There are few shifts in the culinary landscape as fascinating as the one happening right now: the great alcohol fade-out. The happy hour cocktail or the post-work beer were once the keys to socializing with friends or a quieter routine of unwinding at home. But increasingly, more and more people—your friends, your neighbors, maybe even you—are turning away from booze. The reasons are nuanced and complicated, and here at Bon Appétit we’re excited about the wave of alternative options that still prioritize pleasure, joy, and yes, responsible consumption in our drinking routines.
Welcome to the booming world of THC, hemp, and cannabis beverages and edibles. The category’s growth has been so seismic, it’s clear that we’re in the midst of a cultural shift. The sheer numbers prove it—the THC beverage market is projected to hit $571 million this year, according to a CNN report, even as the federal government is rolling back regulations in 2026. And the cannabis market is thriving (for now), but many advocates are still fighting to transition from previous eras of stigma and incarceration, toward entrepreneurship. Meanwhile, people are looking for hangover-free alternatives to wine, cocktails, and spirits that still offer a relaxing social experience.
How does one make heads or tails of it all? In this guide we're not just reporting on a trend. We’re offering a map to this new landscape, with the tools to explore it responsibly but also with peace of mind. Wanna know what low-dose cannabis seltzer tastes like? We break down our favorite brain-calming cans of hemp-derived drinks so you know what you can expect. Want to understand the basic vocabulary of weed? We’ve got your back.
The edible cannabis landscape is ever-shifting, and the conversation is too. We’re looking forward to exploring it with you.
Lead Editors: Joseph Hernandez and Kelsey Jane Youngman
Story Editors: Joseph Hernandez, Jennifer Hope Choi, Andrea Strong, and Kelsey Jane Youngman
Creative Director: Caroline Newton
Art & Design: Ingu Chen
Animated Illustrations: Angel Tianying Yu
Social: Cristina Correa, Olivia Quintana, Urmila Ramakrishnan
Research Director: Ryan Harrington
Copy Director: Greg Robertson
Copy Manager: Brian Carroll
Special Thanks: Hali Bey Ramdene, Jamila Robinson, Lucas Zaleski, and the entire Bon Appétit and Epicurious team