Cannabis Beverages: What BC Cannabis Licensees Need to Know in 2026

Cannabis beverages are now a standard product category for private retail cannabis licensees across BC. Most cannabis retailers carry at least a small selection. A quick Google search for “cannabis beverages in Vancouver” reveals that some stores go “all in” on the product, making a good selection of cannabis beverages available for sale, while others stock a small stable of products.

The more practical question is not whether to stock them. It is how much space they should realistically occupy.

Cannabis-Infused Drinks are Having a Moment

According to Stratcann.com, between 2021/2022 and 2024/2025, in Canada, the market share of the edibles category was down by 2% while the cannabis beverages market share increased by almost 9%.

The Discover article “Cannabis Drinks are Growing in Popularity –  and Helping Some People Drink Less Alcohol” discusses a recent research survey published in the Journal of Psychoactive Drugs. The findings of that survey suggest that cannabis-infused beverages may be a novel harm reduction strategy benefiting those looking to decrease alcohol consumption and its negative affects.

Cannabis beverages also align with the moderation and health trends seen in recent years, such as “Dry January”.

Where Beverages Fit in a Licensed BC Cannabis Store

For retail cannabis licensees, cannabis drinks are typically a secondary category, not a core driver of sales.

In most stores, cannabis-infused beverages are:

• An add-on purchase rather than a destination product
• An impulse-purchase or point-of-purchase product displayed in counter-display units
• Attractive to “canna-curious” shoppers looking for alcohol-free beverages
• A lower-volume category compared to flower, pre-rolls, and vapes

This positioning affects how much space they realistically justify.

Why Some BC Retail Cannabis Licensees Sell a Limited Stock

Many stores carry a limited number of beverages for these reasons:

• Shelf and fridge space constraints
  Beverages take up more room than most other cannabis products
• Lower turnover
  Slower movement compared to flower, pre-rolls, and vapes
• Weaker margins per square foot
  Less return on the dollar for retail space used by the product
• Inventory risk
  More capital tied up in slower-moving SKUs

For smaller stores in particular, space allocation is a constant trade-off.

How Customers Actually Buy Them

In most cases, beverages are not the primary reason for a store visit.

They tend to be:

• Add-on purchases
• Trial or novelty items
• Occasional alternatives to other formats

This makes demand less predictable and harder to build around.

Where Beverages Still Make Sense

Despite the limitations, there is still a role for the category.

Beverages can:

• Support upselling at checkout
• Offer an alternative for customers seeking lower-dose options
• Add variety to the product mix
• Align with moderation trends

The key is keeping expectations realistic.

A Practical Approach

Rather than overcommitting, many retailers take a measured approach:

• Carry a small, curated selection
• Focus on reliable SKUs
• Use beverages as a secondary category, not a core driver
• Adjust space based on actual sell-through

Need Ideas for Cannabis Beverage In-Store Marketing?

Thrive Liquor & Cannabis Advisors provides cannabis license consultation services in Canada. Our consultants understand the retail cannabis industry and how to work within the limitations of each unique cannabis retailer. If you’d like to test market cannabis beverages in your store, start with a free, 30-minute consultation.