When cocktails go cannabis: how THC drinks are quietly shaking up the beverage world

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You may still pop a can, but increasingly, it’s what’s in the can that’s changing. Over the past couple of years, cannabis-infused drinks—especially those carrying THC (and sometimes CBD) in nonalcoholic formats—have been moving from boutique dispensary curiosities toward mainstream alternative. Think sparkling teas, seltzers, infused tonics, even “social” zero-proof sodas.

It’s a shift that mirrors a larger cultural trend: Americans are drinking less alcohol. A recent Gallup poll showed only 54 % of U.S. adults now say they drink—an all-time low in Gallup’s tracking. This decline isn’t just about lighter consumption; it’s a re-evaluation of what’s healthy and what’s enjoyable. In that opening, cannabis drinks are stepping in.

“There’s a replacement factor going on between THC beverages and wine and beer and distilled spirits,” notes Beau Whitney, chief economist at Whitney Economics¹. In fact, the consultancy projects U.S. THC drink sales growing from about $1.1 billion to nearly $5.6 billion by 2035.

That kind of forecast isn’t alone. Grand View Research pegs global cannabis beverage growth at a compound annual rate near 19 % through 2030², with THC-led drinks commanding a large share. Headset reports that beverages—once a tiny sliver of cannabis retail—are now showing triple-digit year-over-year growth in certain markets³.

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Why They’re Resonating

Calorie- and alcohol-free socialization.
One of the strongest appeals is substitution: people who still want a relaxed ritual (a can, a sip, a chill effect) but want to avoid sugar, alcohol, or hangovers are drawn to THC beverages as a modern alternative. Whitney notes the fastest growth is among women in their 30s and 40s trying to swap out wine or spirits for something “lighter.”

Speed and predictability.
Unlike edibles, which can take 30–90 minutes to fully kick in, cannabis drinks can start working in 15–20 minutes⁴. That more rapid onset makes them better suited for social settings—people don’t have to wait an hour to realize they miscalculated a dose.

Retail availability.
THC beverages are not just stuck in dispensaries. In many states, they’re appearing in grocery stores, bars, restaurants, even liquor stores. In Minnesota, Target is piloting THC-infused drinks in select liquor locations⁵. Meanwhile, breweries like Atlanta’s Scofflaw have revived their business by launching hemp-THC “nonalcoholic” cans⁶.

A Cautious Note on Safety

Despite the positive buzz, these drinks deserve respect. Medical experts remind consumers that cannabis—smoked, eaten, or drunk—can influence memory, focus, coordination, and heart rate, and may trigger anxiety or paranoia in some people⁷. Impairment risks, particularly when driving, are real. Long-term heavy use, especially in younger people, can affect cognition and attention.

The rule of thumb: if it’s legal in your state and you’re trying a new brand, start low and go slow.

Legal Patchwork and Regulation

Part of the intrigue is how uneven U.S. law still is. The 2018 Farm Bill opened doors for hemp-derived cannabinoids, but THC beverage rules differ wildly by state⁸. Some states permit hemp-derived delta-9 beverages openly; others restrict dosage or packaging.

As of 2025, 27 states and D.C. have active or pending legislation on THC beverage manufacturing, labeling, or age restrictions⁹. For brands and consumers alike, clarity is coming—but not fast.

Brands and Momentum

Grind With Gratitude – North Carolina’s best selling THC seltzer
Cann — Marketed as a “social beverage,” blending low-dose THC with natural botanicals.
Cycling Frog — Known for THC seltzers and gummies.
Nowadays — Motto: “The future of drinking is here.”
Lagunitas & Pabst — Traditional breweries testing cannabis-infused lines.
NoDa Brewing (Charlotte, NC) — Recently launched Happy Bird, a hemp-THC seltzer that’s zero-sugar, gluten-free, and alcohol-free¹⁰.

In short: THC beverages are no longer a novelty—they’re a cultural signal. As more consumers seek alternatives that feel social, sophisticated, and hangover-free, the cannabis beverage industry is quietly becoming the most interesting corner of the modern drink aisle.

References

¹ CBS News — “Cannabis drinks are having a moment even as Americans consume less alcohol.”
Cannabis drinks are emerging as low-calorie, nonalcoholic alternatives as U.S. alcohol consumption declines.
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/cannabis-thc-drinks-popularity-rise/

² Grand View Research — “Cannabis Beverages Market Size, Share & Trends Report 2030.”
The global cannabis beverages market size was valued at USD 1.54 billion in 2023 and is expected to expand at a CAGR of 18.9 % from 2024 to 2030.
https://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/cannabis-beverages-market

³ Headset — “Cannabis Beverages Category Data.”
Beverage share of total cannabis sales continues to rise with triple-digit YOY growth in select U.S. states.
https://www.headset.io/category/beverage

⁴ Harvard Health — “Cannabis Beverages: What to Know Before You Drink.”
THC beverages can take effect within 15–20 minutes—faster than traditional edibles.
https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/cannabis-beverages-what-to-know-before-you-drink

⁵ Marijuana Moment — “Target To Begin Selling THC-Infused Cannabis Drinks.”
Target will test THC beverages in select Minnesota liquor stores as Congress debates hemp regulations.
https://www.marijuanamoment.net/target-to-begin-selling-thc-infused-cannabis-drinks-as-congress-debates-possible-hemp-law-reversal-companies-say/

⁶ Alcohol Professor — “Why Breweries Are Betting on THC Drinks.”
Atlanta’s Scofflaw pivoted from beer to THC seltzers after pandemic losses, sparking a regional trend.
https://www.alcoholprofessor.com/blog-posts/cannabis-drinks-rtds

⁷ CBS News — “Potential Health Impacts of Cannabis Beverages.”
Doctors caution that cannabis drinks can affect memory, coordination, and heart rate; moderation advised.
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/cannabis-thc-drinks-popularity-rise/

⁸ Karouser — “THC Drink Laws by State (2025 Update).”
A breakdown of hemp-derived THC beverage regulations across 44 states.
https://karouser.com/thc-drink-laws/

⁹ MultiState Insider — “THC on Tap: 2025 Cannabis-Infused Beverage Legislation Review.”
27 states + D.C. introduced or updated THC beverage regulation bills in 2025.
https://www.multistate.us/insider/2025/5/5/thc-on-tap-a-review-of-2025-cannabis-infused-beverage-legislation

¹⁰ Axios Charlotte — “NoDa Brewing Launches ‘Happy Bird’ THC Seltzers.”
Charlotte’s NoDa Brewing debuts zero-sugar hemp-THC seltzers for a hangover-free buzz.
https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/03/08/noda-brewing-company-happy-bird-thc-seltzers-cannabis