For those who value the social ambiance of the bar but crave for a non-traditional option instead of regular alcohol, the idea of a cannabis beverage bar seems quite intriguing.
Rather than offering beer, wine, or cocktails prepared using spirits, such establishments could provide a wide range of alcohol-free beverages containing hemp-derived cannabinoids, like colorful mocktails, fizzy beverages, fruity seltzers, and the opportunity to spend some quality time with your mates.
In 2023, South Carolina joined this developing discussion, as High Rise Dry Bar started to operate on James Island providing their clients with the opportunity to try cannabis beverages within a social environment without drinking a traditional alcoholic beverage.
However, there is far more to this story than infusing THC into a cup.
The emergence of the cannabis beverage bar represents the shift in consumer preferences when it comes to alcohol-free entertainment, the development of hemp-derived products, and the spread of cannabis culture in general. Moreover, the evolving legislation requires people to be careful with what is legal.
What is a Cannabis Beverage Bar?
It refers to a type of bar where customers can have drinks with cannabinoids rather than drinks with alcohol content.
The whole concept is like that of cocktail bars, but the drinks served are non-alcoholic. The content of the drinks depends on the place of operation and the prevailing laws which could include CBD, hemp THC, and other cannabinoids.
Such drinks could be offered as ready-to-drink seltzers or as mocktails.
This concept would interest a person who wants to take part in a night out without having to drink alcohol.
Instead of staying in one corner at the table with a soft drink as others enjoy their cocktails, customers will have drinks that are meant for the night out.
This is one of the reasons why the concept of the cannabis beverage bar became popular in South Carolina.
First Cannabis Beverage Bar in South Carolina
In August 2023, High Rise Dry Bar was established in James Island and made news headlines as being South Carolina’s first cannabis dry bar.
The business was established in Charleston Hemp Collective located at 1989 Maybank Highway in Charleston.
At that time, the location was described as a place that serves cannabis-infused and alcohol-free beverages.
It was important because South Carolina lacks a traditional recreational marijuana industry.
The business functioned based on hemp products.
It makes a difference.
Using hemp-derived cannabinoid in the cannabis beverages is not the same as establishing marijuana dispensary or recreational cannabis lounge.
It depends on the product, cannabinoid source, THC levels, and regulation.
How High Rise Dry Bar Was Established
High Rise was conceived out of the efforts of the Charleston Hemp Collective, which was founded by Matt and Libiss Skinner.
As reported by Charleston Magazine, the pair had established a business focused on hemp-based CBD products before venturing into the beverage market. In time, the business created high-rise seltzers infused with cannabinoids.
It was this that made it possible to open the cannabis beverage bar.
Instead of having drinks sold from refrigerators, the bar made it possible for customers to enjoy the drinks as part of their social outings.
It was quite a smart move.
Someone who had never tried the beverage infused with the plant would definitely feel more comfortable having a creative mocktail than purchasing a can off the shelf.
What Was on the Menu?
The initial menu offered at the High Rise Dry Bar was comprised of unique mocktail drinks.
According to Eater, the menu consisted of various mocktails such as the Invigorate mocktail, which included a combination of turmeric, carrot, mango, and coconut shrub, and then covered with the High Rise CBD or delta-9 seltzer. Also, there was another drink named the Zen, which contained spirit-free bourbon with hemp honey.
Such an approach is what distinguishes the cannabis drinks concept from just having one bottle of THC seltzer.
The beverage is an integral part of the whole experience.
Flavor, presentation, atmosphere, conversations, and the ritual of ordering drinks could be involved.
The bar was created with a feeling of a true social space, featuring bar seating and lounging space, greenery, and a unique interior, not looking like a clinical dispensary-like space.
Why Cannabis Drinks Became Popular
The popularity of cannabis drinks is also fueled by the general desire to consume less alcohol.
An individual may seek to socialize without having to be exposed to the negative influence of alcohol.
With a cannabis drinks bar, there is the possibility of offering an alternative way of ordering a beverage that will have all the attributes of a cocktail without alcohol.
This is not to say that THC beverages are harmless.
THC will lead to intoxication, poor coordination, and impaired judgment of the individual using it. Just because the drink does not contain any alcohol does not necessarily mean that it will not alter one’s mental and physical capabilities.
However, this way of consumption suits individuals seeking something in between the regular alcoholic cocktail and regular soft drinks.
It also corresponds with the general “sober curious” phenomenon where individuals are conscious of their drinking habits.
Cannabis Drinks vs. Traditional Alcohol
The cannabis drinkery takes away from the old concept of getting drinks.
Alcohol-free cannabis drinks can provide cocktails-like drinking experience without any alcohol, but they create a completely different effect.
Alcohol and THC work differently on the body.
THC impacts perception, mood, memory, motor skills, and reaction time. Edibles and beverages made of THC may also take longer to show their impact compared to inhaled cannabis.
It can matter significantly.
One may consume a THC-based drink and feel that nothing happens, but get stronger effects later on.
This is why it is crucial to consume cannabis responsibly.
Understanding THC in Beverages
THC is the major cannabinoid responsible for cannabis intoxication.
