Where to Buy THC Drinks Near Me - Retail, Online, and What to Know Before You Buy

Published on Jan 14, 2026 • Reviewed & Updated on Jan 14, 2026 by Lindsey Goldstein

Quick Answer: THC drinks are sold at licensed dispensaries in legal states, select liquor stores with hemp permits, specialty smoke shops, and online DTC retailers that ship hemp-derived Delta 9 beverages. Always verify state laws, check THC content per can, and confirm the seller provides lab results before purchasing.

THC drinks sit in a grey area of cannabis retail, so where you can buy them depends on your state laws, hemp-derived vs. marijuana-derived THC, and the retailer’s license.

In adult-use states, you’ll typically find marijuana-derived Delta 9 THC drinks at licensed dispensaries and you usually need to buy in person with a valid ID. In states without recreational cannabis, hemp-derived Delta 9 THC drinks that meet the 2018 Farm Bill’s 0.3% THC-by-dry-weight limit are often sold online and sometimes in licensed local shops.

For the simplest route, ordering online from trusted brands like Mellow Fellow gives you lab results, clear product details, and discreet delivery where legal.

Key Takeaways

Licensed dispensaries carry the widest selection but require state residency and age verification
Hemp-derived Delta 9 THC seltzers (≤0.3% THC by dry weight) ship online to most U.S. states
Onset time averages 15-45 minutes for nano-emulsified beverages vs 60-90 minutes for traditional edibles
A 2024 Grand View Research analysis projects the global cannabis beverages market reaching USD 3.86 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 19.2% from 2024 to 2030.
Mellow Fellow offers lab-tested, 20mg Delta 9 THC seltzers with nationwide shipping where legal

Licensed Dispensaries - The Traditional Route

Adult-use dispensaries in states like California, Colorado, Michigan, and New York carry the broadest selection of THC beverages. Menu options range from low-dose microdose cans (2.5-5mg THC) to full-strength drinks (10-100mg THC), often paired with CBD, CBG, or adaptogens for specific effects.

Most dispensaries organize beverages by intended outcome: relaxation, social energy, sleep support, or athletic recovery. Staff can explain onset times, flavor profiles, and potency differences. Prices typically run $6-$12 per can for single servings, with multi-packs offering better per-unit value.

Call ahead to confirm stock, as THC drinks sell quickly and inventory rotates weekly. However, dispensary selection is limited to local inventory, and you'll need to visit in person with valid ID.

Ready to try a balanced, lab-tested option? See our Delta 9 THC seltzer collection for nano-emulsified drinks that ship nationwide.

Liquor Stores and Convenience Retailers with Hemp Permits

In states where hemp-derived Delta 9 THC is legal, some liquor stores, convenience chains, and specialty beverage shops sell THC seltzers made from federally compliant hemp. These products differ legally from marijuana-derived drinks sold at dispensaries and require retailers to hold a hemp permit or similar state approval.

Chains like Total Wine & More and BevMo, along with independent liquor stores in states such as Texas, Florida, and Georgia, have started carrying them, often near craft beer or wellness drinks.

When buying in-store, always check for a Certificate of Analysis (COA). Reputable brands list batch numbers linked to third-party lab results covering potency and contaminants. If local options are limited, ordering directly from manufacturers like Mellow Fellow provides lab-tested seltzers, clear dosing guidance, and home delivery where legal.

Online Retailers - Convenience and Selection

Direct-to-consumer websites offer the widest selection of hemp-derived THC drinks with discreet shipping to your door. Online shopping gives you access to detailed product pages with dosage guides, flavor notes, and downloadable lab reports. Most sites require age verification during checkout and ship via USPS or private courier with adult signature confirmation.

Ordering online gives you access to customer reviews, bundle pricing, and specialty flavors not available locally. Shipping times average 3-7 business days, with expedited options in most regions. Many brands offer subscribe-and-save discounts for regular buyers.

Before placing an order, confirm your state’s hemp, hemp-derived cannabinoid, and intoxicating product laws using resources like the National Conference of State Legislatures’ state cannabis policy databases or your state agriculture/health department.

As of January 2026, pending federal total-THC rules (effective November 2026 unless delayed) and state restrictions heavily limit intoxicating hemp products nationwide; states with especially tight controls on hemp-derived consumables include Idaho, Nebraska, and South Dakota, alongside emerging federal prohibitions - though non-intoxicating industrial hemp remains legal in licensed programs.

Mellow Fellow ships to all legal states and maintains an updated shipping restrictions page so you can verify eligibility before ordering.

Looking for a sampler to test flavors? Browse our 20mg Delta 9 THC variety pack with four fruit-forward profiles.

