STORY: Facing slumping sales of beer and liquor, top alcohol makers are looking to THC to boost their business.

Drinks containing THC, the mood-altering ingredient in marijuana, are growing in popularity.

Right now, they’re restricted to licensed dispensaries in the 24 U.S. states where recreational pot use is legal.

But small amounts of THC can also be extracted from hemp, a crop that’s related to marijuana but is legal across the country.

Josh Deth is the owner of Chicago-based Revolution Brewing, which just launched Reverb, a hemp-derived THC-infused line of sparkling water.

“It’s a different buzz than alcohol…/ It’s a nice alternative for people who don’t drink or for people that want to drink a little bit less.”

Drinks containing THC derived from hemp – instead of marijuana – can be sold in many liquor shops, convenience stores and supermarkets.

And sources tell Reuters that’s garnering the attention of the big alcohol brands that make Corona, Absolut vodka, Heineken, and Sam Adams.

Glenn McElfresh is the co-founder of Perfectly Dosed, a manufacturing company focused on hemp-infused products.

“I think it’s really impossible to miss some of these global trends that relate to alcohol consumption. Specifically, alcohol consumption is declining, THC consumption is increasing, and beverages represent this really unique opportunity to have a one plus one equals three opportunity for the alcohol industry.”

The market for drinks infused with THC from hemp is projected to top $1 billion in sales this year, according to market research firm Euromonitor, and climb past $4 billion in 2028.

Alcohol sales, meanwhile, fell in volume more than 3% last year, according to market research company IWSR.