Review: K-Zen’s Tropical Thunder S*SHOTS

Tropical Thunder cannabis-infused S*SHOTS. Photo Credit: K-Zen.

The word “edible” often prompts consumers to think of brownies, cookies, etc. However, the edible market also features a wide variety of infused beverages, such as sodas, coffee, teas, etc.

The S*SHOTS lineup by K-Zen offers a new fun and experimental edible experience.

K-Zen is a woman and Asian-owned company that focuses on creating a portfolio of cannabis beverages for every type of consumer. They have combined decades of food and beverage expertise with a passion for cannabis to create award-winning beverages like their Mad Lilly Spritzers and S*SHOTS.

The S*SHOTS lineup consists of four flavors: watermelon punch, tropical thunder, lemon crush, and berry blast. The products come in 237 ml glass bottles that contain 100 mg of THC and less than 2 mg of CBD. 

There are a few methods of consumption with this product. Using the complimentary shot glass, one can measure out a serving with 10 mg of THC (there are also markers on the bottle), and drink it straight up. For those looking for a more intense experience, drinking the entire bottle is an option as well – but it is not recommended for beginners. Another option, which seems to be the main intention, is to mix the shot with other ingredients to create an alcohol-free THC mocktail. Consumers can find recipes on the company’s website; they can even send in their own recipes.

Regarding this review, I decided to keep it straight-forward, and drink the “shots” just by themselves.

K-Zen’s Tropical Thunder S*SHOTS

100 mg THC/<2 mg CBD

About $21

The Tropical Thunder S*SHOTZ flavor consists of a blend of mango, pineapple and orange. 

The instructions on the bottle recommend serving the shot chilled, so I followed suit. I decided to take three shots, totalling 30 mg THC. Beginners, however, should start with a 5-10 mg serving.

When consuming, I noticed a strong smell and taste of pineapple, very similar to that of a piña colada. While the taste of orange and mango was very faint; the typical cannabis taste one may find in edibles was very prevalent. The “weedy” taste along with the fruity flavors created a taste that was rather unenjoyable for me. A similar aftertaste was also prevalent for a few minutes. Honestly, it reminded me of a shot of alcohol because of this.

Having little experience with cannabis beverages, I had no expectations as to how the shots would make me feel. 

Roughly 30 minutes after consumption, I started to feel the shot’s effects. One should feel the effects relatively quickly due to the nano-emulsified THC extract the company uses to make the beverage. Nano-emulsification means they take large oil droplets and break them down into tiny particles that can mix with water, and are more bioavailable to the body (i.e. they have quicker onsets). 

As the high slowly built, I felt energetic, bubbly and talkative. I was content with how I felt, and I was surprised at how quickly I felt some effects.

Within an hour and a half, it reached its peak. As someone who typically takes 30 mg of THC with edibles, I was feeling a much stronger high than I usually do. 

After 3 hours or so, I started to feel normal again. Drowsiness set in followed by a pleasant snooze.

4.5/5 emeralds

Lab Results

As always, lab tests matter, and consumers deserve to know what they are getting. The results for this review were delivered promptly and without issue.

Additionally, it is important to note that experts suggest that products should contain a range of +/-10% of what the company advertises. If it falls within that range, it earns an A; 20% earns a B; 30% a C; and 31% or more fails.

The lab results confirm that the product passes all health tests. The product passes the THC and CBD tests as well. 

More specifically, the label states that this product contains 100 mg of THC. The lab results clearly confirm that with a confirmed total of 100.872 mg THC. The results also confirm that there is indeed less than 2 mg of CBD within the product. In fact, there was none. Since the contents fall within 10% of what K-Zen has advertised, this product earns an A.

Final Thoughts on the S*SHOTS

I was pleasantly surprised with this product. I thought it was a fun idea that I’ve never heard of before. K-Zen’s approach to the THC-mocktail experience was a blast to partake in. However, I can’t see this as an alternative to alcohol, as the taste and effects are so different.

At roughly $21, I feel that the product is very affordable considering the 100 mg THC content as well as the wide variety of consumption methods. Additionally, this product is clearly of high quality all the way from the packaging to the entire consumption experience. 

My one true gripe with this product however was the taste. I was expecting nothing but fruity bliss when downing the shots. While I did get a fruity pineapple taste, that “weedy” taste commonly associated with edibles was both prevalent and unappealing. I’d say the effects made that pay off, however. For this reason, I’d recommend mixing it in a mocktail or chasing it with another beverage.

Bottom line, I would love to give the other flavors a go. These shots offer a fun and unique experience for both the casual and frequent cannabis consumer, all for a respectable price.