What’s the Difference Between THC and CBD Drinks

May 20, 2025 Vasilios Kottas Bonel

You’re standing in front of the drinks fridge. One can say “CBD.” The other says “THC.” Both look tasty. One might make you float. The other? Just vibe. Now what?

Cannabis drinks are having a serious moment - and for good reason. They’re fizzy, flavorful, and don’t end in 3 a.m. regrets or dramatic text messages. But even for seasoned cannabis users, the difference between THC vs CBD drinks isn’t always obvious.

That’s where we come in. We’ll walk you through the science, the effects, and how to pick your perfect can - the Little Rick way: clear, honest, and maybe a bit cheeky.

THC vs CBD Drinks: What You Need to Know

At a glance, THC & CBD drinks might seem like two sides of the same cannabis coin. They both come from hemp plants, both interact with your endocannabinoid system, and both promise some level of chill. But the effects? That’s where things split.

Let’s start with the basics:

THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) is the compound responsible for the high associated with cannabis. It’s psychoactive, meaning it alters perception, mood, and can spark some serious giggles.
CBD (cannabidiol) doesn’t get you high. It’s non-psychoactive and works more subtly - think body calm, not brain buzz.

Both work by interacting with your body’s internal balance board. This system helps regulate things like stress, mood, pain, sleep, and appetite. THC and CBD just do it in very different ways.

In drink form, the delivery method is smooth, predictable, and easy to dose - which is part of why these beverages are growing so fast in popularity. According to US cannabis analytics firm, Headset, cannabis drinks grew nearly 40% in sales year-over-year in the US - and it’s not slowing down anytime soon.

What Are THC Drinks?

THC drinks are cannabis-infused beverages that contain measurable doses of tetrahydrocannabinol — the compound that gives cannabis its classic “high.” These are a great option for people who want a buzzy, uplifting experience without smoking or vaping.

At Little Rick, we offer two options in the US:

5mg THC / 10mg CBD – a chill starter dose for a light social buzz
25mg THC / 25mg CBD – a more pronounced high with balanced body effects

We also add taurine - commonly found in energy drinks - to promote a focused, functional vibe instead of full-on couch lock. It’s what makes us feel like the cool cousin at the cannabis party - fun, but not sloppy.

The Effects of THC Drinks

THC drink effects usually set in between 10 to 30 minutes after sipping, depending on your metabolism, tolerance, and whether you’ve eaten. The high? It’s more of a gentle wave than a punch in the face.

Expect:

A subtle euphoria
Deep relaxation
Heightened senses
Giggles (optional but likely)

According to Dr. Peter Grinspoon of Harvard Medical School, THC can enhance mood and promote creativity - but users should be mindful of dosage and start low, especially with oral cannabis products.

So yeah, you’ll feel something - and probably enjoy it.

What Are CBD Drinks?

Little Rick 32 mg cbd raspberry coconut flavour

CBD drinks are also cannabis-infused beverages, but they use cannabidiol instead of THC. While they don’t deliver a high, they do offer a calm, soothing alternative to your usual seltzer or soda.

The CBD used in these drinks is typically extracted from hemp plants, which are legally defined in the US as cannabis plants containing less than 0.3% THC by dry weight - just a trace amount, and not enough to cause intoxication.

CBD drinks are ideal for people who want to unwind, reduce stress, or manage day-to-day anxiety - all without feeling altered or buzzed. And let’s face it — not everyone wants to feel too relaxed.

The Effects of CBD Drinks

So, what kind of effects can you expect from a CBD drink?

A sense of calm or focus
Reduced muscle tension
Better sleep quality
Lower anxiety and stress levels

According to a 2019 study published in The Permanente Journal, 79% of participants using CBD reported lower anxiety levels within the first month, and 66% slept better. These are the kinds of results that have people reaching for CBD drinks as part of their wellness routines - not just party nights.

And since CBD doesn’t affect cognition or motor skills, you can sip one at lunch and still finish your spreadsheets on time (or at least try to).

THC vs. CBD Drinks: Choosing the Right One for You

So, how do you pick between THC and CBD drinks? Start by asking: What kind of moment am I chasing?

Want to relax without feeling high? Go for CBD.
Craving a mild lift for a night out with friends? Try Little Rick’s 5mg THC drink.
Ready to fully zone out and vibe? The 25mg THC can from Little Rick is the solution.

Also, your tolerance level matters. If you're new to cannabis, we recommend starting with a low THC dosage and seeing how you feel. You can always level up — but you can’t rewind that one time you thought two edibles sounded like a great idea. (We’ve all been there.)

Little Rick: THC-Infused Drinks That Taste as Good as They Feel

Some cannabis drinks taste like someone left a leaf in a glass overnight. Ours tastes like something you'd actually choose on purpose.

At Little Rick, we obsess over flavor just as much as function. That’s why our drinks don’t taste like your dispensary’s cleaning shelf - they taste like proper soda, with a twist. Think: