Why THC Drinks Are Replacing Alcohol on My Travels
I used to end every travel day the same way, with a couple of beers at the hotel bar or a glass of wine with dinner. It felt like part of the ritual. But after one too many mornings waking up dehydrated, foggy, and running late on a packed itinerary, I started looking for something better. Turns out, I'm not the only traveler rethinking what's in their glass.
Americans Are Drinking Less
A major shift is happening with how Americans relate to alcohol, and it goes way beyond Dry January. According to Gallup's 2025 survey, just 54% of U.S. adults say they drink alcohol, the lowest rate the organization has recorded in nearly 90 years of tracking. That's a sharp drop from 62% in 2023 and 58% in 2024.
The decline is hitting every demographic, but it's especially pronounced among younger adults and women. Young adults aged 18 to 34 saw their drinking rate fall from 59% in 2023 to just 50% in 2025. And for the first time in Gallup's tracking history, a majority of Americans, 53%, now believe that even moderate drinking is bad for your health.
A big catalyst? In January 2025, the U.S. Surgeon General issued an advisory linking alcohol consumption to at least seven types of cancer, calling it the third leading preventable cause of cancer in the country after tobacco and obesity. The advisory states alcohol contributes to roughly 100,000 cancer cases and about 20,000 cancer deaths annually in the U.S.
The key factors driving this shift include
Health awareness: The Surgeon General's cancer warning made national headlines and changed how many Americans view "moderate" drinking
Generational change: Nearly two in three Gen Z adults plan to drink less in 2025, according to Circana research
Financial motivation: Over half of Americans cutting back cite saving money as a major reason
Better alternatives: THC beverages, adaptogen drinks, and functional mocktails are filling the gap
Why THC Drinks Hit Different on the Road
This is where THC-infused beverages come in. These hemp-derived drinks contain low doses of Delta-9 THC - typically between 2.5mg and 10mg per serving - and they're federally legal under the 2018 Farm Bill as long as they contain less than 0.3% THC by dry weight.
What makes them appealing for travel? They kick in faster than traditional edibles. Most people feel the effects within 10 to 20 minutes thanks to nano-emulsification technology, and the experience usually lasts about 60 to 90 minutes. That's a predictable, manageable window compared to a night of drinking.
THC-infused drinks are becoming more accessible across the country. You canfind THC drink stores carrying a growing range of seltzers, tonics, and cocktail-inspired options in over 25 states, with many brands also shipping directly to your door. Whether you're stocking up before a road trip or ordering ahead to your vacation rental, access has never been easier.
The best part? No hangover. You wake up the next morning clear and ready to enjoy your trip.
No Hangovers, No Wasted Mornings
This is the real turning point for travelers. We have all experienced it: an incredible day planned, but you overdid it at the hotel bar the night before, and now you are dragging yourself through a museum with a pounding headache. I have always enjoyed the drinking side of travel. I have done wine tastings in Moldova, pub crawls in Dublin, and bourbon bars in Louisville. But for me, the shift really happened on a trip to Nashville.
THC drinks don't come with that baggage. There's no hangover, no dehydration, and no brain fog the next morning. You get a gentle buzz and a sense of relaxation, and then it fades. You wake up feeling normal, ready to actually enjoy the trip you spent months planning and saving for.
For me, the switch happened on a trip to Nashville. I swapped my usual bourbon for a low-dose THC seltzer at the Airbnb after a long day of exploring. I slept wonderfully, woke up energized, and hit Broadway the next morning without needing three cups of coffee to function. That was the turning point.
They're Surprisingly Travel-Friendly
One of the biggest misconceptions about THC drinks is that traveling with them is complicated or risky. The reality is more straightforward than you'd think.
Hemp-derived THC beverages containing less than 0.3% Delta-9 THC by dry weight are federally legal under the 2018 Farm Bill. That means you can purchase them online and have them shipped to most states or grab them at retail locations nationwide.
For road trips, packing a few cans in a cooler is no different than bringing along any other non-alcoholic beverage. Flying is a bit more nuanced, as TSA's standard liquid rules apply, meaning full-size cans need to go in checked luggage. However, many brands now offer powder packets and 2-ounce shots that fit easily in a carry-on liquids bag.
A few practical packing tips for THC drinks on the go:
Road trips: Pack cans in a cooler just like you would with any seltzer or soda
Flying carry-on: Stick to powder packets or sub-3.4 oz shots that meet TSA liquid rules
Checked luggage: Full-size cans travel fine in checked bags in original packaging
Destination shopping: Many brands are now sold at convenience stores like Circle K and retailers in 25+ states
Tips for First-Timers
If you're curious about trying THC drinks on your next trip, start with a low dose of 2.5 to 5mg of THC, which is enough for most beginners. Wait at least 30 minutes before deciding if you need more. Be sure to check the laws at your destination, as these products are federally legal, but some states have their own restrictions.
It's also smart to try your first THC drink at home before bringing it on a trip. You want to know how your body responds before you're navigating a foreign subway system or exploring a new city solo. This helps ensure a more comfortable experience when you're on the go.
FAQs
Are THC drinks legal to travel with?
Hemp-derived THC drinks with less than 0.3% Delta-9 THC are federally legal under the 2018 Farm Bill. However, some states have their own restrictions, so always check the laws at your departure and arrival destinations before packing them.
Will THC drinks get me high?
At low doses of 2.5 to 5 mg, most people experience a mild, relaxed buzz similar to having one glass of wine. It’s not an intense high but rather a gentle lift that helps you unwind without feeling overwhelmed.
How long do the effects last?
Most nano-emulsified THC drinks kick in within 10 to 20 minutes, and the effects typically last 60 to 90 minutes. This shorter duration gives you more control compared to traditional edibles.
Can I bring THC drinks on a plane?
You can, but TSA liquid rules apply. Full-size cans need to go in checked luggage, while smaller shots and powder packets can go in your carry-on. Keep products in original packaging with clear labeling.
Key Takeaways
Alcohol consumption in the U.S. has hit a 90-year low, with only 54% of adults reporting they drink as of 2025.
The Surgeon General's 2025 advisory linked alcohol to at least seven types of cancer, accelerating the shift toward alternatives.
THC drinks provide a controlled, low-calorie buzz without the hangover, making them perfect for travelers who want to feel refreshed and enjoy their mornings.
Hemp-derived THC beverages are federally legal in most states and increasingly available at retail and online.
Start with a low dose (2.5-5 mg), try it at home first, and always check local laws before traveling with THC products.
