Cannabis Drinks Gain Popularity as Americans Consume Less Booze
A growing number of Americans are opting for cannabis-infused beverages over traditional alcohol, with the demand for these drinks increasing as overall alcohol consumption declines. According to a recent Gallup survey, the percentage of U.S. adults who consume alcohol has dropped to 54%, the lowest level since 1939.
The rise of cannabis drinks is attributed to their non-alcoholic nature and the perceived health benefits of cannabidiol (CBD), a chemical compound found in marijuana or hemp that proponents claim can help alleviate pain, anxiety, and other health symptoms. These drinks come in various forms, including seltzers, juices, sodas, and teas.
Hundreds of brands, ranging from small startups to large companies, are now offering cannabis beverages, many of which promise to help individuals relax in social settings. The market is expected to continue growing, with THC beverage sales projected to reach nearly $5.6 billion by 2035, up from $1.1 billion last year.
While some cannabis drink brands market themselves as zero-calorie and zero-sugar alternatives, doctors warn that these products can still have side effects. Cannabis can affect the brain, heart, lungs, and mental health, and may trigger anxiety, paranoia, elevated heart rate, and in rare cases, psychosis.
Heavy or long-term use of cannabis, especially in teenagers, can lead to lasting issues with memory, attention, and decision-making, as well as cannabis-use disorder, a clinical term for addiction. Some heavy users may also experience severe nausea and vomiting, with pregnant individuals, teenagers, and those with mental or heart conditions being at higher risk.
Despite these potential risks, the cannabis drink market is expected to continue growing, with major retailers like Target testing the sale of THC beverages at select stores. The Minneapolis-based chain is the first big-box retailer to explore the THC beverage market, with other retailers like Total Wine & More already selling cannabis drinks.
The cannabis drink sector is growing most rapidly among women in their 30s and early 40s who are looking for more accessible, and less caloric, alternatives to traditional beverages. These individuals are replacing their evening glass of wine with THC beverages, which offer a lower-calorie and sugar-free alternative.
Mainstream alcohol brands are also entering the cannabis drink market, with beer makers Lagunitas Brewing and Pabst launching their own THC-infused beverages. The growth of the cannabis drink market is expected to continue, with the potential to be an alternative to alcohol. Imagine that…..
