Canna Drink Trends 2025: Boost Cannabis Beverage Sales

The Canna Drink Boom: Why You Can't Afford to Miss Out

If you've been underwhelmed by cannabis drink sales so far, 2025 is your year to rethink your strategy. The global cannabis beverage market is set to skyrocket with a 57% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) through 2032. That's righ, your customers are thirsty for change. 

But to capitalize, you need to understand what a canna drink is, how the market is evolving, and most importantly, how to merchandise these products digitally for maximum impact. Let’s dive in.

What Is a Canna Drink?

A canna drink is any beverage infused with cannabinoids such as THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) or CBD (cannabidiol) — offering consumers a smokeless, drinkable format to enjoy cannabis effects. These beverages are increasingly popular among health-conscious, "sober-curious," or cannabis-curious shoppers looking for alternatives to alcohol or inhalable products.

Common Formats of Cannabis Beverages:

Canna drinks come in a variety of formulations, making them a versatile category that fits many consumption occasions:

• Infused sparkling waters – Light, refreshing, often flavored with natural fruit extracts.

• Cannabis sodas – Sweet, carbonated drinks that mirror traditional soft drinks but with a cannabis twist.

• THC shots and syrups – Concentrated formats designed to be taken on their own or mixed with other beverages.
  Low-dose social tonics – Carefully balanced drinks made for casual, social use — a favorite among first-time or low-tolerance users.

Faster Effects Thanks to Nanoemulsion

One of the standout features of modern cannabis beverages is their fast-acting onset time. Traditional edibles can take anywhere from 60 to 90 minutes to kick in, which often leads to uncertainty and overconsumption. But many cannabis drinks now use nanoemulsion technology — a process that breaks THC or CBD oil into microscopic particles suspended in water. This allows the body to absorb cannabinoids more quickly and efficiently, leading to noticeable effects in as little as 10 to 20 minutes.

This faster onset makes canna drinks especially appealing as alcohol alternatives, delivering a more familiar, predictable consumption experience. Just like sipping a glass of wine or beer, users can “dose slowly” — feeling the effects gradually as they enjoy their drink over time.

Dosing Options That Put Consumers in Control

Canna drinks are available in a range of potency levels, giving consumers the power to tailor their experience based on personal tolerance, setting, and intention:

• Microdose (2.5 mg THC or less) – Ideal for beginners or daytime use; delivers mild effects without impairment.

• Standard dose (5–10 mg THC) – Common for social settings or regular users; produces a moderate high.

• High dose (20–50 mg+ THC) – Designed for experienced consumers or therapeutic use in legal markets; not recommended for new users.

The controlled dosing and consistency of canna drinks allow users to build trust with the product — something that edibles and flower often struggle to offer due to variability in onset and intensity.

Market Momentum: Why Cannabis Drinks Are Finally Flowing

The cannabis beverage market is entering a new era of growth — and both Canada and the United States are leading the charge. What was once considered a novelty category is now evolving into a mainstream product segment, thanks to shifting consumer preferences, innovation in product formulation, and more strategic retail placement. 

According to BDSA:

• Cannabis beverages now make up 2% of total legal cannabis sales in the United States.
  While that may seem modest, it reflects steady upward momentum in a space long dominated by flower, edibles, and vapes. These beverages are carving out a niche among health-conscious and canna-curious consumers who prefer not to inhale their cannabis.
  In Canada, the numbers are even more impressive: cannabis drink sales grew 15% year-over-year in 2024, outpacing the growth of both vape products and topicals. This signals a clear shift in consumer behavior toward drinkable formats, especially in provinces like Ontario and British Columbia where product variety and retail access continue to expand.

• Global projections estimate that the cannabis beverage market will be worth over $2 billion USD by 2026, underscoring its long-term potential across both recreational and wellness-driven consumer segments.

What’s Driving the Surge?

This growth isn’t just about product novelty — it’s tied to broader wellness trends and lifestyle shifts:

• The “sober-curious” movement is gaining real traction, especially among Gen Z and millennial consumers who are cutting back on alcohol but still seeking social and stress-relief experiences. Cannabis drinks offer a functional alternative that fits seamlessly into health-first routines.

• Advancements in nanoemulsion technology have improved onset times and consistency, making cannabis beverages more reliable and appealing to both new and experienced users.

• Increasing variety in dose options, flavor profiles, and wellness formulations has expanded the category’s appeal beyond the traditional THC-heavy market.

Top-Selling Beverage Categories to Watch

• Infused Sparkling Waters – Light, discreet, and microdosed; ideal for social sipping.

• Cannabis Seltzers – Tapping into the hard seltzer trend with clean branding and easy consumption.

