This article was written in partnership with Crescent 9 THC Seltzer.I’ve been intermittently into cannabis since high school. The effects I’ve experienced range from Snoop-level stoned to barely buzzed and I’ve consumed weed from vessels that range from vapes to apples. But then I went through a phase where weed made me feel paranoid, and so I quit for a decade. These days, I’m far from being a big ganja guy, but I’ll down an edible now and again.
Recently, I tried THC seltzer for the first time. Specifically, I sampled 4 different flavors and potencies of Crescent 9 THC Seltzer. Overall, I found them relaxing and refreshing – more on that soon – for now, let’s get the baked elephant out of the room.
No, recreational marijuana is not legal in Wisconsin. But there are loopholes, which make it legal to sell beverages like THC seltzers in Wisconsin. (I love a loophole!) The 2018 Farm Bill made cannabis products federally legal in the United States as long as they contain hemp-derived cannabinoids and no more than 0.3% Delta-9 THC. All Crescent Canna products comply with these rules, so they’re federally legal and compliant – even in fuddy duddy Wisconsin!
All of the Crescent Canna beverages are low-calorie, vegan and alcohol-free. They have varying degrees tasting like cannabis and range wildly in potency. It’s important to look at the serving suggestions on the can in order to catch a pleasant buzz rather than an “Ope, I’m totally bugging out” mini trip.
I sampled the least-potent one first. The ginger lemonade seltzer has 5 mg of THC and four mgs of CBD. It’s also caffeine free and contains only 70 calories per can. I drank half the can, didn’t really feel anything, and so I drank the second half of the can and felt a warming sensation that left me extra chill for about 15 minutes. The flavor was crisp and minimal, with almost no aftertaste.
Another time, I tried the tropical flavor that has 6 milligrams of THC, 3 milligrams of CBD and 60 calories per can. Again, I started with half a can, waited about 20 minutes, and then drank the second half. The effects were very similar to the ginger lemonade: mellowing and light.
The Sour Watermelon has 10 milligrams of THC and was by far my favorite flavor. I’ve had other beverages with this savory and sweet combo and always enjoy them. It definitely packed more punch than the other cans. I didn’t feel like I entered another dimension, but I was definitely more day-dreamy. It would also make a good “end of the night” drink.
Now's a good time to mention using these products at any dosage and driving is a gigantic wavy-gravy no-no. Just don’t do it. I may not agree with Wisconsin’s harsh anti-marijuana laws, but impaired driving is a law I do not break. Ever.
The final THC seltzer I tried was the whopping 50-mg strawberry lemonade seltzer. The label is clearly marked “High Potency” and the serving size is 1 ounce – out of a 12-ounce can – so about the size of a shot. I would definitely recommend this one to more experienced cannabis users. It’s deeply relaxing, euphoric and hits fast. Hence, it's extremely important to try a small amount and wait 15 to 30 minutes before deciding to chug more.
Crescent Canna THC seltzers range in price depending on flavor and number of cans. To get an example of the cost, four-packs are about $40; 12 packs about $55; 24 packs are in the $100 range.
Crescent Canna is based in New Orleans, Louisiana and Charlotte, North Carolina. The company distributes hemp-derived THC and CBD products in all 50 states. They recently launched in Wisconsin and are available in 100+ stores, including Consumer Beverage in Hales Corners, Liquor Guys in Wauwatosa, Siegel's Liquor in Bay View and Martha's Vineyard in Milwaukee.
Abstaining from drinking alcohol is definitely a rising trend and one that bodes well for THC and CBD beverages.
"THC drinks have experienced rapid growth in larger Midwestern cities like Chicago and Minneapolis," says Milwaukee Senior Account Manager Ryan Findlay. "As someone who lives and works in Milwaukee, I’m incredibly excited to introduce Crescent 9 Seltzers to the market and establish us as the premier THC seltzer not just in Milwaukee but all throughout Wisconsin."
Molly Snyder started writing and publishing her work at the age 10, when her community newspaper printed her poem, "The Unicorn.” Since then, she's expanded beyond the subject of mythical creatures and written in many different mediums but, nearest and dearest to her heart, thousands of articles for OnMilwaukee.
Molly is a regular contributor to FOX6 News and numerous radio stations as well as the co-host of "Dandelions: A Podcast For Women.” She's received five Milwaukee Press Club Awards, served as the Pfister Narrator and is the Wisconsin State Fair’s Celebrity Cream Puff Eating Champion of 2019.
