THC Drinks vs Alcohol: Why Americans Are Ditching Alcohol In 2025

Have you noticed something? THC drinks have been the talk of the town lately. 

From your local liquor stores to the best bars, Cannabis drinks seem to have taken over and are popping up everywhere.

The United States alcohol market is going through its most significant downturn in decades, with total beverage alcohol (TBA) volumes declining by 2.6% in 2023 and continuing to deteriorate with a 2.8% decline in the first seven months of 2024.

This represents a substantial departure from historical growth patterns leading to many experts calling it an "alcohol recession".

The market contraction has exceeded industry forecasts, with IWSR initially predicting a more modest 1.9% decline for 2024, only to see actual performance fall short by nearly a full percentage point. The industry faced unprecedented challenges across all major categories like wine, beer etc.

Non-alcoholic drinks and cannabis products are becoming more popular for social enjoyment.

This shift has compelled many alcohol consumers to reconsider their drinking habits.

Many people who needed a drink to enjoy themselves are now trying out THC drinks, also called cannabis infused drinks.

But how do Cannabis drinks actually compare with alcohol? And why are they taking over? Are they better than alcohol?

Let's discuss this in detail, we will cover everything: from what THC drinks are, health risks and pros of alcohol consumption and cannabis infused drinks, to what the various health organizations and experts have to say on it.

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What Are THC-Infused Beverages?

THC-infused beverages are simply drinks that contain Delta-9 THC, and they can come as ready-to-drink cans or as a versatile THC drink mix you add to a beverage yourself.

You’ve likely seen them popping up everywhere, from refreshing seltzers and teas to craft mocktails.

The key ingredient giving these drinks their unique effect is Delta-9 THC, which is short for tetrahydrocannabinol—the main psychoactive compound in cannabis plants.

Cannabis (both hemp and marijuana) comes from the Cannabis sativa plant that has chemical compounds which produce euphoria and relieve pain or anxiety upon consumption.

It is responsible for the “high” sensation you get similar to alcohol, but quite different.

What Does Being High Feel Like? The 7 Stages

These cannabis infused drinks range from lower doses to extremely high doses. On the lower end, we have 2-4mg seltzers and THC drink mixes whereas on the higher end, there are potent drinks up to even 200mg THC (strong).

THC beverages show faster effects (within 15-30 minutes of consumption) since they are absorbed faster into your body. Other edibles can be slower to act, they can take anywhere from 45-90 minutes to kick in.

We’ve fixed that problem with our Nano-ionized™ Delta-9 gummies. Our THC gummies kick in 3x faster than regular edible products. Many people feel the onset as soon as 15-20 minutes, and because they’re more bioavailable due to their size, their effects last longer as well.

THC Drinks vs Alcohol: Benefits and Side Effects

Now on to the real deal, reporting some expert advice and studies, 

Dr. Gruber from Harvard Medical School is the director of the Marijuana Investigations for Neuroscience Discovery (MIND), she says that the effects of Cannabis drink mainly depend on two factors: 

1. Dosage of THC
2. Individual level of tolerance

She notes, "People are interested in an experience that allows them to relax and enjoy themselves. Some are leaning into cannabis drinks as part of the 'Cali sober' trend,". 

Cannabis beverages are a current trend which many people are more less familiar with compared to alcohol. The research around Cannabis is still catching up, hence its best to be a moderate THC drinker, especially if you are an older adult. But this doesn’t mean the alcohol has no side effects.

Side Effects of Alcohol (Updated with remarks by CDC, 2025)

Alcohol has been known to be a bad guy with many side effects. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently highlighted the risks linked to regular alcohol drinking: 

1. The immediate risks of heavy alcohol drinking are injuries, alcohol poisoning, pregnancy complications, etc.

2. The long-term risks from alcohol consumption are increased risk of throat cancer, colon cancer, heart disease, liver cirrhosis, addiction, etc. (2)

3.  Almost 178,000 deaths yearly in the US occur due to excessive alcohol use (1). 

Lets be honest, alcohol brings you way more harm compared to its benefits which is also temporary. And why should someone consume alcohol when you might have options like CBD and THC drinks that give a similar “high” without alcohol’s cancer-prone side effects?

Lets discuss some benefits and side effects of THC drinks too.

What are the Health Benefits and Risks of THC Drinks? 

Lately more and more people are becoming curious about cannabis-infused drinks available in their cities and what they really do. 

So here are the top 6 positive effects of Cannabis drinks for you. The 6th benefit is the reason why they are on the rise:

1. THC drinks unlike alcohol are known to reduce anxiety and anxiety-related stress for many people. You get a “happy, relaxed or high” feeling.

2. THC drinks promote complete relaxation in the body. 

3. THC drinks bring relief to people who are suffering from chronic pain due to inflammatory issues. Cannabis drinks can have chemical compounds like Delta-9 THC and CBD infused in them which are known to provide analgesic effects.

4. Cannabis drinks also help you sleep better and enhance overall sleep quality. This happens due to the stress reducing effects of Cannabidiol (CBD) and Delta-9 THC present in the drinks.

5. THC beverages are great replacements for alcohol. They are great for overcoming your alcohol addiction. If you are looking to cut down on your everyday alcohol drinks, Cannabis infused drinks might be a great pick. 5mg or 10mg of THC will deliver your body a consistent high like alcohol without its side effects.

