Cannabis Industry Warned of Health Risks as THC‑Infused Drinks Surge

Cannabis‑infused beverages such as seltzers, teas, lemonades and mocktails are gaining popularity, alongside colorful gummies marketed to young consumers. Celebrities including Gwyneth Paltrow, Seth Rogen and Mike Tyson have invested in or launched their own cannabis products, and some fitness influencers promote micro‑dosing for workouts.

Health experts caution that long‑term cannabis use is linked to reduced activation in brain regions responsible for attention, decision‑making and memory, and that chronic use beginning in youth can result in an average permanent IQ loss of about 5.5 points. Modern strains now contain THC levels as high as 28%, far above the sub‑2% levels of the 1960s‑80s, raising concerns that a generation of heavy users may experience diminished productivity.