The cannabis beverage market has grown rapidly in recent years, offering consumers alternatives to traditional smoking or vaping. Among the most discussed product categories are CBD (cannabidiol) beverages and THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) beverages. While both fall under the same broad umbrella, their effects, consumer bases, and popularity in white label manufacturing differ significantly. Understanding the contrast between these two beverage types helps explain why one category dominates the white label sector.

CBD Beverages: Calm Without the High

CBD beverages contain cannabidiol, a non-psychoactive cannabinoid derived from hemp or cannabis. These drinks are marketed for wellness benefits such as relaxation, stress relief, and improved sleep. According to Healthline and Harvard Health Publishing, CBD has been studied for its potential to reduce anxiety, inflammation, and pain without producing intoxication.

From sparkling waters to infused teas, CBD drinks are often positioned as functional beverages. They attract health-conscious consumers seeking an alternative to alcohol or sugary sodas. Because hemp-derived CBD with less than 0.3% THC is federally legal in the United States under the 2018 Farm Bill, CBD beverages enjoy widespread availability across national markets, from grocery chains to wellness stores. This broad accessibility has made CBD products an attractive option for white label companies aiming to capture mainstream consumers without facing the same regulatory hurdles as THC products.

THC Beverages: Intoxication in a Bottle

THC beverages, in contrast, contain tetrahydrocannabinol, the primary psychoactive compound in cannabis. These products deliver the “high” associated with marijuana use. They range from seltzers and lemonades to craft sodas, designed to provide social and recreational effects.

In states where recreational cannabis is legal, THC beverages have gained traction as alternatives to alcohol. According to BDSA, a leading cannabis market research firm, THC beverage sales in legal markets grew over 60% between 2020 and 2023, reflecting rising consumer curiosity. However, these products remain limited by state-by-state legalization, packaging regulations, and potency caps (often set at 5–10 mg of THC per serving). While highly appealing to recreational users, their restricted distribution poses challenges for white label scalability.

White Label Popularity: CBD Leads the Way

When it comes to white label cannabis beverages, CBD is the more popular choice. Several factors explain this trend:

• Regulatory Flexibility: CBD beverages derived from hemp are federally legal and can be sold across state lines. THC beverages, however, must adhere to strict state regulations, making nationwide distribution complex for private-label partners.
• Mainstream Retail Channels: CBD drinks are found in supermarkets, online retailers, and convenience stores. This accessibility drives higher demand from white label buyers who want to enter mass-market wellness categories.
• Consumer Demographics: CBD appeals to a broader audience, including individuals who avoid intoxication. From athletes using CBD recovery drinks to professionals replacing evening cocktails, the versatility of CBD beverages makes them more adaptable for white label programs.
• Brand Differentiation: CBD beverages offer greater room for functional customization, such as adding vitamins, adaptogens, or natural flavors, giving private-label brands unique positioning in wellness and lifestyle niches.

THC Beverages Still Hold Potential

While CBD dominates white label demand, THC beverages are not without opportunity. In mature cannabis states such as California, Nevada, and Colorado, white label THC beverages are beginning to attract craft and boutique brands targeting adult recreational consumers. They appeal especially to younger demographics seeking alternatives to alcohol at social events. For companies already operating within legal state frameworks, white labeling THC beverages can offer a profitable niche with strong brand loyalty.

Final Thoughts

In comparing CBD versus THC cannabis beverages, CBD products currently hold the advantage in white label manufacturing due to their regulatory ease, broader market reach, and consumer appeal. THC beverages, while growing in popularity, remain largely confined to regional markets with stricter oversight. For entrepreneurs and businesses exploring private-label opportunities, CBD beverages represent the most scalable and versatile pathway into the cannabis beverage industry, while THC beverages offer targeted potential in legalized markets.