3 Editors Test Sober(ish)'s Hemp Drops For a Nonalcoholic Buzz

Sober(ish) Drops ($46, originally $60)

"Over the past five years, I've dramatically cut back on my drinking and focused on mindful alcohol consumption. Specifically, I've decoupled alcohol from experiences where it used to be a no-brainer — like social engagements, live music, and tough days. But sometimes I still need something to take the edge off, and CBD has worked wonders for me. I find that the right dose of CBD can soothe my grumpiness or social anxiety without the cons that come with alcohol consumption.

THC typically does not agree with me; it makes me more uncomfortable than relaxed. I've experimented with products that combine THC and CBD, but often they tip too far toward the THC side to have the intended effect.

That said, the ratio and dosage in the Sober(ish) THC Drops was ideal for me, especially compared to the THC-infused beverages I've tried. I like that you can easily control the dosage; each dropper contains two milligrams of THC and four milligrams of CBD, but I found that 1/2 or 3/4 of a dropper better suited my biology.

I made a mocktail with seltzer and Angostura bitters, and as promised, the drops were flavorless, at least to my palate. I also liked that I could consume my Sober(ish) mocktail slowly, like I would a real cocktail, so the effects didn't hit me all at once (I'm looking at you, edibles) but were meted out gradually.

Another time, I added half a dropper to my tea on a frantic work day, and it helped calm me down without making me feel high. The price is also incredibly appealing; one bottle containing 30 doses costs just $60, so if I consume half of a dose per drink, that's $1 a serving. Sure beats the price of a cocktail and, frankly, an expensive mixology mocktail." — Nancy Einhart, head of content, PS

Rating:
★★★★★

Sober(ish) Drops ($46, originally $60)

"I dove into cannabis microdosing about a year ago after realizing that alcohol could trigger my rosacea flare-ups. After experimenting with a wide arc of dosages, THC-to-CBD ratios, and products ranging from tinctures to gummies, the Sober(ish) Drops are my new go-to. A 1:2 ratio of THC to CBD is my sweet spot, with one to two milligrams of THC being my preferred dose.

I've had a hard time finding cannabis products with one milligram of THC and usually have to slice gummies in half or buy multiple products with varying dosages. With Sober(ish), I love that I can easily customize how much THC I consume with a single product. An entire dropper gives me a subtle euphoric boost with a soothing body high that doesn't make me feel lethargic. Half or 3/4 of a dropper is helpful when I need to de-stress without losing focus. When I want to enjoy the effects gradually, I mix the Sober(ish) Drops into herbal tea or a Spindrift, depending on whether I'm in the mood for something hot or cold. I can usually feel the effects within 15 minutes. I've also taken half a dropper sublingually to feel the effects more immediately. If you opt for this route, just know that the drops have a very tart flavor." — Angela Elias, contributing editor, Shopping

Rating:
★★★★★

Sober(ish) Drops ($46, originally $60)

"The Sober(ish) drops satisfy my cravings for a drink, but sans the alcohol, thereby making me feel so much healthier and happier in the morning when I wake up hangover-free. I typically take a bite of a gummy with a similar THC-to-CBD ratio to help me fall asleep and unwind at the end of the day, but I appreciate the fact that the drops are more effective at working quickly to relax me — and that I can control just how much I want to consume.

Having suffered from anxiety for basically my entire life, I am now slowly weaning myself off of Prozac under the care of a psychiatrist, and I find that taking a mix of CBD and THC helps keep my obsessive thoughts at bay. One of my biggest fears is that I'll have to deal with panic attacks again, but that anxiety about having anxiety is quieted once I mix a dropper of this product into any beverage and drink it slowly.

Unlike the gummy I am used to halving, the Sober(ish) drops don't make me feel quite as tired and, of course, encourage my inner mixologist to whip up a tasty beverage to go with them." — Sarah Wasilak, associate content director, Shopping

Rating:
★★★★★

Angela Elias (she/her) is a contributing editor for PS Shopping, where she reviews everything from beauty products to kitchen gadgets, curates can't-miss sales, and creates "best of" shopping roundups. In her former roles at PS, she led the relaunch of its Latine identity and family-focused verticals, directed its Home vertical, and hosted shopping segments. She has nearly 15 years of experience working in the lifestyle space as a writer, editor, content strategist, director, on-camera talent, and publicist.