The demand for cannabis beverages continues to rise, with a 40% sales increase in 2024, drawing attention to budpop online dispensary for delta-9. Originally a niche market, the segment has grown at an astounding rate. In California alone, THC beverage sales jumped from $17 million in 2020 to over $64 million in 2023, according to state tax revenue reports. Colorado, Washington, and Massachusetts have reported similar growth trajectories, with new consumers driving much of this expansion rather than merely converting existing cannabis users.
Consumer profiles – Who’s driving the trend?
The demographics embracing THC beverages reveal interesting patterns about changing American cannabis consumption.
Entry point advantage
Industry data shows that approximately 30% of THC beverage consumers in legal states are new to cannabis entirely. These “cannabis-curious” individuals are often professionals aged 30-45. Find beverages an approachable entry point that doesn’t require the technical knowledge of smoking or vaping, nor does it carry the same stigma. The familiar format of a packaged drink provides a comfortable bridge to cannabis exploration.
Substitution effect
Perhaps most significantly, surveys from BDS Analytics and BDSA show that up to 45% of regular cannabis beverage consumers report reducing their alcohol consumption. This “substitution effect” is particularly pronounced among millennials and Gen X consumers who cite health concerns, hangover avoidance, and calorie consciousness as primary motivations for the switch. Many report preferring the more functional, clear-headed experience that low-dose THC provides compared to alcohol’s effects.
Regional popularity variations
The THC beverage revolution isn’t affecting all states equally, with notable regional differences in adoption rates and preferences.
West coast dominance
California, Oregon, and Washington show the highest market penetration for cannabis beverages, with drinks representing 5-7% of total cannabis sales compared to the national average of 2-3%. These mature markets benefit from more established distribution systems and a consumer base comfortable with cannabis innovations.
Emerging market enthusiasm
More recently legalized states like Illinois, Michigan, and Massachusetts are seeing steep growth curves as new dispensaries prioritize beverage coolers and dedicated shelf space. The consumption of THC beverages is growing twice as fast as the overall cannabis market in these markets.
Popular drink formats
The variety of THC drink options has expanded dramatically, with several formats capturing significant market share:
- Seltzers and sparkling waters (38% of category sales)
- Cannabis-infused sodas (22%)
- THC tonics and elixirs (17%)
- Ready-to-drink cocktail alternatives (12%)
- Tea and coffee infusions (11%)
This diversity reflects manufacturers’ recognition that consumers expect the same variety they find in non-cannabis beverages. A key driver of THC beverage popularity is their natural fit for social occasions. As more states consider social consumption lounges and venues, cannabis drinks provide a familiar consumption model that regulators and consumers find more acceptable than smoking. Denver’s first cannabis lounges report beverages accounting for over 60% of on-premise consumption, suggesting this trend will accelerate as more social venues open nationwide.
Distribution innovations
The unique challenges of cannabis beverage distribution have led to creative solutions that are improving accessibility:
Dedicated delivery services
Cannabis beverage-focused delivery services have emerged in major markets, with some reporting 200-300% growth in 2023 alone. These specialized services maintain proper refrigeration and handle delicate products more appropriately than general cannabis delivery, addressing a key barrier to consumer adoption.
Dispensary investments
Forward-thinking US dispensaries install refrigerated display cases and increase beverage shelf space, recognizing drinks as significant revenue drivers with higher purchase frequency than other cannabis products. Some dispensaries report customers purchasing THC beverages weekly, compared to bi-weekly or monthly purchases of flowers or edibles.
By 2026, industry analysts anticipate the US cannabis beverage market will soar to $3 billion, driven by expanding legalization. The growing popularity of THC drinks highlights cannabis’s increasing acceptance as a mainstream choice for consumers.
