Should You Add Drinks with Minor Cannabinoids to Your Menu? Yes!

THC drinks, CBD drinks, and now… CBG drinks? Learn how minor cannabinoids are the next beverage frontier.

Well-known brands like Keef¹ and Cann² have been offering beverages with THC and/or CBD for several years. However, a recent rise in beverages that defy categorization is creating BIG opportunities for brands willing to innovate.

For example, consumer interest in wellness and mindful drinking³ has led many bars to offer non alcoholic hop water. Fair State Brewing Cooperative has taken that a step further with their Hop-Infused Sparkling Water Citra & CBD⁴. In Minnesota, licensed bars can even sell hemp-derived THC drinks. 

The cannabis drink category is in an exciting state of flux. There aren’t preconceived notions about WHAT these drinks are, WHEN to drink them, or HOW to enjoy them. Plus, as consumers become more knowledgeable about cannabis, many are increasingly intrigued by minor cannabinoids and their functional effects.

The brand Sunny Dayz is tapping into this interest with drinks infused with THC and CBG. The best part? On top of combining these cannabinoids to “create a more balanced and nuanced experience,”⁵ they’re available in fun fruity flavors.

Between advancements in flavor innovations and nanoemulsion technology, there are still LOTS of opportunities for brands to establish themselves as major players in this space! And formulating flavorful beverages with minor cannabinoids could be the answer.

The BrewGas Series is a collection of the world’s gassiest and skunkiest cannabis profiles — without the cannabis. Our TTB-approved botanically derived terpenes contain zero THC or CBD, ensuring compliance for brewers, seltzer makers, and craft beverage creators.

Consumers Curiosity For Minor Cannabinoids Linked to Function

According to the Innova Top Trends Survey 2025, roughly one third of consumers say health and wellness are major priorities when it comes to beverage purchases.⁶ This has certainly contributed to the evolution and growth of functional beverages, and likely to the increased interest in cannabis-infused drinks.

Mintel explains that cannabis beverages are one of the fastest-growing segments with usage jumping from 20% in 2023 to 27% in 2024.⁷ Whether THC drinks, CBD drinks, or beverages with other cannabinoids, these products offer a discreet, convenient, and wellness-oriented consumption option that clearly resonates with consumers.

This increase was largely driven by consumers interested in functional benefits and alcohol alternatives. As a result, brands are diversifying their beverage offerings with cannabis infused energy drinks, mood-enhancing teas, and relaxation elixirs with a strong focus on flavor, functionality, and dosing precision. 

For example, the Krewe of Freret and Crescent Canna partnered to create Freret Fizz. The beverage has 5 mg of THC, 5 mg of CBD, and is designed for party recovery.  “Freret Fizz is enriched with essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, B12, iron, potassium, and calcium, as well as a splash of caffeine.”⁸

Clearly, consumers are turning to drinkables for more than just psychoactive effects. From recovery and relaxation to focus and socializing, consumers are interested in drinkables that DO more. If that’s the case, then cannabinoids other than THC and CBD could be the functional ingredients that help brands deliver products that meet these demands.

CBG for Focus and Gut Health

CBGa (cannabigerolic acid) is often referred to as “the mother of all cannabinoids” since it’s the starting point from which all other cannabinoids are formed, and CBG (Cannabigerol) is simply the non-acidic version of CBGa. Potential functional effects of CBG include gut health and enhanced focus. 

In some studies, CBG has been shown to reduce gut inflammation and colitis,⁹ meaning CBG could be a useful functional ingredient for beverages in the growing digestive support category.

Additionally, CBG interacts with certain receptors to produce neuroprotective effects.¹⁰ In Dr. Riley Kirk’s book, Reefer Wellness: Understanding Cannabis Science, Culture, & Medicine, she explains that CBG is the only known cannabinoid to activate the a-2 adrenoceptor.¹¹ 

Why is that relevant? This influences the central nervous system and blood pressure, and medications with similar mechanisms are used to lower blood pressure and treat ADHD. 

Basically? Move over L-theanine! Beverages aimed at providing functional effects related to focus or relaxation may seriously want to check out CBG.

CBC for Blissful Beverages

While products rich in CBC (Cannabichromene) aren’t as common, that’s likely to change considering its unique properties. This non-psychoactive cannabinoid may benefit functional beverages for its anti-inflammatory and mood elevating properties. 

CBC can directly activate CB2 receptors, but not CB1 receptors. This is important because, as Dr. Kirk Riley explains, CB2 receptor activation, “may be beneficial for inflammatory conditions like pain, arthritis, neurodegenerative diseases, and cancer…”

Additionally, evidence shows that CBC has some ability to inhibit anandamide reuptake.¹² Anandamide is often called the “bliss molecule” because of its role in mood regulation. It helps us feel less anxious and it influences things like memory and pain perception. 

This is an oversimplification, but since CBC has the ability to increase anandamide levels, that means more of those “bliss” feelings. Combine that with its anti-inflammatory properties, and a CBC-infused drink could replace your calming chamomile tea. 

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CBN for Rest and Relaxation

CBN (Cannabinol) is created when THC breaks down in response to oxygen, heat, and/or light. As such, this cannabinoid has some similarities to THC with roughly a quarter of the potency. This is great news for consumers who want the effects of THC but are perhaps too sensitive to it. 

Its functional effects related to sleep could be particularly beneficial for beverages designed to promote rest and relaxation. 

Studies have suggested that its sedative properties “may contribute to the sleep-inducing effects of certain cannabis strains.” Additionally, “CBN has shown some analgesic properties, and it may contribute to the overall pain-relieving effects of cannabis.”¹³

Whether it’s a calming tea or a nootropic night-cap, CBC could be the functional ingredient you need to formulate the best beverage for a good night's rest.

