THC Drinks | These days, it’s no martini at the end of a long day. Instead, many young adults reach for a THC‑infused drink. For 26‑year‑old Bre Giglio, the decision is simple:
“We don’t have alcohol in our house. Not because we’re sober or anything. Just because we prefer THC beverages.” The Independent
Decline in Alcohol Use Among Young Adults
Multiple surveys confirm this shift. A 2023 Gallup poll found that only 62 percent of adults aged 18–34 consume alcohol—a 10-point drop from two decades earlier The Independent+8The Independent+8The Guardian+8. Add to that a 2024 LendingTree survey, which revealed 55 percent of Gen Zers regret how much they spent on booze The Independent+15The Independent+15The Times of India+15.
It isn’t just spending or stats. Many young people simply don’t enjoy the routine of drinking and don’t mind skipping it.
Rising Popularity of THC Beverages
THC drinks are now part of the picture. These are hemp‑derived beverages containing THC, like low‑dose edibles. You must be 21+ to purchase them The Independent+3The Guardian+3The Independent+3The Times of India+7The Independent+7Business Insider+7.
Brands such as Nowadays market themselves as a direct replacement for cocktails. Their bottled non‑alcoholic spirit is meant to mix with lemonade or orange juice and comes in doses of 2 mg, 5 mg, or 10 mg THC per serving The Independent. Giglio sticks to 5–10 mg, typically having about five drinks a week, each at the end of her evening The Independent.
Why THC Is Compelling
- Controlled, predictable effects
THC beverages are more consistent than alcohol. That appeal has been noted by observers as a reason for Gen Z’s growing interest wakenbakery.net+1The Guardian+2grappos.com+2. - Health, cost, and hangover
THC drinks avoid the next‑day grogginess of alcohol, often cost less over time, and align with health priorities—especially appealing to younger adults The Independent+1. - Versatility and functional benefits
Unlike alcohol, THC drinks can be marketed for relaxation, focus, sleep or sociability. They fit into a broader trend of “functional” beverages that blur the line between wellness and indulgence wakenbakery.netThe Times of India.
Broader Trends in Cannabis-Based Drinks
The shift isn’t limited to Gen Z. CBS News cites data indicating nearly 70 percent of Gen Z prefer cannabis products over alcohol The Independent+5Total Food Service+5wakenbakery.net+5. Functional drink trends also include adaptogen‑infused or probiotic beverages—signaling a growing demand for mindful alternatives to drinking grappos.com.
Economic Drivers
Rising alcohol prices push some toward THC. A 2024 LendingTree survey found 41 percent of drinkers wanted to cut back on alcohol due to cost The Times of India. THC drinks may cost less and still deliver relaxation.
Regulatory and Market Context
THC beverages still face hurdles. Complex state‑by‑state regulations and consumer uncertainty pose challenges Business Insider+4Business Insider+4Axios+4. For perspective, the US THC‑beverage market is projected to grow to $756 million by 2029, yet remains tiny compared to alcohol’s $117 billion market Business Insider+1.
Some regions are acting. In Texas, a proposed ban on THC beverages sparked a clash between liquor distributors (who see opportunity) and beer distributors (who back the ban) San Antonio Express-News+1. In contrast, NoDa Brewing in North Carolina launched a hemp‑derived THC seltzer in its taproom, aimed at health‑ and Gen Z‑focused drinkers Wikipedia+7Axios+7San Antonio Express-News+7.
Where Things Stand
The narrative is evolving:
- Alcohol consumption among Gen Z is down.
- THC-infused beverages offer controlled, accessible relaxation without calories, booze or hangovers.
- Health, cost, varietal benefits, and mindful consumption drive demand.
- Regulatory and cultural barriers remain.
The beverage industry is responding. Alcohol companies and breweries are exploring non-alcoholic and THC-infused options. As cannabis gains acceptance, soft entry points like THC drinks may become mainstream.