Those who seek calm and complete stress relief without the negative effects of alcoholic drinks, these non-alcoholic drinks might be the perfect alternative for them.

Quite recently, news of a study on THC drinks involving 2000 participants was announced. It is aimed at learning how THC drinks can impact alcohol consumption, people’s mood, etc. So far, the researchers have been positive about THC drinks being a healthier alternative for people.

Side Effects of THC Beverages

It is okay to have fun using cannabis infused drinks as long as you are aware of their cons. Generally, cannabis is well tolerated and causes only temporary side effects: 

1. At higher doses, THC drinks may cause people: 

2. Faster heart rate 

3. Red eyes

4. Dry mouth 

5. Paranoia (you may panic)

6. Broken perception of time and distance

7. Confusion

8. Nausea and vomiting (rare)

If you have consumed THC, you should wait at least 8 hours before driving or biking.

Trevor Baum, the co-founder of Cannovia says, “Be patient, it's better to start low and go slow than take too much and have a negative experience. Typically, adjusting the dose in 2.5mg THC increments is the best way to slowly find your ideal dose."

Where to buy THC Drinks? 

You can buy THC both offline from the retail stores and online. Most cannabis drinks in the market can be ordered online from websites of popular brands etc. Keep in mind, the laws around THC drinks differ from state to state.

You are free to purchase them as long as you are 21 or above and the state you live in has made use and sale of THC beverages legal.

What is this “Cali-Sober” Trend?

A Modern Way of Socializing with THC Drinks? Yes, Cali-Sober or California Sober is the latest lifestyle trend booming among many groups in the US. People use the term, “Cali-Sober” to label those who are not into or have given up alcohol or hard drugs. 

The Cali-sober lifestyle is helping many people cut down on alcohol since they get to enjoy similar benefits of alcohol without its side effects like hangovers, etc.

How much THC is comparable to one alcoholic drink?

If you’re new and just starting out, even low dose THC drinks that contain ~2-5mg of THC per container can give you as intense effects as one or two standard alcoholic drinks

THC or alcohol, which is worse for sleep?

THC drinks will mostly improve your sleep quality and promote deeper rest at regular doses (2-5mg). At higher doses, it will interfere with your REM sleep. So, unless you hit extremely high doses, THC is better than alcohol for sleep. Alcohol is known for ruining the sleep quality and circadian rhythm of its consumers with time. 

What should you pick, alcohol or THC drinks?

We have done our best to give you a detailed answer on the pros and cons of both cannabis drinks and alcohol. To sum it all up, choosing between alcohol or Cannabis drinks as your beverage of choice depends on your lifestyle and fitness goals. 

If you want to cut down your daily alcohol intake but still have all of the fun, THC drinks can be your thing. 

If you are into health and wellness but are looking for an alcohol-like high, THC and Cannabis drinks can be your thing.

FAQs

Does THC hurt the liver like alcohol?

No, the current studies have shown that THC does not cause liver damage unlike alcohol which is widely known to contribute a lot to liver damage after regular consumption. 

What do THC drinks make you feel like?

You feel euphoric at low doses but will still be in control of your senses. Cannabis drinks sold at low dosage of THC (2-5mg of THC per container) will give you a relaxed, happy feeling with mild euphoria. Alcohol works by lowering your inhibitions, sometimes a little too much. With THC drinks, you’ll feel similar relaxation and calm (probably even more), but not the recklessness which accompanies alcohol.

At higher doses, you will feel strong psychoactive effects like paranoia, confusion with time, etc. 

Will THC drinks get you buzzed?

Yes, THC beverages will get you buzzed but it depends on their THC content. At low doses, you will feel “high” with gentle relaxation while at higher doses, you might face extreme psychoactive effects like red eyes, mental confusion etc.

Is THC better for you than alcohol?

Short answer, Yes. Long answer, THC beverages (within a sane dosage range) are better for you than alcohol since they have way less long-term side effects than alcohol. It is definitely a healthier alternative. Alcohol is known for increasing cancer risk and liver damage, etc.

Is THC the same as alcohol?

No, not at all, THC and alcohol are completely different substances. THC is a psychoactive chemical compound found in Cannabis sativa plants. Alcohol is a depressant that is derived from fermented sugars. Both show different effects to the body and brain upon consumption. 

References

1. Esser MB, Sherk A, Liu Y, Naimi TS. Deaths from excessive alcohol use — United States, 2016-2021. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep. 2024;73:154 161. doi: 10.15585/mmwr.mm7308a1

2. Bagnardi V, Rota M, Botteri E, et al. Alcohol consumption and site-specific cancer risk: a comprehensive dose-response meta-analysis. Br J Cancer. 2015;112(3):580-593. https://doi.org/10.1038/bjc.2014.579

3. Johnson, B. W., Strand, N. H., Raynak, J. C., Jara, C., Habtegiorgis, K., Hand, B. A., Hong, S., & Maloney, J. A. (2025). Cannabinoids in Chronic Pain Management: A Review of the History, Efficacy, Applications, and Risks. Biomedicines, 13(3), 530. https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines13030530