THCV for Appetite Suppression

While many associate all cannabis products with the “munchies,” not all cannabinoids promote hunger. THCV (Tetrahydrocannabivarin) actually has the opposite effect and can help suppress appetite. That makes this non-psychoactive cannabinoid a useful ingredient for beverages in the fitness or weight-management category.

A recent study explained that “Unlike tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), THCV exhibits an antagonistic function on the CB1 receptor and a partial agonist function on the CB2 receptor, thus enabling appetite suppression, enhanced glucose regulation, and increased energy expenditure.”¹⁴

From energy drinks designed to boost metabolism to meal replacement beverages intended to help consumers manage weight, THCV can provide a complementary effect that helps beverages provide the functional benefits these consumers want.

The Skyfarm Series is a TTB-approved collection of recognizable fruit flavors with no added sugar, calories, or mouthfeel. There are no “off flavors,” potpourri, or floral junk. Just high-amplitude fruit flavor top notes perfect for sugar-free and calorie-free beverages.

Abstrax | Brew the Best Tasting Functional Cannabis Beverages 

At Abstrax, we provide novel solutions for beverage manufacturers looking to streamline, innovate, and gain a competitive edge. With our knowledge and extensive resources, we’ve crafted collections that make it easy to brew with the precise flavors and aromas your customers want.

Our Skyfarm Series is a collection of TTB-approved, shelf-stable blends with flavor that is ALWAYS consistent. These are strong, recognizable fruit flavors and aromas that are more potent than other fruit flavors or extracts. Plus, they have no added sugars, calories, or texture, they require no workflow modifications, have a 100% utilization rate, and more.

Want to lean into cannabis flavors and aromas? Our BrewGas Series will infuse any beverage with true-to-type “dank” cannabis flavors with no cannabinoids like THC or CBD. Get all of the flavor and none of the legal headache.

Interested in formulating your next drinkable with Abstrax beverage solutions? Contact us today and let’s get started.

1. Keef. (2025, June 26). https://keefbrands.com/

2. Shop Cann Social Tonics Online. Cann. (n.d.). https://drinkcann.com/

3. Sabetta, L. (2025, May 28). Mindful Drinking Prompts Growth for THC Beverages. Beverage Industry RSS. https://www.bevindustry.com/articles/97534-mindful-drinking-prompts-growth-for-thc-beverages

4. Hop Water - Citra & CBD. Fair State Brewing Cooperative. (2023, September 15). https://fairstate.coop/beer/hop-water-cbd/

5. THC Drinks by Sunny Dayz. Sunny Dayz. (n.d.). https://drinksunnydayz.com/

6. Jacobsen, J. (2025, July). A Clean Baseline: Clean Label Expectations Prompt Innovation, Education From Suppliers, Manufacturers. Beverage R&D. https://digitaledition.bevindustry.com/july-2025/beverage-rd/?utm_medium=emailsend&utm_source=DG-BI-Beverage%2BIndustry%2BComplimentary&utm_content=BNPCD250701025_01&oly_enc_id=3202I4313167F5B

7. O'Donnell, Fiona. (2024, September 09). Recreational Cannabis Consumer – US – 2024. [Market Report]. Mintel. https://www.mintel.com/

8. Krewe of Freret, Crescent Canna Launch THC Drink for Mardi Gras Freret Fizz. New Orleans Magazine. (2025, February 24). https://www.myneworleans.com/krewe-of-freret-crescent-canna-launch-thc-drink-for-mardi-gras-freret-fizz/

9. Calapai, F., Cardia, L., Esposito, E., Ammendolia, I., Mondello, C., Lo Giudice, R., Gangemi, S., Calapai, G., & Mannucci, C. (2022, November 8). Pharmacological Aspects and Biological Effects of Cannabigerol and Its Synthetic Derivatives. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9666035/

10. Pérez-Segura, I., Santiago-Balmaseda, A., Rodríguez-Hernández, L. D.,  Morales-Martínez, A., Martínez-Becerril, H. A., Martínez-Gómez, P. A., Delgado-Minjares, K. M., Salinas-Lara, C.,  Martínez-Dávila, I. A., Guerra-Crespo, M., Pérez-Severiano, F., & Soto-Rojas, L. O. (2023, February 7). PPARs and Their Neuroprotective Effects in Parkinson’s Disease: A Novel Therapeutic Approach in α-synucleinopathy? International Journal of Molecular Sciences. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36834679/

11. Kirk, R. (2025). Reefer Wellness: Understanding Cannabis Science, Culture, & Medicine. (pp. 65). Penguin Random House.

12. Udoh, M., Santiago, M., Devenish, S., McGregor, I. S., & Connor, M. (2019, November 21). Cannabichromene is a Cannabinoid CB2 Receptor Agonist. British journal of pharmacology. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6932936/

13. Blebea, N. M., Pricopie, A. L., Vlad, R.-A., & Hancu, G. (2024, April 10). Phytocannabinoids: Exploring Pharmacological Profiles and Their Impact on Therapeutical Use. International Journal of Molecular Sciences. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38673788/

14. Mendoza, S. (2025, March 12). The role of Tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV) in metabolic disorders: A promising cannabinoid for diabetes and Weight Management. AIMS Neuroscience. https://www.aimspress.com/article/doi/10.3934/Neuroscience.2025003?viewType=HTML#:~:text=Interestingly%2C%20the%20hypophagic%20effects%20persisted,to%20obesity%2Drelated%20metabolic%20disorders.