Cannabis Seltzer Sales Soar As Consumers Seek Buzz Without The Booze, Benzinga Conference Will Examine This Trend

America’s love affair with hard seltzer began back in 1993 when Coors Brewing Company launched a carbonated beverage, Zima Clearmalt that was marketed as an alternative to beer. Now, three decades later, seltzers are losing the booze and adding another popular ingredient: cannabis.

What do the number crunchers say about this shift? It’s generational and investors of all ages should probably get on board.

Here’s why: Gen Z is the largest demographic ever, making up one-third of the world’s population and accounting for a staggering 40% of U.S. consumers. Millennials spend an estimated $65 billion per year. Gen Z spends $100 billion. New Frontier Data reports that 69% of 18-24-year-olds prefer marijuana to alcohol while 81% of cannabis users believe it to be safer than alcohol. The $1 billion cannabis beverages market is estimated to double by 2026, growing at a CAGR of 16.9% over the analysis period.

And THC-infused seltzers seem to be a favorite.

Here's What Industry Leaders Say

Curaleaf Holdings CURLF founder Boris Jordan told attendees at the 2022 Benzinga Cannabis Capital Conference in Chicago that cannabis-infused drinks were the next big thing. 

“Personally, five to 10 years out, I think cannabis beverages will represent 50% of the industry.” 

Let’s hear what Jordan has to say at this year’s Benzinga Cannabis Capital Conference in Chicago on Sept. 27-28 where he is a keynote speaker.

Meanwhile, Tilray TLRY TLRY debuted its sparkling THC beverages with two flavors and introduced two tropical drinks infused with 1.5mg THC and 25mg CBD.

Speaking of Tilray, the company scored big last month when it acquired eight beer and beverage brands from Anheuser-Busch BUD, just about fulfilling company chairman and CEO Irwin D. Simon’s commitment to further accelerate the growth of Tilray's consumer base in the U.S.

Canopy Growth Corporation CGC WEED also recently announced the launch of its cannabis-infused beverage offerings when it launched four new THC-infused drinks under the Tweed brand. Canopy's CEO David Klein will also be in Chicago at the September Benzinga Cannabis Capital Conference where he'll likely discuss this news.

Who Is Doing All This And How?

Let's ask Paul Weaver, the director and head of cannabis at The Boston Beer Company where he leads the company's Canadian cannabis division.

In that Weaver was Director of Innovation at Canopy Growth and previously senior Manager of Innovation at Molson Coors Beverage Company TAP, we’re guessing he’s got a lot to say on the topic.

And yes, Paul Weaver will also be in Chicago on Sept. 27-28.

Read more HERE on this sparkling sector of the cannabis industry and why not join us in Chicago to meet the investors or maybe even become one?

If you want to delve deeper into these topics, and who wouldn't, here is all the info about the Benzinga Cannabis Capital Conference in Chicago on September 27-28. All info is available on bzcannabis.com