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rurallib

(64,526 posts)
14. I have read that only 54% of Americans now say they drink alcohol
Fri Dec 26, 2025, 10:55 AM
11 hrs ago
https://news.gallup.com/poll/693362/drinking-rate-new-low-alcohol-concerns-surge.aspx

I was curious if the THC infused drinks had displaced some of the alcohol. It looks like it has. Now I do not know if that is good or bad. Impaired anything is still impaired.

I found this bit from High Times interesting:
https://hightimes.com/business/move-over-booze-weed-drinks-pulled-1-1-billion-in-u-s-sales-in-2024/

From Fringe to Force

Not long ago, weed drinks sat dusty in dispensary coolers, competing with gummies and vapes for a sliver of shelf space. Today, they are reshaping how Americans unwind. Whitney’s report estimates the total U.S. market potential at $9.9 to $14.9 billion, roughly 10% of alcohol sales. For comparison, the U.S. energy drink sector is worth about $25 billion. Suddenly, the idea that cannabis drinks could rival Red Bull does not sound so far-fetched.

The shift was sparked by the 2018 Farm Bill, which decoupled hemp from marijuana and opened the door for hemp-derived THC beverages to flood mainstream channels. Then came the Minnesota effect, where lawmakers accidentally greenlit hemp THC seltzers in bars, liquor stores and restaurants. The state racked up over $200 million in drink sales almost overnight, and other states took notice.


So it looks like weed is replacing some booze sales

Recommendations

1 members have recommended this reply (displayed in chronological order):

The makers of Jim Beam recently closed a big plant in KY, too Deminpenn 17 hrs ago #1
Awe to damn bad samplegirl 15 hrs ago #2
Are Americans turning to other intoxicants or actually getting sober rurallib 15 hrs ago #3
A mix of everything. mwooldri 12 hrs ago #11
I have read that only 54% of Americans now say they drink alcohol rurallib 11 hrs ago #14
Our local paper has been running a foreclosure auction notice for a small brewery. Vinca 15 hrs ago #4
All those CEOs support and fund a pResident who's filled with hate 24/7/365 and....... wolfie001 14 hrs ago #5
All of those photos we saw a few months ago, of Canadian liquor stores..... 70sEraVet 13 hrs ago #6
I have a feeling that the craft beer and spirits trend lonely bird 13 hrs ago #7
"I would not be surprised if the dispensary business experienced the same thing in a few years." BumRushDaShow 12 hrs ago #8
Possibly why Trump was told to loosen restrictions on research and sale? Attilatheblond 12 hrs ago #10
Well the Hemp ban caught many by surprise BumRushDaShow 12 hrs ago #12
Talked to a family friend 12 years ago. Old Crank 5 hrs ago #17
Will US 'businessmen' EVER acknowledge that it is workers/consumers who drive our economy Attilatheblond 12 hrs ago #9
FAFO Trump supporters in KY. mdbl 11 hrs ago #13
I just sent H to the liquor store. Needed a bottle of Kahlua and a bottle of vodka.We like Reyka, an Icelandic. Raftergirl 9 hrs ago #15
I buy all my distilled spirits either from producers overseas, or from right here in Washington State. Aristus 8 hrs ago #16
in addition to cannabis being more available ClaudetteCC 5 hrs ago #18
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