Teresa Hoy 
Consumer tastes have always been changing when it comes to beverages, and the industry has evolved, too. From the emergence of craft beer to the development of strong seltzers, we have seen changes over the years in people’s drinking habits. These days, THC seltzers are becoming more and more of a competitor.
Many people think that THC-infused drinks may become as commonplace as alcohol as cannabis usage grows and is allowed in more states. According to Grand View Research, the global THC seltzers market was worth $344.7 million in 2023.
In 2023, the sales share of 5+ mg THC seltzers represented 70.1%, as consumers favored products with larger potencies. However, it is the 2.5–5 mg THC seltzers segment that is predicted to expand at a 33.7% CAGR from 2023 to 2030.
Although alcohol has been used for generations, THC seltzers are relatively new. But given how quickly this industry is expanding, will THC seltzers catch on as much as alcohol in popularity?
The Emergence of THC Seltzers
THC seltzers are a relatively new development, coming into being as a result of the wider legalization of cannabis. The psychoactive ingredient in cannabis, THC, is added to a variety of goods, such as chocolates and candies. It is now finding its way into drinks, providing a different way to consume cannabis beyond smoking or vaping.
These seltzers, which are sometimes promoted as healthy alcohol substitutes, have a somewhat intoxicating impact akin to alcohol but don’t give you the hangover. Their regulated experience and simplicity are what draw a lot of people in.
These are touted as hangover-free. Moreover, they do not have a lot of calories. One can also feel focused and balanced after drinking them. According to The New York Times, THC is hydrophobic. This means that when dropped inside water, it becomes a sludgy goop on the glass. However, the use of nanoemulsion technology has enabled manufacturers to produce THC seltzers.
What effect does THC seltzer have?
Some claim that THC seltzer produces less cerebral bliss and more of a physical high. This is due to the fact that THC beverages absorb quickly into the body, in contrast to edibles. Additionally, compared to smoking or vaping flowers, the effects typically wear off faster.
Consumer Preferences and Health Consciousness
The change in customer tastes is one of the reasons THC seltzers have become more popular. In the last ten years, the beverage sector has seen a significant shift in patterns due to health consciousness. Many individuals are actively looking for alternatives as they become more conscious of the short- and long-term impacts of alcohol.
Dehydration, hangovers, and more serious health effects, including liver damage, can result from frequent alcohol overindulgence. That’s why a gentler high is what attracts a lot of customers.
You can drink a THC seltzer without worrying about the negative side effects of alcohol. THC is generally seen as less hazardous than alcohol, even if it might still have its own health risks, especially when over-consumed. Therefore, it is advised to start slowly and then see how much you need to get the high you want.
According to Drink Delta, if you are new to this, begin with a single can with light THC content. This can be something as low as 5 mg THC content in the entire can. Once you get used to it, you can decide to switch to 10 or 20 mg THC or stay with 5 mg based on your preference. Since THC drinks can kick in quickly compared to edibles and munchies, it is best to take it gradually.
Do THC seltzers contain alcohol?
Unlike hard seltzers, which include minor quantities of alcohol, THC, and CBD seltzers contain minute amounts of two cannabis-derived chemicals. The primary psychotropic ingredient in marijuana is THC.
Social Acceptance and Legislation
Legislation stands in the way of THC seltzers being as popular as alcohol. THC products are still only available in places where cannabis has been legalized, whereas alcohol is lawful and controlled in the entire country. Although cannabis regulations are gradually evolving, THC-infused goods face significantly more limits than alcohol.
For example, although several states in the US have legalized cannabis for recreational or medical use, the federal government still views marijuana as unlawful. The marketing, sales, and cross-state transportation of THC products are complicated by this disparity. THC seltzers will only be able to spread to areas where cannabis is already legal until federal regulations catch up with state-level legalization.
However, the good news is that most US states have already legalized cannabis consumption with certain regulations in place. Connecticut was one of the most recent states where selling THC seltzers became legal. According to Connecticut Insider, they became legal on July 1, 2024. They are available at the state’s licensed cannabis retailers, in package forms, and at liquor stores as well.
This acceptance and growth has also led to a vast variety of products available in the market. You can easily find a Delta light drink or a more concentrated one based on what you want to consume to get high. There are also different flavors available, such as blueberry, lemonade, watermelon, mango, etc.
According to data, there are now 65% more cannabis beverage brands in the US and 300% more in Canada in 2022 than in 2021. However, this has also led to increased competition among cannabis drink sellers. So, one needs to come up with unique branding methods to win over customers. Publishing blogs and articles and providing educational materials are a few ways to reach out.
Cultural Shifts and Changing Social Norms
Social customs involving alcohol have long been present, ranging from festivities to informal get-togethers. THC seltzers would have to fit into these similar social venues in order to become as ubiquitous as alcohol.
THC drinks have the benefit of providing a more covert method of cannabis consumption. They may be simply enjoyed without drawing attention as an alternative to lighting up a joint or using a vaporizer.
It is not out of the question to see THC seltzers offered at weddings, bars, and parties in the same manner as alcohol. However, awareness and education will play a major role in this change. Cannabis is still relatively unknown to many individuals, especially when it comes to THC beverages.
The general public must be made aware of THC seltzers’ functions, how they differ from other cannabis products, etc. Currently, millennials and Gen Z are making up most of the THC seltzers market. However, the acceptance among older generations is gradually increasing. This shows how people of all age groups are starting to accept THC seltzers and other cannabis drinks as an alternative to alcohol.
Do THC drinks lose potency?
Seltzers, bottled teas, coffees, and most other THC-containing drinks are shelf-stable, meaning they don’t need to be refrigerated and won’t go bad. Not in a fair amount of time. They won’t be as strong as you’d want, though, because the THC in them will break down after approximately a year.
A fascinating new beverage on the scene, THC seltzers have the power to change people’s social drinking customs. They provide a novel, health-conscious substitute for alcohol, and their appeal is expanding in tandem with the legalization of cannabis. However, there are still issues with legality, consumer awareness, and cultural acceptance.
