Introduction
New Yorkers are swapping the old puff, puff, pass for a new sip, sip, hooray as cannabis-infused drinks make a splash in the city’s buzzing cannabis scene. That’s right you can now drink your weed. These THC beverages are exactly what they sound like: think sparkling waters, teas, or sodas spiked with a mellow high instead of alcohol. No smoke, no vape, just a refreshing sip with a kick.
If you’re wondering whether this is actually legal, the answer is yes, but with a catch. THC drinks can only be sold by licensed dispensaries in New York, so don’t expect your local bartender to start spiking seltzers with cannabis (at least not yet). In other words, you’ll have to visit a licensed shop like Torches NYC to snag these buzzworthy beverages. Trust us, the trip is worth it.
Why NYC Is Buzzing About Weed Drinks
Why are people so excited about drinking their cannabis? For starters, it’s super discreet and convenient. You can enjoy the effects of weed without any telltale smoke or bulky gear. It’s basically the incognito mode of getting high. Instead of lighting up, you simply crack open a can and sip. Plus, unlike munching a brownie that’s gone in seconds, a drink lets you stretch out the experience over 20-30 minutes as you sip, making it a more social, leisurely way to unwind.
Another big perk is the faster onset compared to typical edibles. We’re not talking immediate (this isn’t a vape), but thanks to some food-science wizardry, many people feel the effects of THC drinks in about 15 to 30 minutes. That’s because these beverages use special water-soluble forms of THC (nano-emulsions for the science nerds) that absorb more quickly than a solid edible. In plain English: the THC in your drink actually dissolves in water and gets into your bloodstream faster, so you’re not left waiting hours for a buzz.
Let’s not forget the novelty factor. Sipping a cannabis-infused lemonade feels new and exciting, almost fancy. It’s a far cry from the old days of pot brownies in someone’s kitchen. In fact, weed drinks are so popular that the global cannabis beverage market is soaring. Valued around $915 million in 2021 and projected to fizz up to a whopping $117 billion by 2032. (Yes, that’s billion with a B. The hype is real.) With numbers like that, it’s safe to say cannabis drinks are not just a fad; they’re becoming a cornerstone of modern cannabis culture.
Meet the THC Drink All-Stars at Torches NYC
So, what’s on the menu in the Big Apple’s cannabis drink scene? Torches NYC has you covered with a lineup of tasty THC-infused beverages to suit every palate. From fizzy sodas to soothing teas, here are some of the standout brands that are turning heads and quenching thirsts in NYC:
Ayrloom – Farm-Fresh Fizz
Ayrloom is all about heritage and heady refreshment. Crafted by a family of upstate New York farmers with over 110 years of agricultural expertise, this brand brings a serious farm-to-table ethos to the cannabis drink world. Each can of Ayrloom is a 1:1 THC:CBD sparkling beverage, packing 5 mg of THC and 5 mg of CBD for a balanced, chill experience. They’ve basically created the cannabis equivalent of a session beer. Just enough THC to lift your mood, balanced with CBD to keep things smooth. Flavors range from a classic Lemonade to a nostalgic Vanilla Cola, and even fruity blends like Pineapple Mango. It’s like your favorite craft soda had a rendezvous with some premium bud. The result? A deliciously refreshing buzz you can enjoy any time, day or night.
Canna Cantina – Party in a 2oz Shot
Not into leisurely sipping? Looking for something that’ll get the job done quick? Canna Cantina is here. These are 100 mg THC infused shots. Essentially the espresso shots of the cannabis world, and they are not messing around Packaged in small, portable bottles, each Canna Cantina shot is a potent burst of fast-acting liquid cannabis. Flavors like Mango, Strawberry Watermelon, Mandarin, and the cleverly named Dankchata (a cannabis take on the creamy horchata drink) make the experience tasty as well as powerful. Given the high potency (100 mg is several times a typical beginner dose), these shots are geared towards seasoned consumers or those who really want to vibe hard without smoking. They’re great for sharing. A little shot can be split into capfuls among friends, or you can mix them into a non-alcoholic cocktail for a personalized cannabis concoction. Just remember, with great power comes great responsibility: a Canna Cantina is a party in a bottle, so maybe save it for when you’re home binge-watching something and not, say, about to operate heavy machinery. Small bottle, big punch. Handle with care, and enjoy the ride!
MyHi – Stir-It-Yourself Magic
For the DIY enthusiasts and on-the-go explorers, MyHi puts the power of a cannabis drink right in your pocket. Instead of a pre-bottled beverage, MyHi offers infused drink mixes. Think of a sugar packet or stir stick, but filled with THC powder. You can dissolve it instantly into any drink of your choice: water, juice, iced coffee, you name it. This is literal mixology magic. The sticks are designed to be clean and fast-acting, using nano-emulsified THC powder that disappears into your drink and kicks in quickly. No mess, no weed taste, no hassle. MyHi is perfect when you want to turn your favorite beverage into a cannabis-infused one without carrying around cans or bottles. Imagine hiking in Central Park with a water bottle. Drop in a MyHi stick, give it a stir, and suddenly your nature walk just got a lot more interesting. The discreet factor is off the charts here (it just looks like you’re flavoring your drink). For newcomers, it’s also nice because you can start with half a stick if you want a lower dose. MyHi basically lets you be your own cannabis bartender, anytime, anywhere.
Tips to Sip Wisely
Cannabis drinks are fun and refreshing, but a few common-sense tips go a long way toward having a good experience. First off, start low and go slow, especially if you’re new to edibles. Many THC beverages in NYC come in the 5–10 mg range per serving. If you’re a total beginner, you might even start with half a serving (2.5–5 mg) and see how you feel. Remember, you can always drink more, but you can’t un-drink a THC soda once you’ve chugged it. Patience is key: even though drinks tend to hit faster than gummies, you should still give it at least a half hour or so before considering a second round.
Also, a friendly word of warning: mixing cannabis drinks with alcohol is usually a no-no. Sure, a THC-infused mojito sounds exciting, but combining intoxicants can lead to an overwhelming experience and increase the chance of the room spinning in not-so-fun ways. Our advice? Pick a lane. Enjoy your weed drink or your beer, but maybe not both together, at least until you know how each affects you solo. Your body will thank you. And of course, always stay hydrated (with good old water) and in a comfortable environment, especially for your first time. Sipping a weed drink on your couch with some chill music can be absolutely blissful. Doing the same at a packed Times Square? Maybe save that for when you’re more experienced. In short: treat a cannabis beverage with the same respect you’d treat any cocktail or edible. Enjoy responsibly and know your limits.
Final Toast
New York City’s cannabis drink scene is bubbling over, and it’s an exciting time to be a canna-beverage connoisseur. From low-dose sparkling waters to high-octane shots, there’s truly something for everyone. The best part is how social and accessible it all feels. You can toast with a THC-infused cola at a gathering, or unwind with a warm cup of cannabis tea before bed. It’s a whole new way to experience the plant, one sip at a time.
So next time you swing by Torches NYC (or any licensed dispensary in town), consider swapping that pre-roll for a potent potable. Maybe a citrusy High Peaks lemonade or a vanilla cola from Ayrloom, and take your cannabis experience to a totally new place. It’s the high life, NYC style. Cheers, and bottoms up!
(Just remember: the drinks may be infused, but please, don’t actually light them on fire.) 😄