Survey: 77% of THC Beverage Consumers Drink Less Alcohol

THC drinks have become the fastest-growing segment of the cannabis market.

As more consumers seek alternatives to alcohol, these innovative beverages continue to surge in popularity, offering the social vibe of a drink without the hangover or other negative health effects of alcohol.

To better understand this shifting landscape, we surveyed our customers about the habits, preferences, and motivations behind their consumption. The results reflect a diverse range of consumers who embrace THC drinks not just as a novelty, but as a lifestyle choice.

Survey Highlights

• THC beverages are replacing alcohol: A striking 77% of respondents reported drinking less alcohol since trying THC beverages, with more than 20% saying they have quit alcohol entirely since trying THC drinks.
• Ages 35+ consume the most THC drinks: Contrary to some stereotypes, respondents ages 35-54 make up the majority (52.5%) of THC drink consumers, and more than a third of THC drink consumers are over the age of 55.
• Users engage in diverse post-consumption activities: After consuming THC beverages, people engage in various activities, from watching movies to finding a creative outlet, and even getting some work done.
• Home is the most common setting: About a third tried their first THC beverage at home or at a friend’s place, highlighting comfort and privacy as key factors in initial consumption.

About the Survey

The survey elicited insights from 1,066 respondents. The respondents were all in Crescent Canna’s customer database and had tried a THC beverage at least once. We contacted them by email and offered a $25 coupon as a thank-you for participating. All respondents were 21+.

Let’s dive in.

Who Is Consuming THC Beverages?

The broadest appeal was among middle-aged adults, with respondents aged 35-54 making up more than half (51.6%) of consumers.

Bucking some stereotypes, the youngest of those surveyed (21-24 and 25-34) accounted for just 13.1% of consumers.

Respondents came from 47 states and Washington, D.C. States with the highest numbers of respondents from Georgia (12.7%), Louisiana (9.2%), and Florida (7.4%). The only states not represented were Idaho, Hawaii, and North Dakota.

Respondents included more women (54.2%) than men (43.5%).

Consumption Patterns

More than 75% of respondents reported consuming at least one THC drink weekly, with 45% consuming at least three.

More than 80% of respondents reported trying at least two different brands of THC drinks.

While the majority of THC beverage consumers (67%) use other THC products at least once a week, nearly a third of THC drinkers said they use other THC products less than once a week or never.

These trends and statistics suggest THC beverages are serving different needs for different consumers, whether as an occasional treat or a regular part of their lifestyles.

THC and Alcohol

The survey shows that THC trends are evolving in line with consumer preferences toward alcohol. THC drinks aren’t just supplementing alcohol consumption – they’re replacing it for many users.

More than three-quarters of respondents reported drinking less alcohol since trying THC beverages, including 39.6% consuming “much less” and a striking 21.1% quitting alcohol entirely since trying THC drinks.

Where and How Are Consumers Trying THC Beverages?

When it comes to the consumer’s first experience with THC beverages, most opted for the comfort of home: 67.4% of respondents tried their first THC beverage either at their own residence or at a friend’s place.

Meanwhile, more than 20% of respondents preferred social settings such as bars (13.8%), parties (5.5%), and festivals/events (2.9%).

Finally, 3.4% of consumers had their first taste through in-store sampling events.

Preferred Purchase Channels

Since we surveyed e-commerce customers, it’s no surprise that the vast majority of respondents (67.5%) said they most frequently buy THC drinks online.

We hope to broaden our reach with our next survey to learn more about purchasing channel preferences.

Why Do People Drink THC Beverages?

The vast majority of survey-takers (77.8%) said they consume THC drinks for relaxation and unwinding, while 64.4% said they simply enjoy how these drinks make them feel. The functional advantages are equally compelling: 59% appreciate the hangover-free experience, 52.1% use them to avoid alcohol’s negative effects, and 51% find them helpful for sleep.

Nearly half (42.4%) are drawn to the taste itself, while 36.5% see THC beverages as a lower-calorie/sugar alternative to alcohol. Practical considerations also play a role, with 24.2% preferring the faster onset compared to edibles, 15.8% using them to reduce smoking or vaping, and 7.7% choosing them for the shorter duration of effects.

What Do People Like to Do After a THC Beverage?

Much like those who consume alcohol, THC drinkers enjoy socializing, with more than half of those surveyed (55.2%) using these drinks to enhance parties or social gatherings.

Unlike when using alcohol, however, nearly a third (31.3%) of the THC drinkers reported being productive or getting work done.

Other pastimes that are popular with THC drinkers include arts and crafts (22.5%), video games (21.1%), and outdoor activities (15.5%).

No surprise here: Nearly a third of THC drinkers said they enjoy eating (29.8%), and more than half (51.9%) turn to THC beverages as a sleep aid.

What Conclusions Can We Draw?

Every day we hear from customers who are drinking less alcohol thanks to THC drinks, and the data supports this clearly. 77% is a huge majority of respondents reducing alcohol consumption, and 20% quitting alcohol entirely is perhaps even more striking.

Those surveyed reported using THC beverages as a complement to socializing and other pleasurable activities — both at home and away — and as a way to relax. Not surprising at all since these are the same reasons so many people enjoy alcohol, as well as other forms of cannabis.

THC drinks represent the best of both worlds – the desired effects of alcohol and cannabis –  without the downsides. Many customers stated this literally, with 52% choosing THC drinks to “avoid the negative effects of alcohol.” Nearly a third of THC drinkers reported being productive or getting work done, something not typically associated with alcohol or cannabis use.

The survey clearly shows that consumers who try THC drinks are aware of their benefits and enjoy them for many of the same reasons they might otherwise use alcohol or other forms of cannabis, as well as for reasons not commonly associated with alcohol or cannabis use in general.

Because of the survey’s design, a large majority of respondents stated that they obtained their THC beverages online. We hope to broaden our reach and learn more from customers who purchase through other channels in our next survey.