosage preferences, whether you want single-cannabinoid or full-spectrum effects, and if added functional ingredients matter for your routine.

Key Takeaways

Nano-emulsified THC beverages like Mellow Fellow typically onset within 15–30 minutes, faster than traditional edibles that often take 45–90 minutes.
Mellow Fellow delivers 10 mg Delta 9 THC + 10 mg CBD per can across four fruit-forward seltzer flavors.
Trip offers non-intoxicating CBD wellness drinks with adaptogens, botanicals, and functional ingredients for calm and balance.
Recess provides hemp-derived, non-psychoactive functional beverages featuring CBD, magnesium, and adaptogens for relaxation and mood support.
Research suggests nano-emulsification can increase cannabinoid bioavailability compared to traditional edible formats.
Mellow Fellow variety packs allow users to sample multiple flavors in a single purchase.

What Are Nano-Emulsified THC Drinks?

Traditional edibles pass through the digestive system where Delta 9 THC converts to 11-hydroxy-THC in the liver, producing stronger effects that take 45-90 minutes to feel. Nano-emulsified beverages break cannabinoids into particles smaller than 100 nanometers, allowing faster absorption through stomach and mouth tissues. Most users report onset within 15-30 minutes, peak effects around 60-90 minutes, and total duration of 2-4 hours.

How Nano-Emulsification Changes Absorption

This pharmacokinetic profile changes how people dose. With gummies, you wait an hour before feeling effects and risk taking more too soon. With drinks, faster feedback helps prevent overconsumption. risk taking more too soon.

With drinks, faster feedback helps prevent overconsumption. Studies on cannabinoid nano-emulsions show nano-emulsification can increase absorption rates by up to 300% compared to oil-based formats, with clinical research demonstrating bioavailability improvements of 2.5-3.2x across multiple cannabinoids.

The shorter duration also fits different use cases. A 10mg THC drink before dinner delivers predictable timing for evening relaxation, while a 5mg midday beverage stays within functional ranges for work or social settings. Understanding how your body processes nano-emulsified cannabinoids helps match the right product to your schedule.

Why Onset Speed Matters

For readers new to THC drinks or switching from other formats, our guide on how nano-emulsified beverages work covers absorption science and timing expectations in detail.

Mellow Fellow Delta 9 THC + CBD Seltzers

Mellow Fellow's beverage line centers on 10mg Delta 9 THC + 10mg CBD per 12 oz can, formulated as zero-calorie seltzers with fruit-forward profiles. The brand uses nano-emulsified cannabinoids for fast onset and offers four core flavors: Blackberry Lemon, Blue Raspberry, Pineapple Orange, and Strawberry Mango. Each flavor ships in 4-packs, and a 12-can variety pack lets buyers sample all four without committing to a single profile.

Balanced Cannabinoid Ratio Approach

The 10mg THC + 10mg CBD formulation creates a 1:1 ratio that many users find balanced and manageable. The CBD helps modulate THC intensity for some people, though individual responses vary based on tolerance and metabolism. This dosage targets moderate experiences suitable for evening use, social gatherings, or replacing alcohol in recreational settings without overwhelming psychoactivity.

Mellow Fellow Beverage Flavor Profiles

Flavor	Profile Notes	Best For
Blackberry Lemon	Tart berry with citrus finish	Evening wind-down
Blue Raspberry	Sweet candy-like profile	Social sessions
Pineapple Orange	Tropical fruit blend	Daytime activities
Strawberry Mango	Balanced sweet and tangy	All-purpose use

All four flavors use the same cannabinoid ratio, so choice comes down to taste preference rather than effect variation. The seltzers contain no artificial sweeteners and remain shelf-stable when stored at room temperature. Users report consistent onset timing across flavors, with most feeling initial effects within 20-30 minutes when consumed on a light stomach.

Learn more about the full effects of THC drinks right here.

Mellow Fellow's Full Product Lineup

Mellow Fellow also produces Delta 9 edibles including live resin gummies for users who prefer traditional formats, plus a full line of vapes and tinctures for those wanting faster onset or different consumption methods.

Ready to try balanced THC + CBD beverages? Browse Mellow Fellow's Delta 9 seltzer variety packs to sample all four flavors in one order.

Trip Drink Format and Cannabinoid Approach

TRIP positions itself as a CBD-focused functional beverage brand, not a THC drink. Its lightly sparkling CBD drinks are infused with 15mg of CBD per can, along with natural botanicals and adaptogens designed to support relaxation, balance, and everyday calm without psychoactive effects.