Smoke Shops and CBD Stores

Smoke shops, vape stores, and CBD retailers often sell hemp-derived THC drinks alongside other hemp products, though they operate with less oversight than licensed dispensaries. Product quality can vary widely.

Established shops tend to carry tested brands, while smaller stores may stock inconsistent white-label options. Always check lab results and be wary of unrealistically cheap, high-dose drinks.

Many shops list inventory online or can confirm details by phone, including cannabinoid content and whether drinks use nano-emulsification for faster, more consistent effects. For reliability and consistent dosing, ordering from established brands online is usually the safer option.

Hemp-Derived vs. Marijuana-Derived THC Drinks

The legal distinction between hemp-derived and marijuana-derived THC drinks comes down to source material and total THC concentration.

Factor	Hemp-Derived (Delta 9)	Marijuana-Derived (Delta 9)
THC Source	Hemp extract (Cannabis sativa ≤0.3% THC)	Marijuana flower/concentrate
Legal Status	Federally legal under 2018 Farm Bill	Legal only in adult-use states
Where Sold	Online, select retail, smoke shops	Licensed dispensaries only
Typical Dose per Can	5-25mg THC	5-100mg THC
Lab Testing Requirement	Voluntary (varies by state)	Mandatory (state-regulated)

Hemp-derived THC drinks use Delta 9 extracted from federally legal hemp and are measured by dry plant weight, allowing higher mg per can while staying under the 0.3% limit. At equal doses, they produce the same effects as marijuana-derived drinks.

Marijuana-derived beverages come from state-licensed cannabis and face stricter rules on potency, packaging, and testing. For example, California caps single servings at 10mg THC and requires clear dosing and resealable packaging.

This difference explains why hemp-derived drinks are more widely available online and often better value. If you're curious about how THC drinks compare to other formats, read our guide on THC drinks vs edibles for a detailed breakdown of onset, duration, and user experience.

What to Look for When Buying THC Drinks

Not all THC beverages deliver consistent effects. Use these criteria to separate high-quality products from rushed formulations.

Nano-Emulsification Technology

Nano-emulsified drinks use ultrasonic or high-pressure processing to break THC molecules into particles under 100 nanometers, allowing faster absorption through the stomach lining. Research shows nano-emulsified cannabinoids reaches peak blood plasma concentration about three times faster than oil-based CBD, with improved bioavailability

Traditional THC drinks use oil or alcohol tinctures that separate from the liquid base, causing uneven dosing and delayed onset. Nano products stay suspended, ensuring each sip delivers a consistent amount of THC. Look for terms like "water-soluble THC," "nano-enhanced," or "fast-acting" on the label.

For a better explanation of how this technology works, check out our article on THC drinks and nano-emulsified beverages.

Accurate Lab Testing and Transparency

Every reputable THC drink includes a batch-specific COA from an ISO-accredited lab. The report should confirm:

Total THC content per serving and per container
CBD, CBG, or other cannabinoids (if present)
Absence of heavy metals (lead, arsenic, cadmium, mercury)
Pesticide residue below action limits
Microbial contamination (yeast, mold, E. coli, salmonella)

Brands that print QR codes or batch numbers on packaging make it easy to verify results. Avoid products with vague lab claims or COAs from in-house testing facilities. Mellow Fellow provides third-party lab testing results for every batch, accessible directly from product pages.

Clear Dosage Information

THC drinks should list total milligrams per can and recommended serving size. A 12oz can with 20mg THC and a serving size of 6oz means each half-can delivers 10mg. Beginners should start with 5-10mg and wait 45 minutes before consuming more.

Some brands add CBD to balance effects. A 1:1 THC:CBD ratio (e.g., 10mg THC + 10mg CBD) may reduce anxiety and prolong the experience without increasing intensity, based on user reports and small observational studies.

Want a tested, balanced option? Try our 20mg Delta 9 + CBD blackberry lemon seltzer with third-party COAs on every batch.

Mellow Fellow THC Seltzers - Lab-Tested, Fast-Acting, Flavorful

Mellow Fellow's Delta 9 THC seltzer line delivers consistent effects through nano-emulsified formulations designed for predictable onset and balanced experiences. Each 12oz can contains 10mg of hemp-derived Delta 9 THC paired with 10mg of CBD for smooth, anxiety-free effects that begin in 15-30 minutes for most users.

Why Mellow Fellow Seltzers Stand Out

Our seltzers use water-soluble nano-emulsification technology that keeps cannabinoids evenly distributed throughout the drink. This means no shaking required, no separation, and consistent dosing from first sip to last. Every batch undergoes third-party testing for potency, purity, and safety, with results available via QR code on each can.

The 1:1 THC:CBD ratio (10mg Delta 9 THC + 10mg CBD per can) is formulated to deliver sociable, clear-headed effects without the edge some users experience from THC-only products. CBD modulates THC's intensity while extending duration, making these seltzers ideal for social gatherings, creative sessions, or evening relaxation.

