Cannabis infused drinks have skyrocketed in popularity across the globe, with market value expected to surge from $3.09 billion to $117.05 billion by 2032 — and although Asheville is known as Beer City, it's no exception to the trend.

Even though marijuana isn't legalized in NC, hemp-derived Delta-9 THC is legal, and it's become a booming industry, hence why you see dispensaries dotted across Asheville.

Asheville Dispensary has been an early adopter of cannabis beverages with its coffee shop, now called PlantBar. But the business recently made its foray into nightlife, opening NightShade on the South Slope this summer. The nonalcoholic social lounge offers a menu of craft mocktails with optional cannabis infusions.

And the movement is still growing. This Friday, Oct. 10, the owners behind Appalachian Mountain Brewery will open Modern Alchemist in Old Fort, a home base for its THC-infused mocktail company of the same name. The brick and mortar will be a cannabis bar, distillery, Latin-inspired restaurant, and brewery hybrid.

There are plenty of spots in town blazing the trail when it comes to cannabis drinks:

Burial Beer Co. | The brewery has a new brand of THC sodas called Seance, with flavors each containing different amounts of Delta 9 THC and CBD.
DSSOLVR | The "Dankies" cannabis-infused seltzers come in two different doses.
Local bottle shops | Shops like Botanist and Barrel, Appalachian Vintner, and Local 604 Bottle Shop all have fairly extensive offerings when it comes to infused beverages.

If you're not down with cannabis but want to explore NA options, we can help you find a beverage.

Don't get your head in the clouds just yet because NC's cannabis laws are always subject to change. In June, Governor Stein announced a State Advisory Council on cannabis, meant to form a comprehensive approach to regulate cannabis sales in NC. Asheville Police Department Chief Mike Lamb is a member of the council.