Rather than targeting intoxication or recreational impact, TRIP’s formulas focus on non-intoxicating wellness support, aligning with UK CBD regulations and alcohol-alternative positioning. The brand organizes its range around desired outcomes such as relaxation, sleep support, hydration, and mental balance, delivered through CBD drinks, magnesium blends, oils, and gummies.

Non-Intoxicating Microdose Philosophy

TRIP’s approach centres on subtle, functional effects rather than impairment. Because CBD is non-psychoactive, consumers can use TRIP products during the day, in social settings, or as an alcohol substitute without experiencing the cognitive changes associated with THC.

This positioning appeals strongly to wellness-focused consumers seeking calm, mood balance, or stress relief while maintaining full mental clarity. The emphasis is on consistency, gentle support, and routine use rather than acute recreational effects.

Functional Ingredients Beyond CBD

TRIP differentiates itself through botanical and nutritional blends paired with CBD or magnesium

Examples include

Adaptogens and botanicals designed to support relaxation and balance
Magnesium, lion’s mane, and vitamin D in hydration and mindful-blend products
Chamomile-infused CBD oils formulated for sleep and nighttime routines

These additions position TRIP within the broader functional wellness beverage category rather than the cannabis intoxication market.

Comparing CBD Drinks to THC Beverages

For consumers comparing TRIP with THC-infused drinks, the key distinction is experience and legality.

TRIP CBD drinks: non-psychoactive, wellness-oriented, suitable for daily use
THC beverages: psychoactive, recreational, and regulated differently by region

TRIP’s value lies in offering a calm-focused alcohol alternative that supports relaxation without impairment, making it appropriate for workdays, social gatherings, and routine wellbeing rather than recreational intoxication.

Recess Drink Formulation and Wellness Focus

Recess positions its beverages as non-intoxicating functional wellness drinks, not THC products. Core sparkling water formulas are infused with broad-spectrum hemp extract and adaptogens, alongside ingredients such as American ginseng, L-theanine, and lemon balm designed to support calm, balance, and mental clarity.

Rather than targeting recreational cannabis effects, Recess markets its drinks as daily mood and stress-support beverages and alcohol alternatives made with real fruit, low calories, and botanical blends - which is done by infusing many of their drinks with 10mg of hemp-derived CBD.

Non-Intoxicating Functional Positioning

Because Recess formulations rely on hemp-derived, non-psychoactive compounds, they are intended for anytime use without cognitive impairment. This makes them suitable for daytime consumption, workplace settings, or social situations where intoxication would be undesirable.

The brand’s wellness framing emphasizes gentle mood support and relaxation, aligning more closely with functional beverage and supplement categories than cannabis recreation.

Botanical and Nutritional Ingredients

Recess differentiates itself through a layered ingredient approach that pairs hemp extract with adaptogens and calming nutrients, including:

American ginseng for focus and vitality
L-theanine to ease tension and promote mental clarity
Lemon balm for relaxation and equilibrium
Magnesium and electrolytes in Mood and powder blends for stress support and hydration

These combinations position Recess within the broader functional wellness and alcohol-alternative beverage market.

Product Range Beyond Hemp Sparkling Water

Recess extends beyond hemp-infused sparkling drinks into several non-THC wellness formats, such as:

Recess Mood sparkling beverages with magnesium and adaptogens
Recess Zero Proof mocktail-style alcohol alternatives
Recess Mood Powders combining magnesium, adaptogens, and electrolytes
Classic hemp-infused sparkling water designed to promote calm without intoxication

Across all formats, the consistent theme is calm, balance, and functional relaxation rather than psychoactive cannabis effects.

Trip vs Recess Drink vs Mellow Fellow Comparison

While Trip, Recess, and Mellow Fellow all appear in the broader “calm” or alternative-beverage space, they serve clearly different functional and recreational purposes.

Trip focuses on non-intoxicating CBD wellness with botanical blends and daytime usability.
Recess delivers functional hemp- and magnesium-based relaxation beverages without psychoactive effects.
Mellow Fellow provides true recreational cannabinoid seltzers using balanced Delta 9 THC + CBD ratios for noticeable mood elevation.

The biggest difference is simple: Trip and Recess are non-psychoactive wellness drinks, while Mellow Fellow is a psychoactive THC beverage.

