Today’s article comes directly from the “never say never” department. I never imagined that I’d find myself writing a newsletter piece about hemp-derived Delta 9 beverages on a Sunday afternoon. For the longest time, these drinks barely existed on the periphery of my awareness and remained something I politely ignored.
That all changed when I started receiving a growing number of customer inquiries and requests. I realized there might be more to these drinks than I initially considered. The tipping point came when I discovered that one of my primary wine suppliers wasn’t just selling these beverages — they were also producing them right here in Asheville!
Curiosity got the best of me, and I decided it was time to dive into the world of these mysterious elixirs. So, what exactly are hemp-derived Delta 9 beverages? Essentially, these drinks are non-alcoholic beverages infused with Delta 9 THC, the compound found in cannabis that produces the “mind-enhancing effects” or “mood-altering qualities.”
The colossal twist here is that the THC for these drinks is derived from hemp, which makes it federally legal under the 2018 Farm Bill — provided it contains less than 0.3% Delta 9 THC by dry weight. These drinks offer a completely legal way to experience the effects of THC, but in a controlled, predictable manner that differs from traditional cannabis consumption.
To understand my take on these beverages, a little background on my relationship with cannabis is necessary. My personal history of smoking weed is relatively brief and unremarkable. I was done with it early on in college, well over 40 years ago. Since then, I can count the number of times I’ve tried it on one hand. None of those more recent experiences were pleasant or even remotely enjoyable. In fact, they were enough to convince me that “modern” cannabis wasn’t something I wanted any part of, and I haven’t looked back since.
Given this history and my career as a Wine Merchant, you may wonder why these beverages pique my interest. Simply put, I was curious to see what all the fuss was about, and given the numerous customer inquiries, I needed to know more. The effect of these beverages is tolerance-based, so when I decided to dip my toe in the Delta 9 pool, I was instructed to start with a low dosage, given my essentially non-existent cannabis tolerance. For my experiment, I chose a 5-milligram drink, the lowest dosage available and the level we sell at the shop.
So, what was the experience like? Actually, it turned out better than I expected. It reminded me of a gentle, 1970s-style weed buzz—nothing too crazy or intense like modern weed, instead, just a mild, relaxing sensation.
Will it replace, or even intrude into, my wine-drinking universe? Absolutely not. For me, wine is more than just a drink; it’s a multifaceted experience that Hammond and I enjoy with food, family, and good company. Wine is an intellectual and sensory stimulating exploration of place, culture, taste, and tradition that I find deeply satisfying.
That said, I can see how hemp-derived Delta 9 beverages could be an enjoyable route or even just a likable diversion for some folks. For those looking for a mild, controlled experience with THC, these drinks offer a convenient and legal option. While they won’t replace wine for me, I can appreciate their appeal, particularly as a change of pace from alcohol, as a sleep aid, and for anxiety reduction.
So far, for me, the best and probably only use of these beverages has been as a sleep aid. On nights when I find it difficult to unwind, a small dose of Delta 9 has helped me relax and drift off to sleep more easily. While it’s not something I’ll be reaching for regularly, I can see these drinks carving out a niche for themselves among those looking for a different flavor of relaxation in this crazy world of ours.