Cold Drink & Hot Sun: The Rise of Cannabis-Infused Beverages in the Pacific Northwest
There’s something about summer in the Pacific Northwest that begs for a good drink in hand. Maybe it’s the endless twilight evenings, the scent of cedar and saltwater in the air, or the spontaneous beach bonfires and forest hangs with friends. This season, more people around here are swapping their IPAs and rosés for something a little different — cannabis-infused beverages.
Whether you're unwinding after a misty morning hike, kayaking out on the sound, or posted up by a crackling firepit, cannabis drinks offer a refreshing, mellow, and hangover-free way to toast to those long PNW summer days.
Why Cannabis Drinks Are Catching On in the PNW
The Pacific Northwest has long been ahead of the curve when it comes to cannabis culture. And now, cannabis beverages are making waves in the region’s social and wellness scenes. As more folks embrace the “Cali sober” lifestyle — or just cut back on booze — these THC- and CBD-infused drinks are becoming the perfect companion for our laid-back, nature-loving lifestyle.
One reason? They deliver a relaxed, feel-good buzz without the downsides of alcohol. Plus, with hydrating ingredients like sparkling water, coconut water, or herbal tea, they're made for those sunny afternoons and cool, starlit nights we live for up here.
SunGaze Seltzers come in a variety of potencies and flavors. Ask your Budtender for today’s selection.
How They Work (And Why You’ll Love Them)
Unlike a gummy that takes its sweet time or a joint that lingers in the air, cannabis drinks use fast-acting cannabinoids designed to absorb quickly. Many people feel the effects within 15–20 minutes — perfect for keeping pace with impromptu BBQs, riverside hangs, or rooftop sunsets.
Local Tip: Start with a low-dose option like SunGaze Seltzers (5mg THC per can), grab a blanket, and let the vibe settle in as the sun dips behind the pines. Find it at your neighborhood The Novel Tree, alongside a ton of other flavor-packed options. Looking for a hazy night, check out Journeyman Hash Rosin Lemonades (100mg per bottle.)
10 Reasons Cannabis Drinks Belong in Your Cooler This Summer
Precise Dosing: No guesswork. Sip a known amount, adjust as you like.
Fast-Acting Effects: Feel it in about 20 minutes — perfect for spontaneous plans.
Discreet & Chill: No smoke, no smell. Sip it on the beach, at a trailhead, or on your back deck.
Lasting, Mellow Vibes: The kind of easy, contented buzz that pairs well with late sunsets.
Flavors for Every Mood: From citrusy spritzers to sweet soda like Blaze Sodas, there’s a sip for every scene.
Better for Your Lungs: Skip the smoke — your lungs will thank you on that next uphill climb.
Stay Hydrated: Many cannabis drinks are naturally hydrating, making them ideal trail or hammock companions.
Wellness-Friendly: Options with CBD offer calm, muscle relaxation, and post-adventure recovery: like our favorite Sungaze Strawberry 2:1 CBD:THC.
No Hangover, No Problem: Wake up early for that sunrise paddle or forest hike, feeling good.
Regulated & Reliable: Products sold at licensed The Novel Tree locations are tested and clearly labeled, so you always know what you’re getting.
The Perfect Summer Social Swap
Whether you're leaning into a Cali sober lifestyle or just cutting back on alcohol between craft brew fests, cannabis drinks fill that space beautifully. They’re light, social, and vibe seamlessly with the Pacific Northwest’s outdoor culture.
From riverside picnics to mountain lookouts and ferry deck sunsets, a chilled SunGaze Seltzer belongs in your cooler this season. Head to your local The Novel Tree and explore a range of flavors, potencies, and blends tailored to your kind of summer.
Final Sip: Ready to Try One?
Cannabis drinks are more than a passing trend — they’re a fresh way to savor the season, with all the ease, flavor, and good energy you’d expect from a PNW summer. Whether you’re chasing waterfalls, road-tripping the coast, or stargazing on a driftwood log, there's a cannabis-infused beverage to match the moment.
Pick up a few at The Novel Tree, start low and slow, and discover your favorite new summer tradition.