Consumers rely on the experts for their questions on cannabis beverages – their budtenders! However, more and more questions and comments are arising from the customers themselves. Here at the Cannabis Drinks Expo 2023, we wanted to connect with some front-facing workers of the cannabis industry to share their insights on what cannabis drinks to sell in dispensaries.

Questions can range from dosage, flavors, balances between THC and CBD, and so much more.

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Here are some insights from budtenders with their tips to cannabis beverage brands on how to grab dispensary customers' attention (and love).

Refreshing Consumption Experiences Without or ‘Cotton-Mouth’

When a lot of people think about cannabis, they might instantly think about smoking the plant and experiencing dry mouth they might not want from their cannabis consumption. A common side effect of cannabis is dry mouth, otherwise known as ‘cotton mouth.’

After trying a cannabis-infused drink, consumers might change their minds and outlook on how they can approach cannabis. More and more people prefer infused beverages as their go-to ‘edible.’

Alison, Budtender in Illinois: “If I want to buy a cannabis beverage, it has to have a good flavor profile, but nothing too sweet or syrupy/artificial tasting. Drinks that have a slight carbonation are also nice. I look for smaller options that would be great to use straight or even to mix in with cocktails.”

Sometimes Edibles Take Too Long for Onset Times

On average, edibles can take anywhere from half an hour to two hours before you may begin to feel the effects. Cannabis-infused beverages are said to be felt by consumers quickly, sometimes ranging between fifteen and thirty minutes.

Among consumers, it is speculated that beverages tend to take effect faster because they are, in part, sublingual. For example, when you drink a cannabis beverage, some of the cannabinoids in it are absorbed sublingually under the tongue. The rest make digestion much quicker because they are delivered in a liquid form rather than a solid that still has to be broken down, such as a cannabis gummy.

The quick onsets of cannabis beverages can help consumers feel like the effects will happen in a much more anticipated manner. However, sometimes waiting those hours to feel edible can become monotonous or almost nerve-racking for newer consumers.

Beverages are quick, refreshing, and calming for social situations.

Helping Consumers Break Away from Alcohol Purchases

Cannabis beverages are now in a new category that fits into the lifestyle choices of a more alcohol-free conscious culture. Alcoholic drinks can be intoxicating, as can cannabis beverages — but what makes them different is helping those looking to break away from alcoholism and into healthier habits.

Nikki, Budtender in Northern California: “Personally, cannabis drinks have helped me to quit alcoholic beverages. Especially in a social sense. I will bring cannabis drinks to concerts, for example. Another highlight of drinks for consumers is that they are slightly faster acting than traditional edibles because of the sublingual effect. Many offer options with much less sugar than infused gummies or cookies. The shock favor helps sales too. Some folks cannot believe that companies like PBR and Jones Soda are making THC beverages and have to try them out!”

Ahsiac, Budtender in Illinois: “For the consumers who consider cannabis beverages their ‘main thing,’ it is mainly those who want to maintain sobriety. Many people have sworn off alcohol and just want to smoke, and it’s healthier and generally more enjoyable. So with these beverages, you can make mocktails and not feel pressured to drink with everyone else at the party because now you have your own vice. It can be hard to be at a party with nothing in your hand, so it makes an excellent replacement. Outside of trying to remain the life of the party, cannabis drinks are beneficial because they are being ingested sublingually — makes it kick in faster, and consumers don’t have to play the waiting game.”

Learn More from Industry Experts at the Cannabis Drinks Expo 2023

This is the event of 2023 for brands and investors alike to come together to support the growing drinks category in the cannabis market. With new states legalizing cannabis, the shows this year will be focused on bringing cannabis drink professionals from all new legal states.

Save the date for your city and connect with MSOs, dispensaries, growers, packaging companies, co-packers, flavor suppliers, cannabis beverage brands, and other service providers looking to enter the cannabis beverage market.

Register today to attend in San Francisco on July 27th or Chicago on August 1st.

The article was written by Hannah (Izer) Vysoky