{"id":40243,"date":"2025-11-04T06:00:37","date_gmt":"2025-11-04T11:00:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.veriheal.com\/blog\/?p=40243"},"modified":"2026-03-23T06:43:30","modified_gmt":"2026-03-23T10:43:30","slug":"cannabis-beverages-vs-alcohol","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.veriheal.com\/blog\/cannabis-beverages-vs-alcohol\/","title":{"rendered":"The Rise of Cannabis Beverages: Are They a Healthier Alternative?"},"content":{"rendered":"

On a recent trip to New Orleans, in a state that currently lacks legal recreational cannabis, I spotted them \u2013 THC-infused drinks prominently displayed in a smoke shop window. During a visit to Chicago, cannabis beverages were offered to me at bars as an alternative to alcohol. At home in Denver, CBD and hemp drinks are sold everywhere from dispensaries to convenience stores and bars.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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As alcohol consumption reaches <\/span>record lows<\/span><\/a> in the United States, people are seeking other options for relaxation and fun without the negative health impacts associated with drinking. Gen Z, in particular, is less interested in drinking than any other generation before them. And with <\/span>cannabis use currently hitting all-time highs<\/span><\/a>, is it possible THC could replace alcohol as our weekend go-to drink?\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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The demand for these beverages is certainly growing, but our access to them is still unequal \u2013 even in states with legal weed. As cannabis drinks take off throughout the States, we are now left with a couple of essential questions: are they truly healthier than alcohol, and when will everyone be able to buy them?\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Cannabis Drinks: What Are They?\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Cannabis beverages are any drink infused with compounds from the cannabis plant, such as delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) or cannabidiol (CBD).\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

These beverages took off shortly after the signing of the <\/span>2018 Farm Bill<\/span><\/a>, which contained a loophole allowing for the sale of hemp-derived products if they contained less than 0.3% THC by dry weight. As it turned out, 0.3% is plenty strong enough to cause psychoactive effects \u2013 and these items could even be sold in states without legal weed programs.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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There are two main types of cannabis beverages: those with CBD and those with THC. CBD is non-psychoactive and often derived from hemp, so it\u2019s good for relaxing without the mind-altering high. Alternatively, THC-infused drinks <\/span>are <\/span><\/i>psychoactive, much like a cannabis edible from the dispensary.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Weed drinks are possible thanks to a relatively new technology known as nanoemulsification, which has two main goals. Emulsification allows cannabinoid particles to bind with water, and breaking them down further into tiny nanoparticles helps them to be absorbed by the body much faster.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Cannabis beverages can contain anywhere from 2 to 100 milligrams of THC or CBD, but the average hovers around 5 to 10 mg \u2013 a fairly standard serving for an edible. Some drinks contain both CBD and THC for a more balanced high.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Since you sip on a drink rather than ingesting it all at once, they also tend to be less intense than food-based infusions, with the peak spread out over a longer period of time.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Exploring the Cannabis Beverage Market\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Cannabis beverages are experiencing a significant surge in popularity across the country. There are an estimated <\/span>500 to 750 different brands<\/span><\/a> offering the drinks, ranging from small local companies to nationally distributed labels.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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As the brands have grown, so too have the varieties. You can find lemonades, mock beers, seltzers, teas, sodas, <\/span>syrups<\/span><\/a>, juices, and everything in between in countless flavors. Many bars are starting to show off their creativity with these options, crafting all sorts of traditional mocktails and personalized mixed drinks for patrons.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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The best part? Consumers are loving it. <\/span>Circle K<\/span><\/a> is on track to start selling cannabis beverages in all of its stores within the next year, and <\/span>Target<\/span><\/a> is eyeing a similar move. Total Wine already offers them in a growing number of locations.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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The actual legality of these products, however, can get a bit murky. When it comes to state-by-state allowances, there are a lot of restrictions to sift through. Cannabis-derived drinks are currently legal in the 24 states with recreational cannabis, but the rules aren\u2019t one-size-fits-all. The beverages are also legal in a few states that don\u2019t have cannabis programs, making it that much more confusing.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Nowadays
