THC drinks rise in popularity. Why some young people may prefer them over alcohol.

Traditional "stoners" aren't the only ones enjoying cannabis these days. A widening demographic has become interested in the psychoactive drug, particularly in the form of canned beverages.

THC- or hemp-infused drinks aren't new to the cannabis industry, but have taken off in recent years, particularly since the 2018 Farm Bill went into effect, which declassified hemp as a Schedule 1 drug. Now federally legal, hemp-derived products, which can contain small doses of THC, are available throughout the U.S., even in states where medical and recreational marijuana isn't legal.

New York resident Collin Hadley was a social marijuana smoker for about 10 years before recently taking a step back, concerned how frequent inhalation affected his lung health. When he saw some cans of THC-infused seltzer at his local supermarket, he decided to give them a shot.

"It seemed like the perfect way to get the calming effects of THC without damaging my lungs or diet in any way (sugar free options)," Hadley told USA TODAY.

As THC-infused beverages continue become more accessible, here's what to know about the drinks.

THC-infused drinks fall into two categories: beverages made with regulated marijuana and those made with hemp-derived THC. Beverages that contain regulated marijuana are only legal in states where medical and/or recreational marijuana is permitted. They can only be purchased at licensed marijuana dispensaries.

On the other hand, beverages made with hemp-derived THC are more accessible. They are commonly found in liquor and convenience stores, supermarkets, and can also be purchased online − accessible in some states where medical and/or recreational marijuana isn't even legal.

With the declassification of hemp as a Schedule 1 drug under the 2018 Farm Bill, hemp products are federally legal, as long as they contain 0.3% or less of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol). THC, is the substance that's primarily responsible for marijuana's psychoactive effects.

THC-infused beverages tend to reflect popular alcoholic and sparking water flavors. For example, the hemp-derived beverage brand Happy Flower offers flavors like Margarita and Strawberry Daiquiri.

Country singer and songwriter Willie Nelson also just entered the THC beverage game, releasing Willie's Remedy+ in March. Sold out in less than a month, Willie's Remedy+ is marketed as a "social tonic," and the Willie's Remedy+ website encourages consumers to enjoy a 1.5-ounce shot on its own, sip on ice or mix in a cocktail.

The continued rise in alcohol prices, younger people's desire for a healthier lifestyle and the increased number of opportunities THC can be enjoyed compared to alcohol are a few of the reasons why THC-infused drinks are becoming more popular.

A 2024 survey conducted by loan marketplace LendingTree found that 64% of alcohol drinkers expressed a desire to cut back because of their physical health, while 41% cited their finances.

"Alcohol tends to be pretty expensive," LendingTree Chief Consumer Finance Analyst Matt Schulz said in a blog post. "When inflation rises and interest rates spike, there may not be as much room in the budget for booze."

Additionally, young people are turning away from alcohol more frequently. The LendingTree survey found that 53% of Gen Zers who consume alcohol had plans to cut back or quit drinking entirely in 2024.

"Generations seem like they only ever get more and more health conscious: Millennials with their avocados and group fitness ... Gen Z (walking) away from alcohol," Hadley told USA TODAY.

Most THC-infused drinks feature little to zero calories, which is growing more important to consumers, Scott Selix, co-founder of THC-infused beverage brand Climbing Kites, told USA TODAY. Meanwhile, it can be hard to find a tasty alcoholic beverage with low calories.

There are also more acceptable times to consume a THC-infused beverage, in contrast to alcohol, including for sleep, focus, relaxation and of course, socializing, Selix added.

From the start, alcohol and THC-infused drinks are different, as alcohol's effects can start somewhere between 15-45 minutes and THC consumed as a beverage can take between 30 minutes to two hours, online publication EatingWell reports.

As far as the long-term effects, frequent and heavy alcohol consumption can lead to serious health conditions like liver disease, heart problems, increased cancer risk and damage to the nervous system. Marijuana, specifically edibles, can lead to more mental health issues, like psychosis, anxiety and memory loss. Widely, there is just less research on how marijuana affects the body than alcohol.

But perhaps the most notable difference is how consumers feel the next day.

"I still want the escapism, but when I drink ... I feel sluggish the next day," Selix said. "And these (THC-infused drinks) ... don't make me, personally, feel as sluggish or as tired."

Interested in trying a THC-infused drink from a licensed marijuana dispensary or a hemp-derived beverage from a local liquor store? Here are some tips for first-time consumers:

This story has been updated to fix a typo.

Greta Cross is a national trending reporter at USA TODAY. Story idea? Email her at gcross@usatoday.com.