Cannabis Drinks Find Growing Audience, On- And Off-Premise
December 3, 2024While lawmakers continue to explore new regulations and potential restrictions on the rising hemp THC segment, both hemp THC and traditional cannabis beverages continue to connect with consumers. The space for THC beverages is expanding rapidly, and the number of venues, both on- and off-premise, that sell cannabis drinks is growing apace. That includes both mainstream venues like restaurants and bars that are serving hemp THC beverages, as well as the dispensary and consumption lounge channel for cannabis drinks.
The dispensary Planet 13 Las Vegas recently opened the on-site Dazed Lounge, which allows guests to consume cannabis beverages on-site in a speakeasy-style space accessible through a hidden door. Senior marketing manager Cait Smith says drinks, in particular, are doing well at Dazed Lounge because of their familiar consumption format and lower THC dosing options, which give people more control over their experience. Dazed Lounge offers cannabis sodas and sparkling waters ($10), as well as zero-alcohol cocktails that contain THC ($15-$35). “We use a THC distillate to keep the ‘weedy’ flavor to a minimum so the great flavor of the cocktail can shine,” Smith says. “THC drinks are a great alternative for those looking to have an elevated experience without the smoking and coughing.”
Of course, the off-premise retail sector is where cannabis cocktails are gaining major traction, and the segment has a presence in all manner of stores, from large chains to independents. Total Wine & More sells a wide variety of THC beverages across the country, where legal. Similarly, Spec’s Wine, Spirits, & Finer Foods offers hemp-derived THC drinks in Texas and ABC Fine Wine & Spirits sells them in Florida. At ABC, executive vice president of sales and distribution Dave Larue notes that, while many consumers still have questions about them, the hemp-derived THC space is quickly becoming normalized in beverage stores.
“We started selling these products only within the last couple of months and we currently have around 30 SKUs,” Larue says, adding that his team seeks brands that focus on consumer education, responsible packaging, and responsible selling strategies. “Sales have been consistent week to week, and we expect substantial growth as guests become more educated and comfortable with how these products affect them.”
Larue says ABC has stopped selling CBD drinks entirely, as they underperformed, and instead is focusing on hemp-derived Delta-9 THC-infused beverages. The company’s top-performing labels include Pamos 5-mg. shots ($5), Find Wunder Sessions 5-mg. Blackberry Lemonade ($21 a 4-pack of 12-ounce cans), and Howdy 5-mg. Lemonade ($22). ABC will soon add 10-mg. products through partnerships with brands like Cheech and Chong THC drinks, Tilray, and MadTasty.
“These products have a long way to go to be fully mainstream, but people seem to be warming up to consuming them either as a replacement to alcohol or as a supplement,” Larue says. “We believe the THC beverage category is as much of a sure thing as we’ve seen in a long time, as long as regulations don’t disrupt growth and as long as the sale of these products is treated responsibly. A lot hinges on legislative changes nationally and state by state. It’s very interesting to see the demographical range that THC beverages have had in Florida, and I assume nationally. Everyone is drinking them. There’s no stereotype.”—Laura Pelner
Subscribe to Shanken News Daily’s Email Newsletter, delivered to your inbox each morning. You will also receive the Cannabis edition as part of your subscription.Tagged : ABC, cannabis, Cheech and Chong, Dazed Lounge, MadTasty, Pamos, Planet 13, Spec's, Tilray, Total Wine, Wunder
