Move over Merlot…is Cannabis the new cocktail?

For centuries, if you wanted to unwind after a long day, the options were fairly straightforward. You ordered a glass of wine, a cold beer, or something involving bourbon and poor judgment.

Now? The bartender may ask if you would like a CBD spritz, a THC-infused sparkling tonic or a botanical euphoric beverage.

Somewhere, Don Draper is falling off his barstool.

The newest trend sweeping restaurants and bars isn’t another craft IPA or an artisanal gin distilled by monks in the Alps. It’s cannabis-based beverages, drinks infused with CBD or, where legal, small amounts of THC.

Before you assume Cheech and Chong have taken over happy hour, there is an important distinction.

CBD will allegedly not get you high. It’s marketed as a way to relax, unwind, or simply take the edge off after a day spent arguing with your internet provider.

THC, on the other hand, is the ingredient that creates a mild buzz.

The appeal is easy to understand.

More Americans are drinking less alcohol. Some are avoiding the calories. Others are tired of waking up feeling as though they lost a boxing match with a Cabernet. Many simply want to enjoy dinner without waking tomorrow morning with a huge headache and cotton mouth.

Restaurants have noticed.

Cannabis beverages are appearing on menus alongside handcrafted cocktails and premium wines.

Will they replace wine?

Not likely.

There is something wonderfully civilized about sharing a bottle of Burgundy over dinner or celebrating with champagne. Those rituals are not disappearing anytime soon.

Cannabis beverages aren’t trying to replace wine. They are attempting to create a new occasion.

Chill. Try it…you may like it.