Cannabis-Infused Drinks and Hard Seltzers Drive Decline in Oklahoma Alcohol Sales

OKLAHOMA-Cannabis-Infused Drinks Surge in Popularity Across Oklahoma

Oklahoma’s beverage industry is undergoing a dramatic transformation as cannabis-infused drinks — including hard seltzers, medical marijuana beverages, CBD blends, and Delta-9 THC products — flood the market. These drinks have captured the attention of younger consumers, who are increasingly seeking alternatives they perceive as healthier or more natural than alcohol. Industry data shows year-over-year growth in cannabis beverage sales, signaling a permanent shift in consumption habits.

Craft Breweries Face Closures Amid Declining Beer Sales

The surge in cannabis beverages is hitting Oklahoma’s craft beer industry hard. Several local breweries have already shut their doors, citing steep declines in sales over the past two years. The competition isn’t just from marijuana-infused products — ready-to-drink cocktails, energy-infused sparkling waters, and low-calorie alternatives are also squeezing craft beer’s share of the market.

Liquor Stores See Drop in Hard Alcohol Demand

Liquor store owners across the state report noticeable declines in whiskey, vodka, rum, and tequila sales. Some stores have begun stocking cannabis beverages alongside alcohol, but many are struggling to adapt.

"We’ve had to rethink our entire product lineup just to keep up with the demand for these new drinks," one Oklahoma City liquor store owner explained.

Younger Consumers Choose Marijuana Over Traditional Alcohol

For many young Oklahomans, cannabis drinks are replacing alcohol entirely. Surveys suggest that consumers in their 20s and 30s believe marijuana is a safer choice, with fewer negative health effects and no hangover. This generational preference is shaping the future of the beverage industry, forcing alcohol brands to explore THC-infused products or risk losing market share.

Industry Leaders Warn of Long-Term Market Shifts

Economists and industry analysts warn that the shift toward cannabis beverages is not a passing trend. Instead, they predict ongoing disruption to Oklahoma’s alcohol industry, with the possibility of new state regulations on cannabis-infused drinks in the coming years. For now, beverage makers are watching closely to see whether alcohol and cannabis can coexist — or if one will dominate the market.