Source: Nowadays<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

To help, we\u2019ve put together a list of places where cannabis beverages are legal. It\u2019s important to remember that these laws are changing rapidly, so always double-check your local restrictions.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
State<\/b><\/td>\nCannabis-derived\u00a0 beverages<\/b><\/td>\nNotes<\/b><\/td>\nHemp-derived THC\/CBD beverages<\/b><\/td>\nNotes<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Alabama<\/span><\/td>\nMedical only<\/span><\/td>\nNo adult-use market.<\/span><\/td>\nAllowed with restrictions\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nA 2025 law restricted many hemp ingestibles: potency limits (e.g., 10mg\/serving, 40mg\/container)<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Alaska<\/span><\/td>\nYes (adult-use)<\/span><\/td>\nAdult-use legalized; regulated commercial sales.<\/span><\/td>\nAllowed with restrictions\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nHemp beverages may be sold under state hemp rules; potency\/packaging rules apply.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Arizona<\/span><\/td>\nYes (adult-use)<\/span><\/td>\nLicensed adult-use market in operation.<\/span><\/td>\nAllowed<\/span><\/td>\nState guidance and enforcement are targeting some intoxicating hemp products.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Arkansas<\/span><\/td>\nMedical only<\/span><\/td>\nMedical program; no adult-use commercial sales.<\/span><\/td>\nVaries<\/span><\/td>\nA state hemp program exists; edible and beverage rules vary.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
California<\/span><\/td>\nYes (adult-use)<\/span><\/td>\nCannabis beverages are allowed only through licensed cannabis channels.<\/span><\/td>\nAllowed with restrictions\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nCalifornia restricts THC-containing hemp beverages outside of the licensed cannabis industry.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Colorado<\/span><\/td>\nYes (adult-use)<\/span><\/td>\nRegulated market; cannabis beverages sold via licensed retailers.<\/span><\/td>\nAllowed with restrictions\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nHemp beverages are allowed subject to potency, labeling, and testing rules.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Connecticut<\/span><\/td>\nYes (adult-use)<\/span><\/td>\nAdult-use program with licensed sales; infused beverages sold via the cannabis market.<\/span><\/td>\nAllowed with restrictions\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nRecent 2025 actions clarified low-dose hemp beverage rules and licensing.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Delaware<\/span><\/td>\nYes (adult-use)<\/span><\/td>\nRecently legalized adult-use; implementation in progress.<\/span><\/td>\nAllowed\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nRegulatory framework still being finalized.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Florida<\/span><\/td>\nMedical only<\/span><\/td>\nMedical program (no adult-use market yet).<\/span><\/td>\nAllowed with restrictions<\/span><\/td>\nHemp products are widely sold; some THC-containing drinks face regulatory backlash.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Georgia<\/span><\/td>\nMedical only<\/span><\/td>\nMedical expansion, but no adult-use market.<\/span><\/td>\nAllowed with restrictions\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nLawmakers have proposed bans or restrictions on delta-THC beverages.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Hawaii<\/span><\/td>\nMedical only<\/span><\/td>\nMedical cannabis program; no licensed adult-use market.<\/span><\/td>\nVaries<\/span><\/td>\nHemp product regulation is evolving.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Idaho<\/span><\/td>\nMedical CBD only\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nMarijuana remains illegal; no medical\/adult use program.<\/span><\/td>\nIllegal\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nIdaho enforces strict hemp\/cannabinoid limits; many intoxicants are banned.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Illinois<\/span><\/td>\nYes (adult-use)<\/span><\/td>\nLicensed adult-use market; cannabis beverages sold via cannabis retailers.<\/span><\/td>\nAllowed with restrictions\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nHemp beverage rules limit intoxicants and set labeling and testing requirements.