Primary Differences Between Brands

Feature	Trip	Recess	Mellow Fellow
THC per Serving	0 mg	0 mg	10 mg Delta 9 THC
CBD Content	~15 mg CBD drinks + other formats	Hemp-derived CBD in select products	10 mg CBD (1:1 ratio with THC)
Added Ingredients	Adaptogens, botanicals, magnesium, sleep blends	Adaptogens, magnesium, electrolytes, botanicals	Pure cannabinoid focus in seltzers
Flavor Approach	Light functional sparkling drinks	Fruit-based functional sparkling waters	Fruit-forward zero-calorie seltzers
Target Use Case	Daily calm, stress balance, alcohol alternative	Functional relaxation and mood support	Evening recreation, social use, alcohol replacement
Psychoactivity	None	None	Moderate, balanced experience
Format Options	CBD drinks, oils, gummies, magnesium blends	Hemp drinks, magnesium drinks, powders, mocktails	THC + CBD seltzers, edibles, vapes, tinctures

Positioning Summary

Trip and Recess both sit firmly in the functional wellness beverage category, prioritizing calm, balance, and routine use without impairment.

Mellow Fellow, by contrast, belongs to the recreational cannabinoid beverage category, offering a controlled 1:1 THC-to-CBD experience designed for social relaxation or evening wind-down rather than daytime wellness support.

Wellness without intoxication → Trip or Recess
Balanced recreational effects → Mellow Fellow

Choosing Between Trip, Recess, and Mellow Fellow

Your ideal beverage depends less on THC tolerance and more on whether you want non-intoxicating wellness support or a recreational cannabinoid experience.

Trip and Recess focus on calm, balance, and functional relaxation without psychoactive effects.
Mellow Fellow delivers a true THC experience with a balanced 1:1 Delta 9 THC and CBD ratio.

Understanding that split makes the decision much clearer.

When to Choose Trip

Choose Trip if:

You want a non-intoxicating CBD wellness drink for daytime use
You prefer gentle calm, stress balance, or mood support without impairment
You value adaptogens, botanicals, magnesium, or sleep-focused blends alongside CBD
You’re looking for a functional alcohol alternative suitable for routine use

Trip works best for people prioritizing daily wellbeing rather than recreational effects.

When to Choose Recess

Choose Recess if:

You want a non-psychoactive functional beverage built around hemp extract, magnesium, and adaptogens
You prefer sparkling wellness drinks or zero-proof alcohol alternatives for social settings
You’re interested in mood support, hydration, or relaxation without cognitive change
You like botanical ingredient stacks such as American ginseng, L-theanine, lemon balm, or electrolytes

Recess is ideal for consumers seeking calm and balance in everyday routines, not intoxication.

When to Choose Mellow Fellow

Choose Mellow Fellow if:

You want a noticeable recreational effect from Delta 9 THC beverages
You prefer a balanced 1:1 THC-to-CBD ratio designed to moderate intensity
You’re looking for a fruit-forward seltzer format as an alcohol replacement for evenings or social use
You already enjoy Delta 9 edibles, vapes, or tinctures and want a beverage version of that experience

Mellow Fellow fits best when the goal is controlled psychoactive relaxation rather than functional wellness.

Tolerance Assessment Guide

Tolerance plays a major role. If 10mg gummies feel mild, Trip's 5 mg drinks will barely register. If 5 mg edibles hit hard, you'll want to start with half servings of any 10 mg option.

For guidance on finding your effective dose range, see our post on Delta 9 dosage for different experience levels.

Want faster onset than edibles with the social feel of a beverage? Try Mellow Fellow's Delta 9 THC + CBD seltzers in four fruit-forward flavors.

How THC Drinks Compare to Other Consumption Methods

Beverages fit between edibles and inhalation on the onset-duration spectrum. Vapes and flower deliver effects within 1-5 minutes but fade after 1-2 hours. Standard edibles take 45-90 minutes to onset and last 4-8 hours. Nano-emulsified drinks split the difference: 15-30 minute onset with 2-4 hour duration.

Consumption Method Comparison

Smoking/Vaping: 1-5 min onset, 1-2 hr duration, immediate feedback, requires devices
THC Drinks: 15-30 min onset, 2-4 hr duration, social format, predictable timing
Edibles: 45-90 min onset, 4-8 hr duration, long-lasting, risk of delayed overconsumption
Tinctures: 10-45 min onset, 2-6 hr duration, discreet, sublingual absorption

Why Timing Makes Drinks Practical

This timing makes drinks useful for situations where vaping isn't practical but you want faster onset than gummies provide. Social gatherings, outdoor events, and evening wind-downs often favor the drinkable format. The 2-4 hour window also prevents the next-day grogginess some users report from high-dose edibles.

