THC Drinks Are Booming in Popularity
In recent years, the beverage aisle has gotten a lot more interesting. Alongside craft sodas and hard seltzers, a new player is quickly gaining ground: THC-infused drinks. Once a niche product, these beverages — often flavored seltzers, teas, or tonics infused with tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive compound in cannabis — are now on track to become a $4 billion industry by 2028, according to market analysts.
What’s fueling the boom?
Several factors are driving the surge in THC beverage popularity. First, the continued legalization of cannabis across many U.S. states has expanded the market dramatically. Second, consumers are increasingly seeking alternatives to alcohol that still provide a buzz without the hangover. THC drinks promise a “social high” without some of the downsides of drinking, attracting a broad range of demographics, from health-conscious millennials to curious older adults.
The drinks also tend to offer controlled dosing, making them appealing to newcomers who might be intimidated by smoking or edibles. A typical can contains between 2.5 to 10 milligrams of THC — enough to produce a mild effect without overwhelming users.
The health concerns
However, health experts are urging caution. While THC beverages are marketed as safer and more predictable than traditional edibles or smoking, there are still risks involved:
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Delayed onset: Like edibles, THC drinks can take 30 minutes to 2 hours to fully kick in. This delay can lead some users to overconsume, thinking they haven’t had enough.
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Mixing with alcohol: Some consumers combine THC drinks with alcohol at social gatherings, but the interaction can increase impairment and pose greater risks for accidents.
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Impact on mental health: High doses of THC can trigger anxiety, paranoia, or even psychotic episodes in vulnerable individuals.
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Lack of regulation: Because regulations vary widely between states, the quality and labeling accuracy of THC beverages can be inconsistent. Some drinks may contain more THC than advertised, raising the potential for unwanted side effects.
Dr. Nora Volkow, director of the National Institute on Drug Abuse, has expressed concern over how the normalization of cannabis products could downplay the potential for dependency and health issues, particularly among young people.
A shift in drinking culture
Despite these concerns, THC beverages are changing the landscape of casual consumption. Instead of heading to the bar for a beer, some people are now cracking open a cannabis-infused seltzer at the end of the day. Companies like Cann, Wunder, and Keef have all built strong followings by marketing their products as modern, sophisticated alternatives to alcohol.
“People want choices,” says Rachel Stern, CEO of a cannabis beverage startup. “Not everyone wants to drink alcohol, and THC beverages offer a lighter, fun way to relax.”
What to watch for
As THC beverages continue their rise, expect to see:
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More mainstream availability: Some states are already allowing THC drinks in grocery stores, and national brands are watching closely.
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Better labeling and dosing information: As the industry matures, clearer guidance on serving sizes and effects is likely to become standard.
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New product innovations: Think lower-calorie options, customizable THC-to-CBD ratios, and faster-acting formulations.
If you’re curious about trying a THC beverage, experts recommend starting low and slow — opting for drinks with 2.5 to 5 milligrams of THC, and waiting at least two hours before consuming more.
In this evolving space, education is key. As THC beverages become a bigger part of mainstream culture, understanding both their appeal and their risks will help consumers make safer, more informed choices.