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Indiana<\/span><\/td>\nMedical CBD only<\/span><\/td>\nNo adult-use market; limited medical CBD program.<\/span><\/td>\nAllowed with restrictions\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nRegulation of newer hemp cannabinoids is evolving.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Iowa<\/span><\/td>\nMedical CBD\/ limited<\/span><\/td>\nNo adult-use; recent hemp beverage legislation activity.<\/span><\/td>\nAllowed with restrictions\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n2025 activity added limits and labeling requirements in some jurisdictions.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Kansas<\/span><\/td>\nMedical CBD only<\/span><\/td>\nNo adult-use; limited medical CBD laws.<\/span><\/td>\nIllegal\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nHemp law changes are ongoing.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Kentucky<\/span><\/td>\nMedical only<\/span><\/td>\nNo adult-use.<\/span><\/td>\nAllowed with restrictions\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nKentucky passed hemp beverage-related legislation in 2025.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Louisiana<\/span><\/td>\nMedical only<\/span><\/td>\nMedical program; no adult-use commerce.<\/span><\/td>\nAllowed with restrictions\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nSome restrictions on intoxicating hemp cannabinoids; labeling and testing required.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Maine<\/span><\/td>\nYes (adult-use)<\/span><\/td>\nLicensed adult-use market; beverages permitted via the cannabis market.<\/span><\/td>\nAllowed<\/span><\/td>\nHemp beverages allowed, subject to state hemp rules and potency limits.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Maryland<\/span><\/td>\nYes (adult-use)<\/span><\/td>\nAdult-use legalized; implementation ongoing.<\/span><\/td>\nAllowed<\/span><\/td>\n2025 legislation clarified hemp beverage rules and low-dose allowances.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Massachusetts<\/span><\/td>\nYes (adult-use)<\/span><\/td>\nCannabis market active; restrictions on hemp beverages outside the cannabis industry.<\/span><\/td>\nIllegal\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nMassachusetts restricts the sale of THC-containing hemp beverages outside of dispensaries.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Michigan<\/span><\/td>\nYes (adult-use)<\/span><\/td>\nLarge regulated market with cannabis beverages via dispensaries.<\/span><\/td>\nAllowed<\/span><\/td>\nHemp beverage rules in flux; potency and labeling requirements apply.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Minnesota<\/span><\/td>\nYes (adult-use)<\/span><\/td>\nAdult-use legalized; state allows certain hemp-THC beverages with limits.<\/span><\/td>\nAllowed with potency limits<\/span><\/td>\nState-level container or serving limits and labeling requirements apply.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Mississippi<\/span><\/td>\nMedical only<\/span><\/td>\nMedical cannabis program; no adult-use.<\/span><\/td>\nVaries<\/span><\/td>\nHemp product rules evolving; retail restrictions possible.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Missouri<\/span><\/td>\nYes (adult-use)<\/span><\/td>\nAdult-use legalized; commercial sales allowed.<\/span><\/td>\nAllowed\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nHemp beverages are permitted with some state rules.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Montana<\/span><\/td>\nYes (adult-use)<\/span><\/td>\nLicensed adult-use market; infused beverages allowed under cannabis rules.<\/span><\/td>\nAllowed<\/span><\/td>\nHemp beverages are allowed under specific hemp law provisions.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Nebraska<\/span><\/td>\nMedical only<\/span><\/td>\nMedical program in development; no adult-use.<\/span><\/td>\nIllegal\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nHemp regulations evolving; check for state updates.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Nevada<\/span><\/td>\nYes (adult-use)<\/span><\/td>\nRobust cannabis market; beverages sold via licensed dispensaries.<\/span><\/td>\nAllowed with restrictions\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nHemp beverages are more regulated and differ from the cannabis market rules.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
New Hampshire<\/span><\/td>\nMedical only<\/span><\/td>\nNo adult-use commercial market.<\/span><\/td>\nAllowed with restrictions\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nHemp product rules are evolving and jurisdiction-specific.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
New Jersey<\/span><\/td>\nYes (adult-use)<\/span><\/td>\nLicensed adult-use market with cannabis beverages in the cannabis market.<\/span><\/td>\nRestricted\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nHemp beverage sales are restricted outside the licensed cannabis market.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