The popularity of delta-9 THC infused drinks made from hemp started to grow among those places where it was legal according to the relevant laws.
But the amount of THC in the drink may vary greatly depending on a particular product.
Some products have only little THC while some other products have much higher levels.
Consumers must pay attention to the label information and not assume that all the cannabis drinks have similar levels of THC.
For example, the initial idea of the High Rise drinks included providing low quantities per one serving. According to Charleston Magazine, the cocktails had only 2 mg of THC per one serving at the bar.
Such a concept would allow clients to drink slowly and safely.
However, nowadays consumers should not assume that the same formulas and servings are used.
The Importance of Responsible Consumption
In any recreational cannabis beverage bar, proper consumption should always be a key concern.
The THC-containing beverages need to be consumed with the mindset of drinking intoxicating beverages.
These few considerations will guarantee your safety:
- Consider the THC levels before consumption.
- Try small amounts of the beverage if you are new.
- Let sufficient time pass for the effects to take place.
- Do not combine the THC beverage with alcohol.
- Do not drive after consumption of THC beverages.
- Keep the cannabis beverages out of reach from children and pets.
- Adhere to the serving guidelines of the venue.
- Inquire from the attendants on the levels of cannabinoids in case there are doubts about the label.
Most importantly, never assume that “non-alcoholic” means “non-intoxicating.”
A THC beverage may make you intoxicated.
South Carolina’s Evolving Regulations on Hemp Beverages
It is at this point that the story becomes especially relevant in 2026.
The legal landscape regarding intoxicating beverages made from hemp in South Carolina has been changing.
Legislation was brought forward by South Carolina’s legislators regarding intoxicating beverages from hemp, which covers topics such as definitions, age restrictions, testing, labeling, licensing, and THC thresholds. One such legislative proposal is H. 4759, which was introduced in January of 2026 but still remains in the House after being recommitted to the Judiciary Committee in February.
The new legislation would set up a special regulatory regime for hemp beverages.
One version of H. 4759 defines a hemp beverage as a 12-ounce serving containing no more than 5 mg of hemp-derived delta-9 THC along with testing and labeling requirements.
It should be noted that a bill is not a law
Since the regulations of South Carolina are currently under active legislative discussion, those individuals who are using or planning to use a cannabis beverage bar must find out about the latest regulations at their respective locations instead of referring to the data from 2023.
The proposed regulation gives another reason why this industry is getting increasingly regulated.
As per the legislation, some of the test requirements will be potency, CBD levels, terpenes, heavy metals, chemicals, pathogens, mycotoxins, and agricultural chemicals.
These can prove to be beneficial in terms of transparency for consumers if done properly.
The Possible Future
Indeed, the original High Rise Dry Bar proved to be a good example of how cannabis beverages can be represented as part of a modern-day social experience.
The idea did not only involve cannabis.
The point was to give people yet another excuse to hang out with their friends, have a nice beverage, and spend an evening without any alcoholic beverages involved.
Afterward, the category of THC beverages remained a popular one.
Nowadays, High Rise is selling several different flavored THC seltzers, which shows how the beverage side of the hemp industry has grown since its inception in the form of a dry bar.
At the same time, the city of Charleston has been constantly exploring THC-infused beverages. For instance, in 2025, the Charleston City Paper reported on the continued growth of THC and CBD beverages in the Lowcountry and even noted increased interest from restaurants and bars.
That means that the cannabis beverages bar can be just one step in a much bigger change.
Indeed, future venues might include cannabis beverages along with food, concerts, wellness classes, education, live shows, and many other alcohol-free experiences.
Regulation is expected to play a crucial role in this process.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a cannabis beverage bar?
A cannabis beverage bar is a social establishment that provides beverages with cannabinoids in them, for example, hemp-based THC or CBD, typically without any alcoholic beverages.
Where did South Carolina’s first cannabis beverage bar open?
High Rise Dry Bar opened in August 2023 on James Island in Charleston Hemp Collective, located at 1989 Maybank Highway, Charleston.
Is a cannabis beverage an alcoholic drink?
It doesn’t have to be, but High Rise Dry Bar’s idea revolves around non-alcoholic beverages. Still, the consumer has to be careful to look at the beverage itself and its menu.
Can THC drinks get you high?
Yes, since THC has psychoactive effects, it may lead to the consumer getting intoxicated. However, it depends on several factors: the amount of THC in the drink, the individual’s tolerance, their metabolism, etc.
Are cannabis beverages legal in South Carolina?
In this case, we don’t know the specific answer; it depends on the particular beverage and the corresponding law. South Carolina’s laws regarding the regulation of hemp-based beverages are being actively considered by lawmakers.
Final Thoughts
The opening of the first cannabis drinkery in South Carolina marked a significant moment in the history of hemp-based beverages.
The High Rise Dry Bar proved that cannabis drinks could be offered in a social and friendly manner instead of just packaged products.
This concept has combined two trends of today – increasing interest in cannabis beverages and the need for other beverages than alcohol.
However, the story becomes much more complicated as the legislature tries to come up with legislation for the new type of intoxicating beverages.
So the bottom line for consumers is clear – appreciate the innovation, but do not forget about labeling, THC level, age restrictions, and current legislation of the state.