From beverage store shelves to delivery app carts, THC-infused beverages are no longer a curiosity and are becoming a popular option. The market is growing, diversifying, and starting to compete directly with traditional alcoholic beverages.

In the United States, cannabis beverages have moved from being a marginal experiment to a rapidly expanding category. According to Hoodie Analytics data, from March 2024 to March 2025, ready-to-drink beverages containing 100 mg of THC generated $141 million in retail sales.

The growth is not limited to regulated dispensaries. Since the approval of the 2018 Farm Bill, which legalized hemp at the federal level, beverages with less than 0.3% THC have multiplied, allowing their sale outside traditional channels, even in states where adult-use cannabis remains illegal.

Flavors like lemonade, root beer, and orange are among the favorites, with brands like Keef, Uncle Arnie's, and Ray's Lemonade leading sales.

Strategic Investments and Expansion

In August, Uncle Arnie's announced a $7.5 million increase in Series A funding to accelerate national expansion and consolidate its leadership in the THC beverage category. The round was co-led by Mindset Capital and Delta Emerald Ventures, with participation from Harry Rubin, founding partner of the Boston Beer Company (producer of Samuel Adams beer), who joins the company's board.

According to Uncle Arnie's, the Series A is not just about raising capital but a strategic growth boost. The investment will allow the team to grow from 40 to 75 employees, expand into new state markets, and strengthen its presence in high-performance regions. The company has been recording annual growth close to 100% since its inception and projects the same trajectory until 2026.

“This funding represents an exciting milestone in consolidating five years of success in the cannabis-based beverage market,” said Theo Terris, CEO of Uncle Arnie's in a company statement. “This experience has given us the brand strength and operational foundation to succeed in the rapidly expanding hemp-derived THC market — where we see even greater potential for widespread adoption.”

The company is also investing in leadership and infrastructure. It recently hired Brian Miesieski, a veteran of AB InBev, Diageo, and SweetWater Brewing Company, as Chief Marketing Officer, to lead brand strategy and national marketing initiatives.

Ian Dominguez, CIO of Delta Emerald Ventures, emphasized: “Uncle Arnie's has built a powerful combination of brand strength, operational excellence, and distribution reach, making it a standout in the THC beverage segment. Its execution capability in regulated and emerging markets positions it for long-term leadership.”

Industry Trends

In March 2025, Snoop Dogg expanded his presence in the cannabis sector by partnering with Harmony Craft Beverages, launching Iconic Tonics, a premium functional beverage brand for adults.

On the other hand, the cannabis brand Cookies is entering the distilled spirits industry with a tequila-based beverage, according to MJBizDaily. The company sees alcohol as an opportunity to strengthen its brand, although critics point out that this deviates from the main focus on premium cannabis products.

The global ready-to-drink cocktail market was estimated at $3.21 billion in 2024 and is expected to grow at a compound annual rate of 15.4% between 2025 and 2030 as consumers prioritize convenience, according to Grand View Research.

Tequila, Berner's favorite drink, also shows significant growth. The global market was estimated at $10.53 billion in 2023, with a projected compound annual growth rate of 9.5%, reaching $19.73 billion by 2030.