New Mexico<\/span><\/td>\nYes (adult-use)<\/span><\/td>\nRegulated adult-use market; infused beverages sold at dispensaries.<\/span><\/td>\nAllowed<\/span><\/td>\nHemp beverage rules present; licensing and potency considerations apply.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
New York<\/span><\/td>\nYes (adult-use)<\/span><\/td>\nLicensed adult-use market; beverages are sold via regulated cannabis retailers.<\/span><\/td>\nAllowed with restrictions\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nHemp beverages containing THC are restricted outside cannabis market channels.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
North Carolina<\/span><\/td>\nMedical CBD only<\/span><\/td>\nNo adult-use market.<\/span><\/td>\nAllowed with restrictions\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nNorth Carolina restricts THC in hemp products; rules vary.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
North Dakota<\/span><\/td>\nMedical only<\/span><\/td>\nNo adult-use commercial market.<\/span><\/td>\nVaries\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nHemp rules are evolving; some local restrictions.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Ohio<\/span><\/td>\nYes (adult-use)<\/span><\/td>\nAdult-use legalized (implementation ongoing as of 2025).<\/span><\/td>\nVaries\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nThe state is implementing rules for hemp and cannabis beverages.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Oklahoma<\/span><\/td>\nMedical only<\/span><\/td>\nMedical program (no adult-use).<\/span><\/td>\nAllowed<\/span><\/td>\nHemp products are widely available; some state restrictions on intoxicants apply.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Oregon<\/span><\/td>\nYes (adult-use)<\/span><\/td>\nLongstanding adult-use market; cannabis beverages available via dispensaries.<\/span><\/td>\nAllowed with restrictions\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nOregon actively regulates hemp products and intoxicating hemp cannabinoids.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Pennsylvania<\/span><\/td>\nMedical only<\/span><\/td>\nAdult-use is debated but not fully implemented.<\/span><\/td>\nVaries\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nHemp beverage rules are evolving; legislative action in 2025 impacted product rules.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Rhode Island<\/span><\/td>\nYes (adult-use)<\/span><\/td>\nAdult-use legalized; commercial framework active.<\/span><\/td>\nAllowed with restrictions\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nHemp beverages are regulated with potency and retail restrictions.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
South Carolina<\/span><\/td>\nMedical CBD only<\/span><\/td>\nNo adult-use market.<\/span><\/td>\nVaries\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nSouth Carolina enforces strict limits on intoxicating hemp cannabinoids.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
South Dakota<\/span><\/td>\nMedical only<\/span><\/td>\nAdult-use measures have had mixed outcomes.<\/span><\/td>\nVaries\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nHemp beverage rules are currently in flux.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Tennessee<\/span><\/td>\nMedical CBD only<\/span><\/td>\nNo adult-use market.<\/span><\/td>\nAllowed with restrictions\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nTennessee restricts many hemp-derived intoxicants and enforces potency limits.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Texas<\/span><\/td>\nMedical only (limited)<\/span><\/td>\nNo adult-use market.<\/span><\/td>\nAllowed with restrictions\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nTexas has recently taken restrictive actions on many hemp ingestibles.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Utah<\/span><\/td>\nMedical only (limited)<\/span><\/td>\nMedical cannabis program; no adult-use market.<\/span><\/td>\nIllegal\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nThe state recently banned the sale of ingestible hemp-derived cannabinoids.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Vermont<\/span><\/td>\nYes (adult-use)<\/span><\/td>\nAdult-use legalized; commercial sales operational.<\/span><\/td>\nAllowed<\/span><\/td>\nHemp beverages are allowed in with potency and labeling rules.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Virginia<\/span><\/td>\nLegal to possess but commercial sales limited<\/span><\/td>\nPossession legal; retail framework and implementation nuances remain.<\/span><\/td>\nAllowed\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nRetail frameworks and hemp beverage rules are specific and evolving.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Washington<\/span><\/td>\nYes (adult-use)<\/span><\/td>\nLongstanding regulated market; cannabis beverages sold via licensed retailers.<\/span><\/td>\nAllowed\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nHemp beverages are regulated with potency and labeling constraints.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