• Functional Beverages (CBD + Adaptogens) – Formulated with stress-relieving herbs like ashwagandha and ginseng, these appeal to wellness-oriented shoppers.

For cannabis retailers, the opportunity is clear: Cannabis drinks are here to stay. Merchandising them effectively — with digital menu boards, clear category signage, and product education — will be key to capturing growing consumer demand. This trend isn't a flash in the pan. It’s the next frontier of cannabis consumption, and forward-thinking retailers are already making room in their fridges and their menus.

Market Momentum: Why Cannabis Drinks Are Finally Flowing

Cannabis beverages are no longer a niche experiment, they’re rapidly becoming a core part of the legal cannabis market across North America.

In the U.S., cannabis drinks now account for approximately 2% of total legal cannabis sales, according to data from BDSA. While that may sound small, it represents a significant leap from just a few years ago, signaling a major shift in consumer behavior as more shoppers seek alternatives to smoking and vaping.

In Canada, the momentum is even stronger. Cannabis beverages experienced a 15% year-over-year growth in 2024, officially outpacing the growth rates of vapes and topicals — two categories that previously dominated innovation cycles. The growing popularity reflects an expanding consumer base that values discretion, convenience, and wellness-oriented consumption methods.

Globally, the cannabis beverage market is projected to surpass $2 billion USD by 2026, making it one of the fastest-growing product categories within the cannabis industry. Brands that invest now in education, merchandising, and strategic placement of these products will be well-positioned to capture long-term loyalty.

Top-Selling Categories Leading the Charge:

• Infused sparkling waters: Crisp, low-calorie, and often microdosed for casual consumption.

• Cannabis seltzers: Riding the broader hard-seltzer wave, offering refreshing, sessionable formats.

• Functional drinks: Blending CBD with adaptogens like ashwagandha and ginseng, these products appeal to wellness-focused shoppers looking for stress relief and mood support.

The surge in cannabis beverage sales ties directly into the larger "sober-curious" movement — a societal trend where consumers are actively seeking alcohol alternatives for health, wellness, and lifestyle reasons. This movement isn't a passing fad; it's a durable cultural shift that is reshaping how consumers engage with both cannabis and beverage experiences.

Retailers who proactively stock, merchandise, and educate around cannabis drinks today are positioning themselves at the forefront of a fast-growing, high-margin product trend that will define the next chapter of cannabis retail.

Regulatory Snapshot: Serving Size & Possession Limits

One of the biggest advantages of cannabis beverages is how easily they allow users to tailor their experience. Whether someone is brand-new to cannabis or a seasoned consumer looking for a potent effect, canna drinks offer a range of clearly labeled THC doses. This flexibility empowers customers to enjoy cannabis in a way that fits their mood, occasion, and personal tolerance — much like how one might choose between a light beer and a strong cocktail.

Unlike traditional edibles with unpredictable onset times and inconsistent effects, most cannabis beverages are precisely dosed and fast-acting, thanks to nanoemulsion technology. This gives consumers more confidence when choosing products and encourages safer, more intentional use.

Here’s a helpful breakdown of common dosage levels found in cannabis drinks in some legal markets:

Always verify rules locally for your region, Health Canada and state portals update regularly.

Why Weed Drinks Stall on Shelves

Despite their growing popularity and potential, cannabis beverages often underperform at the retail level. If your weed drinks aren’t moving, it likely has less to do with product quality — and more to do with how they're merchandised and communicated to shoppers.

Common Bottlenecks Slowing Down Beverage Sales:

1. Consumer Misunderstanding
Many shoppers still associate cannabis drinks with the drawbacks of traditional edibles — namely long and unpredictable onset times. Without proper education, they assume a 5mg canna drink will hit them like a brownie after 90 minutes. This confusion leads them to bypass the beverage aisle entirely.

Solution: Use digital signage or menu callouts to highlight fast-acting nanoemulsion tech and approximate onset times (e.g., “Feels in 15–20 minutes”). Pair this with educational shelf talkers or QR codes linking to explainer content.

2. Low Product Visibility
If your beverages are buried in a fridge with no signage, no category tags, and no pricing clarity, they're invisible to the average shopper — especially in stores where cold storage is in the back or poorly lit.

Solution: Use bright, branded fridge clings and animated in-store screens to spotlight drink promos, feature beverages prominently on rotating digital menus positioned at eye level near the checkout or entrance, and consider seasonal endcaps or a “Sober-Curious Picks” display in your wellness or CBD section.

3. SKU Overload Without Guidance
Offering too many similar options — like five sparkling waters with nearly identical flavor profiles and no visible differentiation — leads to decision fatigue. Shoppers who feel overwhelmed often skip the category altogether.

