Society finds itself in a dynamic period where consumer purchasing behaviors transform frequently. When it comes to relaxing with friends, the roles beer, be it homebrews or a signature style from your favorite brewery, and cannabis play are no different. People aren’t just changing what they drink or consume — they’re rethinking when, where, and why.
Are younger drinkers ditching beer? Is cannabis stepping in as the go-to social buzz? Hard to say for sure, but one thing is clear: The way we unwind is evolving.
Health-Conscious Drinking
A lot of us are drinking differently these days. Maybe it’s because we’re more health-conscious. Maybe we just don’t want to feel awful the next morning. What are some of the trends?
- Non-alcoholic and low-ABV beers, like Athletic Brewing Co.’s pale ales, are popping up on more menus.
- Non-alcoholic brands like Heineken 0.0 are getting real shelf space in bars.
- THC drinks are slowly making their way into social settings because who wants a hangover?
Some people swap beer for cannabis seltzers, hoping for relaxation without regrets. Will this shift last? It might. But beer is still holding its ground in plenty of circles.
Cannabis-Infused Beverages on the Rise
If you’ve been to a dispensary lately, you’ve probably seen them — cannabis drinks lined up next to gummies and vapes. Brands like CANN and Keef Cola sell everything from microdosed spritzers to full-strength sodas.
Some people love the precision — you know exactly how much THC you’re getting. For others, the appeal is that it hits differently, more of a slow build than a quick buzz
Many bars and restaurants are testing the waters, but what about regulations? Cannabis laws vary widely from state to state, from full recreational access to tighter local regulations, even for federally legal, U.S.-hemp derived THC.
Can these drinks seriously compete with beer? Maybe. But they still have an uphill battle when it comes to price, taste, and availability.
The Craft Beer Evolution
Craft beer isn’t fading, but it is evolving. Breweries are adapting, trying to stay relevant in a world where not everyone wants a 7% ABV IPA. In some places, lighter, fruit-infused beers are showing up on tap lists. And for those with a taste for hops, cannabis terpenes have been sneaking into NA beverages from craft brewers — Lagunitas’ Hi-Fi Hops, anyone?
Will the next generation of drinkers embrace these changes? Or are they moving on to something else entirely? Some die-hard hopheads are resisting change because frankly, West Coast IPAs still slap!
Social and Cultural Shifts
Think about your last party. Ten years ago, beer would’ve been the default. Now? Maybe not.
Some signs of the cultural shift include cannabis lounges popping up in states like California and Colorado. And, younger consumers are experimenting, sometimes choosing THC over booze. Indeed, sports bars are still packed with beer drinkers, but the vibe?
Beer’s still part of the culture, from tailgates to backyard barbecues. But cannabis isn’t sitting on the sidelines anymore.
The Role of Big Brands
Big Beer sees the writing on the wall. Some are investing in cannabis. Others are hedging bets with non-alcoholic and THC-infused drinks. Some examples:
- Molson Coors is dipping into the cannabis drink market in Canada.
- AB InBev testing THC-infused beverages through joint ventures.
Will these industries merge? Maybe. But with laws, regulations, and cultural shifts in the mix, nothing’s guaranteed. Some brands ignoring cannabis altogether, hoping that beer stays king
Economic and Legal Considerations
Let’s be honest — beer is everywhere. It’s cheap, it’s easy to grab, and it’s legal in all 50 states. Cannabis? Not so much.
In some jurisdictions, THC drinks are taxed more, making them pricier than a six-pack. Some states still blocking infused beverages, keeping them off store shelves.
And then there are distribution challenges — can you imagine buying weed drinks at a gas station? That’s a big hurdle. Until the laws catch up, beer’s convenience might keep it ahead.
The Future of Social Drinking
Are we heading toward a world where beer and THC drinks sit side by side at bars, parties, and barbecues? Maybe. But for now, most people just want options.
Some will stick to beer because old habits die hard, but others will swap in THC drinks, especially when they want to skip the hangover. A lot of folks will mix and match, choosing based on the occasion.
This evolving landscape presents an interesting challenge—and opportunity—for homebrewers. As consumer preferences shift, homebrewing enthusiasts have a unique chance to experiment with innovative recipes, from traditional lagers and hop-forward IPAs to non-alcoholic or botanical-infused brews.
If one thing is clear, it’s that the market is changing, and businesses—and homebrewers—will have to keep up. So, what about you? Sticking with beer, curious about cannabis drinks, or already crafting your own unique brews at home?
