Main roads
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Cannabis drinks are found in stores next to soda and chocolate milk and within reach of children and teenagers
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Doctors report that children who come to emergency rooms after drinking the product are confused and lethargic
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A federal loophole allowing the beverage to close in November, though the industry expects Congress to intervene
TUESDAY, July 21, 2026 (NewsDay News) – Cannabis drinks are increasingly appearing in stores alongside iced tea, soda and even chocolate milk, and doctors are warning that easy access is putting children at risk.
The colorful cans contain THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), a psychoactive compound in marijuana that gives users a “high,” but many have small or easy-to-miss labels.
According to a news organization, during a recent visit to New York stores, most did not display signs identifying the drinks as intoxicating, and cashiers did not check identification at the register. STAT.
The drink has grown in popularity as Americans drink less alcohol, and hundreds of brands compete for about $1.4 billion in sales this year.
Their spread stems from a loophole in the 2018 Farm Bill, a federal law that legalized hemp-derived products. That shortfall will close in November, barring the product from shelves, though the industry is waiting for Congress to step in. STAT informs.
Access often precedes law. New York limits these drinks to 1 milligram of THC per serving, but cans containing 50, 60 and even 100 mg were easy, they said. STAT. State regulations vary widely, change frequently, and are rarely enforced.
The most pressing concern is about the youth. Dr. Rudy KinkA pediatric emergency physician at Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee, said that his hospital sees four to five children a week who drink. They are a mix of curious children attracted to shiny packages and teenagers experimenting with cannabis.
Children often present with fainting, confusion and vomiting, he said STATand parents may not know what’s wrong until a urine and blood test detects THC.
“I don’t think teenagers really understand the effects of THC,” Kink said, adding that he wants the drinks to be clearly labeled so there’s no confusion.
Mislabeling also increases the risk for adults. Tori Spindela cannabis researcher at Johns Hopkins Medicine, said that some consumers may not realize that a can contains THC. Worst case, he said STATDoes anyone get drunk and then drive.
His research also shows that drinks kick in faster than meals—within 15 to 20 minutes—which can catch users off guard.
Because many hemp-derived beverages go through licensed dispensaries, they also undergo testing of their products, the health educator said. Jessica Kruger. He said buyers cannot be sure of the potential or presence of contaminants STAT.
Vendors handle beverages improperly. Some big chains post warning signs and check IDs, but many smaller stores keep unmarked cans in the liquor aisle. STAT found
Not everyone sees the danger alone. Kruger said the drinks can help some adults reduce their alcohol consumption, and industry groups argue they should be regulated, labeled and inspected like other adult beverages.
More information
Visit the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for answers frequently asked questions about cannabis.
SOURCE: STATJuly 21, 2026
What does this mean for you?
Consumers who keep THC drinks at home should keep them out of the sight and reach of children, as the cans can look like soda or iced tea. Read labels carefully before drinking – a container may contain more THC than expected.