West Virginia<\/span><\/td>\nMedical only<\/span><\/td>\nMedical program; no adult-use.<\/span><\/td>\nAllowed\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nHemp product rules are evolving.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Wisconsin<\/span><\/td>\nMedical CBD only<\/span><\/td>\nNo full medical\/adult-use market (limited programs).<\/span><\/td>\nAllowed<\/span><\/td>\nHemp-derived products are sold in some channels; regulatory status varies.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Wyoming<\/span><\/td>\nMedical CBD only\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nMarijuana illegal for general use; limited hemp\/medical CBD.<\/span><\/td>\nAllowed with restrictions\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nWyoming enforces strict hemp THC limits; many intoxicants are restricted.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Puerto Rico<\/span><\/td>\nMedical only<\/span><\/td>\nMedical cannabis program active; recreational use remains illegal.<\/span><\/td>\nVaries\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nPuerto Rico has tightened hemp labeling and THC limits in 2025; enforcement activity is increasing.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

READ: Cannabis Drinks: What’s With All the Hype About Cannabis-Infused Beverages?<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Are Cannabis Drinks Healthy?\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Perhaps now you\u2019ve discovered that cannabis drinks are available in your state, and you\u2019re ready to give one a try. But are they truly healthier than alcohol, or is that just a marketing gimmick?\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Since they\u2019re so new, there\u2019s not much science to back up a clear answer just yet. But we <\/span>have <\/span><\/i>studied the impacts of cannabis and hemp on the body and mind, which gives us an idea of the effects of weed drinks.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Wunder
Source: Unsplash<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The most common short-term side effects from THC include drowsiness, issues with coordination, and reduced ability to focus. It may also lead to nausea, dry mouth, or anxiety. The long-term effects can worsen memory or mental health issues in some people, and there has been some evidence that it may affect hormones or blood pressure.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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However, many of the most significant concerns with cannabis, such as respiratory illness, are eliminated by ingesting it orally rather than by inhaling it through a vape or joint.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Alcohol tends to have far worse impacts. After a binge, hangovers are brutal \u2013 something THC drinks don\u2019t cause. It\u2019s also been linked to increased rates of liver failure, heart disease, strokes, brain cancer, and much more. More than <\/span>100,000 people die every year from alcohol<\/span><\/a> in the United States, compared to none from THC.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Additionally, THC and CBD can actually boost health and happiness in people who suffer from seizures, <\/span>chronic pain<\/span><\/a>, depression, or <\/span>eating disorders<\/span><\/a>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

In a nutshell, cannabis will never be as harmful as alcohol, even in drink form. Cannabis isn\u2019t for everyone, but those who enjoy it (or people who would like to start) can likely benefit from reaching for a hemp beverage over liquor.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Dr. Staci Gruber, an associate professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School who directs the Marijuana Investigations for Neuroscientific Discovery (MIND) Program, spoke on the subject earlier this year. She told <\/span>CNET<\/span><\/a>: \u201cCannabis is not one thing. A product that has equal amounts of THC and CBD is not likely to have the same impact as a product that has 15 milligrams of THC alone.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

From there, she goes on to explain that the largest risks associated with cannabis beverages are the lack of clear regulations and testing in the hemp industry and the potential to overdo it.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

“If you’re interested in checking out THC-infused beverages, you should be mindful of what you’re buying and using,\u201d she stated. \u201cStart with a small amount and give yourself time to see how it affects you.”<\/span><\/p>\n

Final Thoughts<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Cannabis drink sales hit $1.1 billion in 2024, and they have the potential to grow into a <\/span>$10 billion industry<\/span><\/a> over the next decade. The appeal is clear: they offer a healthier alternative to alcohol without the hangovers or harsh side effects.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