Alternative Mellow Fellow Formats

For users who prefer traditional vaping, Mellow Fellow's disposable vape line offers the same cannabinoid quality in fast-acting formats with strain-specific terpene profiles.

Mellow Fellow Comes Out on Top

Trip, Recess, and Mellow Fellow may all appear in the same alternative-beverage conversation, but they serve very different purposes. Trip and Recess focus on non-intoxicating calm, balance, and daily wellness, making them ideal for daytime routines or alcohol-free relaxation.

Mellow Fellow stands apart as a true Delta 9 THC beverage, delivering a balanced 1:1 THC-to-CBD experience designed for social use, evening wind-down, and controlled recreational effects.

If your goal is noticeable mood elevation in a refreshing, fruit-forward seltzer, Mellow Fellow’s Delta 9 THC + CBD drinks provide the most complete cannabinoid experience in this comparison. See the full range of flavors and find your ideal balance by trying a Mellow Fellow variety pack today.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the Difference Between Trip, Recess, and Mellow Fellow?

Trip and Recess are non-intoxicating functional wellness drinks built around CBD, hemp extract, magnesium, and adaptogenic botanicals that support calm and balance without psychoactive effects. Mellow Fellow is a recreational cannabinoid beverage containing 10 mg Delta 9 THC and 10 mg CBD in a 1:1 ratio, designed for noticeable mood elevation and social or evening use.

How Fast Do Trip, Recess, and Mellow Fellow Drinks Work?

Trip and Recess are non-psychoactive, so users typically notice subtle relaxation or mood support rather than a timed “onset” like THC. Effects depend on individual response to CBD, magnesium, or adaptogens. Mellow Fellow’s nano-emulsified cannabinoids usually produce noticeable effects within about 15–30 minutes, with peak intensity around 60–90 minutes, though metabolism, food intake, and tolerance can change timing.

Can You Mix These Drinks With Other Beverages?

Yes. Trip, Recess, and Mellow Fellow can all be added to mocktails, smoothies, or other non-alcoholic drinks without changing their core ingredients. However, mixing THC beverages like Mellow Fellow with alcohol can increase impairment and is generally discouraged. Diluting with ice or sparkling water mainly affects flavor, not cannabinoid absorption.

Which Drink Is Best for Beginners?

For people avoiding intoxication, Trip or Recess are the most beginner-friendly because they contain no psychoactive THC. For those specifically exploring THC beverages, Mellow Fellow’s balanced 10 mg THC + 10 mg CBD ratio is often considered moderate compared to high-dose edibles. Starting with half a serving is a cautious approach for THC-sensitive users.

Do Trip, Recess, or Mellow Fellow Show Up on Drug Tests?

Trip and Recess are typically THC-free or non-intoxicating hemp products, but drug-test risk depends on formulation and test sensitivity. Mellow Fellow contains Delta 9 THC, which can trigger a positive drug test for days or weeks depending on usage frequency, metabolism, and body composition. Anyone subject to testing should avoid THC products.

How Does Mellow Fellow Compare to a Standard THC Edible?

Mellow Fellow delivers 10 mg THC in beverage form with nano-emulsification and a 1:1 CBD ratio, which many users experience as faster-acting and more balanced than traditional edibles. Edibles often feel stronger and last longer because liver metabolism converts THC into 11-hydroxy-THC, a more potent compound. Drinks typically feel lighter in the body with shorter duration.

Can You Build Tolerance to THC Drinks?

Tolerance is only relevant for THC-containing products like Mellow Fellow.
Regular THC use can reduce sensitivity over time, meaning higher doses may be needed after several weeks. Taking short tolerance breaks and limiting frequency can help maintain consistent effects. Trip and Recess do not create THC tolerance because they are non-psychoactive.

What’s the Best Way to Store Mellow Fellow Seltzers?

Store unopened cans at room temperature away from heat and direct sunlight. Refrigeration improves taste but isn’t required for stability. After opening, carbonation fades quickly, so it’s best to consume within 24 hours. Rotate stock by using older cans first and follow printed best-by dates.