November 5, 2025 – A groundbreaking new study just dropped, and it’s got big news for anyone rethinking their happy hour routine: cannabis-infused beverages are slashing alcohol consumption while improving sleep, stress, mood, and even pain.
Published today by research firm MoreBetter and backed by over a dozen leading hemp and THC drink brands, the 22-day study tracked 3,000+ U.S. adults who swapped in cannabinoid drinks for their usual booze. The results? A 39% drop in heavy drinking, a 23% jump in wellbeing, and 76% of users saying they felt less intoxicated than with alcohol.
If you’ve been curious about THC seltzers, CBD mocktails, or CBN nightcaps, this is your sign. Let’s break down the data—and why cannabis drinks are officially disrupting the alcohol industry.
The Big Takeaway: Cannabis Drinks = Less Booze, Better Life
Here’s what happened when participants replaced alcohol with THC, CBD, CBN, or CBG-infused beverages for just three weeks:
| Metric | Before | After | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daily Alcohol Use | 32.9% | 20.1% | ↓ 12.7% |
| Heavy Drinking (3+ drinks) | 38% | 25% | ↓ 34% |
| Wellbeing Score | Baseline | +23% | ↑ 23% |
| Pain (on use days) | — | — | ↓ 11% |
| Stress (on use days) | — | — | ↓ 18% |
| Sleep Duration | — | — | ↑ 7% |
And the vibes?
- 72% said: “I drank less alcohol while using the cannabis beverage.”
- 54% reported less craving for alcohol.
- 49% would use their THC drink as a regular alcohol replacement.
- 76% felt less impaired than when drinking booze.
“This isn’t just substitution—it’s evolution.” – MoreBetter Research Team
How the Study Worked
- 3,000+ participants across the U.S.
- Given free supply of one of 20 THC-infused beverages (from brands like BRĒZ, Cantrip, Nowadays, 1906, and more)
- Tracked via daily + weekly surveys for 22 days
- Measured: alcohol use, sleep, pain, stress, mood, cravings, and overall wellbeing
- No sponsor input on results—pure data.
Why Cannabis Drinks Are Beating Booze
1. The Substitution Effect Is Real
This isn’t the first study to show it. A separate survey last month found:
- 4 in 5 cannabis drink users reduced alcohol
- 1 in 5 quit alcohol completely
Now? Target is testing THC drinks in Minnesota stores, and VFW posts nationwide are partnering with hemp beverage brands to offer cannabis alternatives at the bar.
2. Millennials & Gen Z Are Leading the Shift
A new poll of 1,000 young professionals shows:
1 in 3 choose THC drinks over alcohol for after-work happy hours.
They want social buzz without the hangover—and cannabis delivers.
3. Even Craft Distilleries Are Feeling It
One independent spirits maker just announced scaled-back operations, citing:
“More adults choosing marijuana over alcohol.”
Top Cannabis Beverage Brands in the Study
These are the 20 products participants used—each with unique cannabinoid blends:
| Brand | Specialty |
|---|---|
| BRĒZ | THC + CBD social tonics |
| Cantrip | Fast-acting THC seltzers |
| Nowadays | Microdose THC for clarity |
| 1906 | Functional drops (Bliss, Midnight, etc.) |
| Hightail | Full-spectrum hemp THC |
| Cornbread Hemp | USDA organic CBD + THC |
| Sober(ish) | Low-dose, high-vibe |
Full list in study footnotes.
What Users Are Saying
“I used to have 2–3 beers to unwind. Now? One BRĒZ and I’m relaxed, clear-headed, and asleep by 10 PM.” – Jake, 34, Denver
“The CBN drink knocked out my insomnia. Haven’t touched whiskey in two weeks.” – Sarah, 41, Austin
The Future of Happy Hour
- Most Americans now say marijuana is healthier than alcohol (new national poll)
- Majority predict full U.S. legalization in 5 years
- Alcohol sales are down in legal cannabis states—up to 15% in mature markets
This isn’t a trend. It’s a movement.
Ready to Try Cannabis Drinks?
Start smart:
- Pick your goal – Social? Sleep? Pain relief?
- Choose your cannabinoid – THC for buzz, CBD for calm, CBN for sleep
- Start low – 2.5–5mg THC is plenty for most
- Stay hydrated – Pair with water (yes, even with a drink)
Pro Tip: Look for USDA organic, lab-tested, low-calorie options—many are under 25 calories per serving.
Final Verdict
The science is in: Cannabis beverages reduce alcohol harm and improve quality of life—with hard data on sleep, stress, pain, and mood.
Whether you’re cutting back, quitting, or just curious, THC and CBD drinks are the smarter, cleaner, happier hour.
Want to read the full study?
Download the MoreBetter Report here
Study sponsored by BRĒZ, Cantrip, Nowadays, and 17 other leading brands. No editorial control over findings.