❓ Do cannabis users drink less? It’s complicated

Research from three different studies in the U.S. and Canada shows there may be more interaction between cannabis and alcohol consumption than previously believed, according to analysis of the studies by financial services firm Bernstein. 

In Canada, where cannabis has been legal nationwide since 2018, 22.8% of people who use both cannabis and alcohol reported drinking less – a +7.5% increase from 2020, when 15.3% of respondents reported drinking less, according to Health Canada data parsed by Bernstein analyst Nadine Sarwat. 

In the U.S., 36% of cannabis users who drink reported drinking less, while 64% said they have “not reduced alcohol consumption,” according to a 2024 survey from market research firm Numerator.

Nearly half (47%) of respondents reported “replacing some of their alcohol consumption” with cannabis, according to data from a 2021 New Frontier survey, Sarwat wrote.  

Insiders can read more about how consumers’ behavior varies by age and gender and how their perceptions of both substances’ potential harms are shifting.

BuzzBallz has made its spherical bottles an essential part of the brand – and it’s not eager to share.

The wine-, spirit- and malt-based cocktail brand filed a lawsuit against The Beverage Ranch last week, alleging the rival company copied its patented packaging for its new SlamZees line.

Insiders can dive further into the lawsuit.

Bernstein analyst Nadine Sarwat breaks down the pros and cons of a potential sale of Boston Beer Company. Sarwat also examines potential suitors, Wall Street’s view of potential deals and why Boston Beer continues to be in conversations around M&A. 

Plus, the Brewbound team discusses the latest news, including the Kelce brothers’ investment in Garage Beer, Hulk Hogan’s new lager and Athletic’s acquisition of another Ballast Point brewery in San Diego.

Listen here or on your podcast platform of choice.

Greetings, beer enthusiasts! Zoe Licata here with a brief message. You're currently enjoying a taste of our Daily Briefing with the Lite Edition -- a delightful preview, indeed. But let me share a little insider info: our editorial team packs even more knowledge into the full version of the Daily Briefing, available to our Insiders.

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Brewbound is excited to announce three additional speakers for the Brewbound Live business conference December 11 and 12 in Marina del Rey, California. 

The two-day conference will bring together leaders from all three tiers for business-focused conversations on driving the bev-alc industry forward, data presentations, networking and brand building at the Marina del Rey Marriott. 

Joining the speaker roster are:

• Arthur Moye, owner and CEO of Full Circle Brewing;
• Kaleigh Theriault, director of thought leadership, beverage alcohol vertical, NIQ;
• Brian “BK” Krueger, VP of business development and portfolio strategies, Bump Williams Consulting.

They join previously announced speakers include: 

• Natalie Cilurzo, co-owner, Russian River Brewing;
• Peter Skrbek, CEO, Deschutes Brewery;
• Lester Jones, chief economist and VP of analytics, National Beer Wholesalers Association;
• Jennifer Hauke, founder and president, Draftline Technologies.

Additional speakers will be announced in the coming weeks. Interested in speaking? Follow this link to see our speaker guidelines. 

In addition to the mainstage programming and networking parties, Brewbound Live will feature opportunities for one-to-one conversations between brewers and bev-alc brands and retail buyers from chains such as Whole Foods Market. Registered attendees will be considered for meetings with buyers, as space is limited. Find out more details here.

Brewbound Live tickets are available now.