As the cannabis-infused beverage category explodes—forecasted to reach $30 billion by 2035—on- and off-premise operators face the opportunity and responsibility of navigating this new frontier thoughtfully. With varied state regulations, consumer confusion around dosing, and concerns about safety and branding, this session provides a comprehensive guide to responsibly introducing cannabis- and CBD-infused beverages into your beverage programming.
Led by industry leaders and advocates, this guided tasting experience will spotlight compliant, consumer-trusted brands within a framework aligned with the Coalition for Adult Beverage Alternatives (CABA) and the Hemp Beverage Alliance. You’ll learn how to evaluate products based on dosage transparency, third-party testing, packaging integrity, and regulatory clarity—ensuring you can confidently select and promote these beverages in your venue.
Evaluate beverage flavor, onset, and efficacy, differentiating aroma-first cannabis botanical drinks, CBD wellness tonics, and low-dose THC seltzers—while learning to explain onset timing and effects to guests.
Build consumer confidence and operational readiness, with insights into supply-chain consistency, packaging challenges (e.g., can liners and potency loss), responsible staff training, retail placement considerations, and marketing compliance .
Explore practical applications in hospitality, including non-alcoholic cannabis cocktails and culinary pairings, to incorporate these beverages into tasting menus, pairing flights, or wellness-driven programming.