That said, not all of these drinks are created equally. Start with a small dose, pay attention to how it hits you, and enjoy experimenting responsibly. As access grows and regulations continue to expand, these beverages could become the go-to drink for a new generation.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

On a recent trip to New Orleans, in a state that currently lacks legal recreational cannabis, I spotted them \u2013 THC-infused drinks prominently displayed in a smoke shop window. During a visit to Chicago, cannabis beverages were offered to me at bars as an alternative to alcohol. At home in Denver, CBD and hemp drinks…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":92,"featured_media":40247,"parent":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[15362],"tags":[18598,18596,15671,1082,13775,18602,18599,18600,17176,18601,217,18597],"class_list":["post-40243","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-guides","tag-cannabis-and-alcohol","tag-cannabis-beverages","tag-cannabis-health","tag-cannabis-industry","tag-cbd-drinks","tag-cbd-wellness","tag-hemp-beverages","tag-marijuana-drinks","tag-thc-drinks","tag-thc-vs-alcohol","tag-veriheal","tag-weed-drinks"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nCannabis Beverages vs Alcohol: Which Is Better? | Veriheal<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Explore the rise of cannabis beverages, their health benefits vs. alcohol, and how THC and CBD drinks are changing social drinking in the U.S.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.veriheal.com\/blog\/cannabis-beverages-vs-alcohol\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"The Rise of Cannabis Beverages: Are They a Healthier Alternative?\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Explore the rise of cannabis beverages, their health benefits vs. alcohol, and how THC and CBD drinks are changing social drinking in the U.S.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.veriheal.com\/blog\/cannabis-beverages-vs-alcohol\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Cannabis Central\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/veriheal\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2025-11-04T11:00:37+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2026-03-23T10:43:30+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/www.veriheal.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Cannabis-Beverages.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1920\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"1080\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Emily Mullins\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:creator\" content=\"@veriheal\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:site\" content=\"@veriheal\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Emily Mullins\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"11 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.veriheal.com\/blog\/cannabis-beverages-vs-alcohol\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.veriheal.com\/blog\/cannabis-beverages-vs-alcohol\/\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"Emily Mullins\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.veriheal.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/person\/63219e6ebf188890b4ca0b7d01d76471\"},\"headline\":\"The Rise of Cannabis Beverages: Are They a Healthier Alternative?\",\"datePublished\":\"2025-11-04T11:00:37+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-03-23T10:43:30+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.veriheal.com\/blog\/cannabis-beverages-vs-alcohol\/\"},\"wordCount\":2310,\"commentCount\":0,\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.veriheal.com\/blog\/#organization\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.veriheal.com\/blog\/cannabis-beverages-vs-alcohol\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\/\/www.veriheal.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Cannabis-Beverages.jpg\",\"keywords\":[\"cannabis and alcohol\",\"cannabis beverages\",\"cannabis health\",\"cannabis industry\",\"CBD drinks\",\"CBD wellness\",\"hemp beverages\",\"marijuana drinks\",\"THC drinks\",\"THC vs alcohol\",\"veriheal\",\"weed drinks\"],\"articleSection\":[\"Guides\"],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"CommentAction\",\"name\":\"Comment\",\"target\":[\"https:\/\/www.veriheal.com\/blog\/cannabis-beverages-vs-alcohol\/#respond\"]}],\"copyrightYear\":\"2025\",\"copyrightHolder\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.veriheal.com\/blog\/#organization\"}},{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.veriheal.com\/blog\/cannabis-beverages-vs-alcohol\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.veriheal.com\/blog\/cannabis-beverages-vs-alcohol\/\",\"name\":\"Cannabis Beverages vs Alcohol: Which Is Better? 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