A Beginner’s Guide to THC (That Won’t End in Existential Dread)
Chances are, you’ve seen the stereotypical THC edible story: Someone accidentally eats half a tray of special brownies, doesn’t feel anything at first, and then spends the next ten hours staring at the ceiling and hallucinating.
If that’s your mental model for what THC feels like, we get it. This has been the story around THC for generations. And, the roots of that story aren’t entirely fictional. Edibles can be intense, unpredictable, and…memorable (for better or worse).
But the THC space has changed a lot in the last few years. And so have the ways people interact with it.
The world of THC-infused beverages has opened up an entirely new way to interact with this centuries-old plant. These drinks are measured, consistent, and designed for precision and control. Instead of mystery doses (and being out of commission all day), they have a clear, understandable journey.
Read on if you want to find out exactly what that journey looks like, and what you should know before cracking open your first can of FABRIC.
WTF Is a THC-Infused Beverage? (And Why It’s Not Scary)
The short answer: Weed that you drink. But it’s not really that simple, and it’s definitely not as intimidating as you might think.
FABRIC is what’s known as a hemp-derived THC beverage. In our case, that means a functional fizzy drink infused with a small, measured dose of Delta-9 THC, extracted from federally legal hemp.
These drinks exist thanks to two major shifts: one legal, one technical.
The legal shift came with the 2018 Farm Bill, which made it possible to use hemp (defined as THC with less than 0.3% THC by dry weight) to create functional products that are available outside of dispensaries.
The technical side comes down to solubility. THC is naturally oil-based, which means it doesn’t play well with water. But recent advances, particularly something called nano-emulsification, have allowed THC to be broken down into tiny, water-compatible particles. That’s the science behind why THC-infused drinks work so well (and so fast)!
The “Bell Curve” Experience: Onset, Peak, and Offset
The easiest way to describe the effects of a THC beverage is through a bell curve. Smooth on the way up, steady at the top, and gentle on the way down. There’s a clear beginning, a middle, and an end. If you’ve ever had an edible that left you guessing where exactly you were on that spectrum, this predictability is a welcome change.
Here’s the rough timeline:
Onset: You’ll likely start to feel something within 15 to 30 minutes. That’s thanks to the way the THC is absorbed: not through digestion, like an edible, but through the tissues in your mouth and gut as you sip.
Peak: Around 60 to 90 minutes after you finish your drink, the effects usually crest. This is where you’ll notice the full impact. Maybe it’s a lightness in your body, a slight softening of the world around you, or just a subtle shift in mood.
Offset: From there, it eases back down. Most people feel the buzz taper off within another hour or so. It’s not abrupt, just a clean return to baseline.
The total experience typically wraps up within two to three hours. It might be less if you have a high tolerance and a history of use, or slightly longer if you’re new to it.
Either way, it’s short enough to fit into your evening, your Saturday afternoon, or your lunch break (depending on the formula you choose).
Start Low and Sip Slow
If there’s one rule to remember when trying a THC-infused beverage for the first time, it’s this: start low and sip slow.
Unlike, say, caffeine or electrolytes, THC has a very real psychoactive effect. That doesn’t make it dangerous, but it does make pacing important. The good news is that drinks like FABRIC make dosing easy. Each can is precisely measured, which means there’s no mystery.
For most people, a single can of Rhythm is a great starting place. If you’re extremely sensitive (or just extra wary), you can always start with half, wait 30 minutes, and see how you feel before finishing.
(Quick side note: This isn’t a chugging contest. Sip slowly. Give your body time to process. You’re not trying to win anything here.)
It’s also worth noting: while FABRIC is non-alcoholic, THC and alcohol don’t mix well, and that’s even more true if you’re experimenting. It’s best to keep things simple and let the beverage do its thing on its own.
TLDR: You can always have more later. But you can’t un-drink what you already drank.
THC, CBG, CBD… WTF?
Okay, we’ll admit it: reading the side of a THC drink can feel a little like scanning a chemistry set. So, let’s break down what you’re actually looking at.
At FABRIC, our drinks are built around cannabinoids, which are naturally occurring compounds found in hemp and cannabis plants. Different cannabinoids do different things. Some are psychoactive (like THC), and some aren’t (like CBD and CBG).
Here are the big three you’ll find in our lineup:
THC (aka Delta-9 THC)
This is the one most people recognize. THC is the compound responsible for the psychoactive effects of THC, the “high,” if you will. In FABRIC drinks, THC is what gives you that mild buzz, sense of ease, or relaxed mood shift.
It’s the core ingredient in Rhythm (1.5 mg THC) and Downtime (10 mg THC), with each formula crafted for a different intensity and occasion. If you’ve ever wondered what THC feels like without jumping off the deep end, Rhythm is a solid place to start.
CBD (Cannabidiol)
Non-intoxicating and often associated with relaxation, CBD is most common in the wellness industry. You can find it in oils, gummies, even bath bombs. You’ve probably seen it everywhere.
While FABRIC doesn’t lead with CBD, it does show up in supporting roles, especially in Rhythm and Downtime, to help round out the experience. CBD alone won’t get you high, but it’s often used to soften or balance the effects of THC.
CBG (Cannabigerol)
This is the under-the-radar one. CBG is another non-intoxicating cannabinoid, and it’s sometimes referred to as the “parent molecule” because it’s a precursor to other cannabinoids.
If you’re easing your way into THC, knowing which cannabinoid does what helps you make an informed and confident choice.
Find Your FABRIC
Not all THC-infused beverages are built the same, and not every occasion calls for the same formula.
At FABRIC, we design our beverages around the idea of intentional use. We want to meet you where you are, whether you want clarity, connection, or a full-on wind-down. Here’s how each product fits a different moment, mood, or mindset:
Clarity: Zero THC, All Zen
This is our THC-free option, built around a combination of functional ingredients designed to give you that afternoon pick-me-up. If you're looking for something to keep you clear-headed while still giving your brain a little boost, Clarity’s your go-to.
Perfect for workday lunches, a weekend hike, or staying sharp while sipping something delicious and functional. There’s no high or buzz involved; just a crisp drink that fits into your day without derailing it.
Rhythm: Find Your Flow
With just 1.5mg of THC, Rhythm is a microdose in beverage form. It’s light, subtle, and designed to gently ease you into the experience. It’s what we recommend for first-timers and casual consumers.
It’s the kind of drink that works well at a dinner party or winding down after a run, where you want to feel good, but stay social and present.
Downtime: Deep Relaxation Mode
At 10mg of THC, Downtime is our strongest, most dialed-in formula. It’s designed for evenings in and movie marathons. TLDR: You’ll certainly feel this one.
Compared to old-school edibles, though, Downtime is still measured and manageable. It’s not crafted to overwhelm you. We just recommend working your way up to it… Maybe after you’ve gotten to know Rhythm first.
Cheers to a New Kind of THC Experience
We hope that this guide helped demystify the hemp-beverage experience. Because, if we’re honest, confusing and overwhelming is the exact opposite of what our products are meant to be.
With low-dose, precisely formulated THC beverages like FABRIC, the experience is something you can plan around instead of bracing yourself for. You don’t need to cross your fingers and set aside a whole afternoon “just in case.”
Whether you’re easing in with Clarity, dipping a toe in with Rhythm, or settling down with Downtime, you’ve got plenty of options and zero pressure.
Ready to give it a go? Explore the FABRIC lineup and find the one that fits your vibe.
And if you’ve still got questions, we’ve got answers. You can read our other blogs, or reach out to us directly: We’re always happy to help you sip smarter.