The Fourth of July is a celebration of freedom, but for many, it’s also become a weekend defined by overdrinking, questionable decisions, and waking up wondering where your phone (and your dignity) went.
Between the beer-soaked barbecues and late-night fireworks, alcohol tends to take center stage. And while there’s nothing wrong with raising a glass, it’s worth asking: is alcohol really the best way to celebrate anymore? The reality is, the Fourth consistently ranks as one of the most dangerous holidays in the U.S., and alcohol plays a big role in that.
This year, we’re not here to preach. But we are here to offer some perspective. Because the truth is, there are safer, smarter ways to enjoy the long weekend—and they don’t involve ending it with a headache and a half-hearted promise to “never drink again.”
The Real Risks of a Boozy Fourth
There’s no denying that alcohol has long been part of Fourth of July celebrations—iced-down coolers, backyard beers, spiked lemonade, the whole thing. But over the years, it’s become more than a party accessory. It’s often the centerpiece. And that can come with some serious consequences.
Statistically, the Fourth of July is one of the most dangerous holidays in the U.S. for alcohol-related harm.
Between 2017 and 2021, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported that roughly 40% of all traffic fatalities over the July 4th weekend involved a drunk driver. During that same five-year span, over 1,400 people lost their lives in crashes tied to alcohol during this single holiday.
And it’s not just the roads.
Firework injuries skyrocket around Independence Day, with thousands of emergency room visits reported each year. Many involve alcohol-impaired individuals who misjudge distance, timing, or safety altogether. Add in heat exhaustion, dehydration, and the occasional poor decision around open flames—and you’ve got a recipe for more than just a hangover.
Even if you’re not lighting fuses or getting behind the wheel, alcohol can still throw off your weekend. It messes with your sleep, dehydrates your body, spikes anxiety the next day, and leaves many people feeling emotionally and physically drained. Not exactly the relaxing long weekend you had in mind.
A Different Kind of Buzz
We’re not here to say THC is a perfect alternative, but for a lot of people, it’s a better fit. Especially on a holiday that’s already overstimulating. Think hot weather, loud fireworks, busy gatherings, and pressure to do the most. That said, there’s something appealing about a calmer way to unwind.
In recent years, more people have started rethinking their relationship with alcohol. Some are cutting back for health reasons. Others just don’t like the way it makes them feel, physically or mentally. The rise of “sober curious” culture, paired with a broader acceptance of cannabis, has made THC-infused drinks and edibles more popular than ever. And for good reason.
THC offers a different kind of buzz.
When dosed intentionally, it can help you stay relaxed, ease social tension, and enjoy the moment without tipping over into messiness. You’re less likely to lose your filter, wake up dehydrated, or need a full 24 hours to recover. There’s no pressure to keep up with rounds or explain why you’re not drinking—just a steady, mellow experience on your own terms.
Alcohol, on the other hand, tends to throw your whole system out of whack. It disrupts your sleep cycles, depletes hydration and nutrients, and can leave your mood all over the place the next day. Even a few drinks can impact your recovery time, immune function, and stress levels for days after.
THC interacts differently.
Evidence suggests that cannabinoids like THC (and especially CBD) support your body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS)—a network that helps regulate things like mood, sleep, stress, and inflammation.
Pairing a low-dose THC drink with a splash of CBD tincture might help you stay more balanced, physically and emotionally, throughout the weekend.
Instead of crashing your system, you’re gently supporting it. That can make a big difference in how you feel the next day.
That said, THC is still intoxicating. It affects coordination, judgment, and reaction time, just like alcohol does. Whether you’re sipping a 5mg seltzer or working your way through a stronger edible, the rules are the same:
- Don’t drive.
- Don’t light fireworks.
- Don’t operate anything that requires sharp focus or quick reflexes.
Where THC really shines is in the moments where you’re not trying to perform—you’re just trying to be. Watching fireworks from the porch. Kicking back in a lawn chair. Letting the world be loud while you stay grounded. It’s not about checking out. It’s about checking in with yourself and your surroundings, minus the hangover and high-stakes energy.
All that to say: you’re not a buzzkill for wanting to keep it low-key or for choosing a different kind of buzz. Celebrating shouldn’t come with consequences, and there are safer ways to unwind.
Celebrate Like You Mean It
There’s nothing wrong with wanting to have a good time this Fourth of July, but there’s also nothing cool about going so hard you forget half of it. At the end of the day, holidays are about connection, presence, and doing what feels good in your own skin, not trying to keep up or numb out.
So if alcohol isn’t cutting it for you anymore—or never really did—you’re not alone. Choosing a THC drink, a low-dose edible, or just staying sober altogether doesn’t mean you’re sitting out the celebration. It means you’re doing it your way.
Just remember: impairment is impairment. Whether it comes from THC, alcohol, or anything else, safety always comes first. Don’t drive, don’t light fireworks, and don’t be afraid to slow down. There’s freedom in that, too.
At The Hemptender, we keep our cool and help you do the same.
Whether you’re skipping alcohol or just switching it up this Fourth, we’ve got a full lineup of THC drinks and edibles to match the mood. From low-dose to heavy-hitter, our shelves are stocked with options to help you unwind, stay present, and actually enjoy the long weekend.
