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Do you often rely on alcohol to manage stress or unwind? If you're here, you might be reflecting on your drinking habits and how they affect your well-being. Perhaps you're reconsidering that evening drink and its effects on your health—especially in light of the recent surgeon general report linking alcohol to higher cancer risks—but you're not ready to commit to complete sobriety.
If this resonates with you, you're not alone. A rising number of individuals are opting to reduce their alcohol intake without fully embracing traditional sobriety. This has given rise to the "California Sober" approach. Let's delve into what it entails, its growing popularity, and whether it might suit your lifestyle.
What Is California Sober?
The term 'California Sober' generally refers to individuals who abstain from most drugs and alcohol but make specific exceptions. Though interpretations vary, marijuana is often considered an acceptable substance for those adopting this lifestyle.
Some individuals broaden the scope of this lifestyle to incorporate psychedelics like psilocybin (commonly known as "magic mushrooms"), LSD, and ayahuasca. However, for this discussion, we'll focus on cannabis, as psychedelics remain largely illegal in the U.S., with the exception of Oregon, which legalized psilocybin in 2020.
Is This Idea New?
It's worth noting that many people have likely been embracing this lifestyle for years—it's simply gained a trendy new name recently. As more individuals prioritize reducing or eliminating alcohol for health reasons, the California Sober movement is likely to grow in popularity.
Traditionally, people viewed their relationship with drugs and alcohol as binary: either you consumed them or avoided them entirely. However, many are now discovering a middle ground that allows for a more balanced approach to relaxation and indulgence. This might mean prioritizing quality over quantity with alcohol or, in the spirit of California Sober, limiting consumption to a specific substance that doesn't leave you feeling worse afterward.
Marijuana Legalization
In recent years, marijuana legalization has seen a significant rise, with numerous states passing measures to permit both medical and recreational use. Currently, 24 states and the District of Columbia have legalized marijuana. If you reside in states like Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, or the District of Columbia, you can likely purchase it from a local dispensary.
Even in states where marijuana isn't legal, you can still explore hemp-based CBD as part of your California Sober lifestyle. Hemp-derived CBD contains no THC, the psychoactive compound in marijuana, and is legal across all 50 states.
Benefits of This Lifestyle
The flexible nature of California Sober allows individuals to avoid the rigidity of complete sobriety, which may feel too restrictive for those without a history of substance abuse. Even if you have a balanced relationship with alcohol, you might notice an over-reliance on a nightly drink to unwind or difficulty waking up for an early workout after drinking. For many, marijuana doesn't carry the same negative effects as alcohol, making it a practical alternative for relaxation without the risk of a hangover.
"Even after just a glass or two of wine with dinner, I notice my sleep quality suffers," shares a semi-sober resident of Colorado, where recreational marijuana is legal. "If I avoid alcohol and use my cannabis vape pen instead, I sleep deeply and wake up feeling rejuvenated."
Another advocate of the California Sober lifestyle shares that she avoids alcohol during the week because it exacerbates her anxiety, opting instead for low-dose THC/CBD edibles to relax before bed. She reserves alcohol for weekends when her anxiety is naturally lower. The beauty of California Sober lies in its flexibility—it’s about discovering what works best for you and rejecting rigid labels.
Possible Downsides of the California Sober Lifestyle
As cannabis legalization spreads, new research has emerged about its health effects, revealing some potential concerns. Key issues linked to cannabis use include:
- Approximately 30% of cannabis users develop a dependency, known as cannabis use disorder.
- Frequent cannabis use has been linked to a higher risk of cardiovascular issues, including coronary heart disease, heart attacks, and strokes.
- Similar to alcohol, cannabis can impair reaction times, judgment, and motor skills.
Is California Sober Right for You?
If you reside in a state (or Washington, D.C.) where recreational marijuana is legal, you might want to explore this growing trend. Start by reviewing your state's cannabis regulations to ensure you understand what’s permitted. If it’s an option, this could be a chance to experiment with marijuana and see if it helps you relax and unwind in the evenings—similar to a glass of wine but without the next-day grogginess or sleep disruptions.
If you’re thinking about adopting the California Sober lifestyle, here are some questions to consider:*
- Do you often turn to a glass of wine (or two) to relax at night but dislike how it affects you the next day?
- Does alcohol consumption negatively impact your sleep, mood, or overall health?
- Are you seeking a healthier lifestyle but still want something to help you unwind?
- Do you feel overly dependent on alcohol to relax but aren’t sure how to make a change?
- Is alcohol not your thing, but you’re looking for an alternative way to de-stress?
If you answered yes to any of these, visit a local dispensary and have an open conversation with the "bud-tenders" about your goals, concerns, and questions. These trained professionals are typically eager to guide you and ensure you have a positive experience with cannabis, whether you’re a first-timer or not.
For those new to marijuana, there’s no need to worry—you can start small and avoid any overwhelming effects. One advantage of legalized cannabis is the strict regulation of dosage and product quality, putting you in complete control of your experience. Over time, you might find yourself swapping liquor store visits for trips to the dispensary, and soon enough, you could be living the California Sober lifestyle.
*Important Note: If you have a history of addiction, it’s strongly advised to consult your mental health professional before considering marijuana or psychedelics. Speak with your doctor, therapist, or addiction counselor before making any changes to your lifestyle, especially if you’ve faced substance abuse issues in the past or believe you might currently be at risk.