Solution: Curate SKUs intentionally. Use signage to segment by effect (e.g., "Relax," "Uplift," "Social"), dose range, or even time-of-day use. Empower budtenders with fast reference sheets to help match drink types to consumer needs.

Pro Tip: According to Headset (2023), 66% of cannabis shoppers make their purchase decision in-store. That means even the best product can flop if it’s not clearly visible, easy to understand, or contextually promoted.

Bottom Line: Good drinks don’t sell themselves.

To unlock the potential of cannabis beverages, retailers need to approach the category the way grocery and CPG brands do:

• Use eye-catching signage,

• Provide education at the point of sale, and

• Make choices easier with curated displays.

Investing in smarter merchandising doesn’t just boost beverage sales — it increases basket size, shopper satisfaction, and customer return rates.

Digital Merchandising Playbook: How to Sell More Weed Drinks

Want to move cannabis beverages off your shelves faster? The answer isn’t just better product selection — it’s smarter digital merchandising. With the right screen strategy, you can turn casual browsers into beverage buyers and educate shoppers at the point of decision.

Here’s your tactical playbook for using digital signage and dynamic menu screens to drive cannabis drink sales:

1. Animated Promo Tags That Catch the Eye

Use motion-based graphics to make your beverage deals pop — without overwhelming the screen or distracting from other products.

• Feature infused drinks during "Happy Hour" promos or weekend events

• Use subtle GIFs or pulsing badges to highlight deals like “2 for $15” or “Chill in 15 Minutes”

• Keep animations smooth and minimal to maintain a premium, relaxed store vibe

Pro Tip: Animation works best when limited to 1–2 focal points per screen — use it sparingly for maximum impact.

2. Dayparting Specials That Match the Mood

Just like coffee shops push cold brew in the afternoon and wine bars run evening specials, dispensaries can benefit from timed digital menu rotations.

Examples:

• “Summer Chill” THC Drink Deals: 2–5 p.m.
  Capture post-lunch browsers looking for a refreshing pick-me-up.

• “Low Dose Lounge” Menu: After 6 p.m.
  Showcase 2.5mg and 5mg options ideal for winding down without the hangover.

Set up your menu screens to automatically rotate based on time of day, ensuring your most relevant products are always front and center.

3. Cross-Merch Bundles That Boost Basket Size

Drinks sell better when they’re tied to other customer favorites. Use your digital signage to promote bundled offers that create value and simplify decisions.

Sample Bundle Ideas:

• “Pre-roll + Sparkling THC Water” = Save $5

• “Edible + Beverage Chill Pack” for Weekend Vibes

• “CBD Gummy + Adaptogen Drink” = Relaxation Combo

Use digital menus to display bundle pricing clearly and include visuals of the products side-by-side to guide the shopper experience.

4. Live Inventory Feeds for Urgency and Clarity

One of the top reasons beverages get skipped? Shoppers don’t know what’s in stock, or assume cold options are unavailable. A live digital inventory feed eliminates that barrier.

Display in real-time:

• What drinks are currently cold and ready to go

• Which flavors are limited-edition or running low

• Dynamic tags like “Back in Stock!”, “Almost Gone!”, or “Staff Pick”

This not only builds trust, but also leverages FOMO (fear of missing out) to accelerate decisions.

Bonus Tip: Educate While You Sell

Consider adding nanoemulsion explainers, dosage guides, or “Find Your Perfect Drink” infographics to rotating screens. This turns passive menus into active selling tools — especially for first-time buyers who may still be uncertain about drink effects.

Learn more about digital menu screens for dispensaries here.

FAQ About Canna Drinks

What is a canna drink?

A canna drink is any beverage infused with cannabis compounds like THC or CBD. Popular examples include cannabis seltzers, THC shots, and infused waters.

How does a canna drink compare to edibles?

Canna drinks often kick in faster (10–20 minutes) compared to traditional edibles (60–90 minutes) thanks to nanoemulsion technology.

Can I buy multiple cannabis drinks at once?

It depends on your region. In Canada, for example, you’re generally limited to 5 standard drinks (10 mg THC each) per purchase.

How should I merchandise weed drinks?

Use digital signage to highlight promotions, cross-merchandise with edibles or pre-rolls, and create dayparted specials for key times of day.

Does a canna drink get you higher than an edible?

Not necessarily, it's about dosage and onset. Some drinks have lower THC but quicker effects, making them feel different compared to traditional edibles.

Conclusion: Sip Into the Future of Cannabis Retail

The future is refreshing, and your cannabis drink sales should be too. By understanding market trends, following regulations, and optimizing your digital merchandising strategy, you can turn "shelf-sitters" into "best-sellers."

Ready to boost your beverage sales? Book a Budvue demo today to see how "Drink-Optimised Menu Layouts" can transform your floor traffic into checkout conversions.