Flavor Profiles and Best Uses

Blackberry Lemon: Tart citrus meets dark berry sweetness. Pairs well with outdoor activities or afternoon downtime. Users report bright, uplifting effects.
Blue Raspberry: Nostalgic candy-forward profile with mild acidity. Popular for social settings and movie nights. Smooth onset, minimal body load.
Pineapple Orange: Tropical punch with balanced sweetness. Ideal for creative work or light exercise. Most users finish the can over 30-45 minutes.
Strawberry Mango: Fruit-forward with subtle tartness. Works for both day and evening use. Consistent feedback on clean, giggly effects.

For first-time buyers or those wanting to sample multiple flavors, the Variety Pack includes three cans each of all four flavors in a 12-can bundle, offering better value and the chance to identify your preferred profile.

State-by-State Retail Landscape

THC drink availability shifts as state laws evolve. For a full state-by-state overview of where THC drinks are legal, read our guide on if and where THC drinks are legal.

How to Use THC Drinks Safely and Effectively

THC beverages behave differently than edibles or vapes. Follow these guidelines for a predictable experience:

Start with 5-10mg if you're new to THC or haven't used drinks before. Onset feels faster, and effects peak within 60-90 minutes.
Drink slowly over 30-45 minutes to gauge tolerance. You can always finish the can, but you can't undo a full dose.
Avoid mixing with alcohol in the first few sessions. The combination intensifies both substances and increases the risk of nausea or dizziness.
Stay hydrated before and during consumption. THC can cause dry mouth, and beverages with sugar or caffeine compound the effect.
Wait 90 minutes before deciding whether to consume more. Peak effects appear later than inhalation methods.

For additional guidance on managing your experience if effects feel too strong, read our article on how to sober up from weed.

Pricing, Packaging, and What to Expect at Checkout

THC drinks usually cost $6-$12 per can at dispensaries and $8-$15 online, with multi-packs lowering prices to about $5-$8 each. Dispensary products must meet strict state packaging rules, while hemp-derived drinks follow lighter standards but should still show THC content and lab details.

At checkout, expect age verification and possible purchase limits that vary by state. Online orders from Mellow Fellow include age verification, tracking within 24 hours, and delivery in about 3-7 business days with adult signature required.

Looking for variety? Our Delta 9 THC seltzer variety pack includes four flavors in a 12-can bundle.

Comparing THC Drinks to Other Cannabis Products

THC drinks offer unique advantages over traditional consumption methods. Compared to smoking or vaping, beverages eliminate lung irritation and provide longer-lasting effects.

Compared to gummies or baked edibles, nano-emulsified drinks act faster and offer more precise dose control through measured sipping.

If you're weighing your options between formats, our comprehensive guide on edibles vs vapes vs flower breaks down onset, duration, discretion, and cost per dose across all major categories.

Finding THC Drinks Near You

Whether you're shopping at a local dispensary, checking liquor store shelves, or ordering online, THC drinks offer a smoke-free, socially shareable way to experience cannabis. Hemp-derived Delta 9 seltzers from Mellow Fellow combine fast-acting nano-emulsification with transparent lab testing and balanced CBD ratios. See our full THC seltzer lineup and find your preferred flavor and dose today.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Buy THC Drinks at Regular Liquor Stores?

In some states, yes. Liquor stores with hemp permits can sell hemp-derived Delta 9 THC beverages that meet federal limits. Availability varies by state and retailer.

Do THC Drinks Show Up on Drug Tests?

Yes. THC drinks contain Delta 9 THC, which metabolizes into THC-COOH, the compound detected in standard drug screenings. Hemp-derived and marijuana-derived THC are chemically identical and produce the same test results.

How Long Do THC Drinks Take to Kick In?

Nano-emulsified drinks typically take effect within 15-45 minutes. Traditional oil-based drinks take closer to 45-90 minutes. Metabolism, body weight, and recent food intake all affect onset time.

Are THC Drinks Stronger Than Edibles?

Not inherently. Potency depends on the total THC per serving. A 10mg THC drink delivers similar effects to a 10mg gummy, though nano-emulsified drinks may feel stronger due to faster onset.

Can I Order THC Drinks Online and Have Them Shipped?

Yes, if you live in a state where hemp-derived Delta 9 THC is legal. Online retailers verify age and state eligibility at checkout, with shipping typically taking 3-7 business days.

What’s the Difference Between Delta 9 THC Drinks and Delta 8 Drinks?

Delta 9 THC is the primary psychoactive compound in cannabis and produces stronger, more predictable effects. Delta 8 THC is a hemp-derived analog with milder effects and less clinical research supporting its use.