8th Wonder Brewing Debuts New Seltzer Infused With Chill-Inducing Cannabis Ingredients

Plenty of Houston breweries have hopped on the seltzer fad in the past year, but 8th Wonder Brewery has taken the trend a step further with a brand new line of “herbal” seltzers that are infused with two purportedly relaxing cannabis derivatives.

Instead of being made with cane sugar like most seltzers, the brewery’s new Wonder Waters are infused with Delta-8 THC and CBD, both derived from hemp. Though they’re both technically cannabis, there’s an important legal distinction between “hemp” and “marijuana” — the former is legal in the state of Texas as of 2019, and contains less than 0.3 percent of THC, one of the psychoactive components in cannabis. The latter is banned by both the state of Texas and the United States federal government.

The seltzers, available starting on August 8 at the brewery’s taproom at 2202 Dallas Street, do not contain alcohol and have zero calories. Delta-8 Wonder Water is infused with 10 milligrams of hemp-derived Delta-8 THC. CBD Wonder Water contains 25 milligrams of hemp-derived CBD, or cannabidiol. According to the brewery, the seltzers are also flavored with citrus, and have a subtle, herbal taste.

Both compounds used in 8th Wonder’s seltzers contain less than 0.3% Delta-9 THC and are produced “locally and legally” by Bayou City Hemp Co., according to a press release. Still, the brewery warns that consuming the seltzers may result in a positive drug screening for THC, due to the inability of many drug tests to distinguish between the different cannabis-derived ingredients. Delta 8 in particular is very closely related chemically to Delta-9 THC, but remains legal.

Though studies on the effects of both CBD and Delta-8 are inconclusive, many users anecdotally report that the compounds contribute to feelings of calm, relaxation, and in some cases, can help nausea, muscle pain, and other ailments. “We’re brewers and distillers, and we’re also fans of hemp,” said 8th Wonder president Ryan Soroka in a statement. “When hemp became legal, we wanted to find a way to incorporate its natural goodness into what we do. We’re looking forward to the day when cannabis, another beneficial plant, can be enjoyed legally, responsibly, and safely everywhere, too––even here in Texas.”

8th Wonder’s Wonder Waters will be available at the brewery starting August 8.

• Where to Find CBD-Infused Drinks and Treats in Houston [EHOU]
• This Drug Gets You High, and Is Legal (Maybe) Across the Country [NYT]
• Texas Might Have Accidentally Decriminalized Marijuana [GQ]