Vernal Vibrations: “High” lights at a Green NA Event
Zero Proof Insights | Cannabis and the NA Evolution
Written by Cate Faulkner
Blooming NA Spring Fling: A Vibrant Gathering
While spring had not yet sprung in the Twin Cities, the warmth of the NA Spring Fling - Vernal Vibrations - permeated Glass House, attracting over 200 guests. In this expansive, luminous event space, attendees shared experiences amidst blooming arrangements of artistically curated flowers. The harmonious blend of crowd-pleasing live music underscored the steady flow of NA beverages being served, crafting a blooming success of a gathering.
Twin Cities: A Hub for NA Enthusiasts
In the Twin Cities, this event marked one of the first grand-scale NA gatherings, illustrating the robust presence of the NA Movement in our community. Enthusiasts flocked to explore the newest in the NA and cannabis-infused beverage landscapes. Noughty by Thomson & Scott, UK, the nonalcoholic wines that we were pouring, garnered overwhelming endorsement from the attendees, a sentiment echoed by our consistently long line.
Navigating the Intersection of Alcohol and Cannabis
The vibrant atmosphere encapsulated the pinnacle of an excellent celebration, free from alcohol but elevated to a little “higher” level to an extent, by THC. At the time, we recognized that the surge in the NA beverage industry was partly spurred by the integration of cannabis into Minnesota. In retrospect, it seems we were somewhat naïve, not fully grasping how swiftly the cannabis sector would expand right before our eyes. While the cannabis infused beverages tend to be low dosage, the actual cannabis flower and edible products are not.
Minnesota's Cannabis Beverage Boom
Since the Vernal Vibrations event, the Twin Cities has become the hottest market for low-dose, hemp-derived THC beverages in the country - and that includes regions in Canada and Europe. The unexpected success of cannabis beverages here in Minnesota took effect on July 1, 2022, prompting an absolute explosion in the market almost overnight. Currently, Minnesota only requires free registration to sell these products, with paid licensing expected to be introduced later, according to state guidelines.
Shifting Consumer Preferences
We have also learned that when consumers evaluate the health risks of alcohol and cannabis, they are gravitating towards some of the purported benefits of cannabis, including an improved emotional state, more tolerable morning-afters, fewer calories, and enhanced sexual experiences. The term Cali-sober is being used to describe a lifestyle choice that involves abstaining from alcohol and other drugs, save for cannabis and other legally sanctioned psychedelics.
Navigating the New Regulations
Currently, the state of Minnesota has some new regulations that are poised to make customers choose between THC and alcohol at a venue, even going so far as to give THC patrons a wristband, so that they are not sold an alcoholic beverage as well. Minnesota still has a lot to sort out moving forward.
The Rise of Cannabis Over Alcohol
This extremely large sector is growing rapidly, with a preference emerging for the perceived healthier high and euphoria associated with cannabis over the consumption of alcohol. Regardless of your location in the country, if cannabis becomes legal in your area it is reasonable to anticipate this trend arriving sooner rather than later, if it hasn't already. Indeed, this has become a pivotal consideration in our ongoing mission to promote nonalcoholic beverage options. It's another reason to increase elevated NA options in every space that people gather!
Comedy Club Insights: A Preference for Euphoria
Recently, at a local comedy club, the crowd erupted into hearty laughter at every joke, appreciating the comedians profoundly. It was apparent that alcohol consumption was minimal, evidenced by the sparse line at the bar. The unrestrained laughter and jovial mood hinted at a preference for cannabis products, either consumed beforehand or onsite, establishing a favored choice of euphoria. This was confirmed by the jokes revolving around weed and the intimate understanding the audience had with the topic.
Crafting a Decent NA Menu at Comedy Clubs
The evening was marred by the glaring absence of a decent nonalcoholic bar menu. As someone who appreciates thoughtfully crafted cocktails and other nonalcoholic options, I was disappointed not to find any NA offerings. It struck me that the club was missing a golden opportunity. Had they offered sophisticated, low-calorie NA beverages, they would have generated additional revenue. This reinforces the crucial factor of knowing your audience.
Zero Proof Collective Promotes Inclusivity
As part of our ongoing mission at Zero Proof Collective, we have no plans to add cannabis to our cocktails that we are serving at events. Our focus remains on promoting NA options, a task that already presents its own set of challenges. We respect individual choices concerning alcohol and cannabis consumption and will continue to promote inclusivity for all, suggesting that venues should offer a rich array of elevated adult beverage choices in all social settings.
© 2023 Cate Faulkner
