Choosing a major lifestyle change, like going California Sober, is a great way to celebrate the New Year. But before you commit to a different way of approaching your celebrations and downtime, you need to know all the ins and outs of it. Going completely sober isn’t for everyone, and even going California Sober might not match your needs. It’s all a matter of considering your needs and preferences before announcing that you’ll never enjoy an alcoholic drink again. Giving yourself a practice run at sobriety is the best way to see what’s right for you. Learn all about this California-inspired cannabis-friendly lifestyle with our guide.
What Does California Sober Mean?
The term California Sober is relatively new, dating back to around 2016 or so. It started to receive more widespread attention between 2019 and 2020, with many celebrities beginning to use the term to discuss partial sobriety. Rather than completely abstaining from all substances, people committing to this lifestyle avoid everything except for THC and CBD. Someone who is sober in this way might enjoy a joint or gummy at the end of the day, but they would abstain from alcohol and harder drugs of all kinds. Of course, it’s all largely a matter of personal preference. There are no hard and fast rules about what’s allowed and restricted when you’re following this kind of system. Just keep in mind you won’t necessarily pass a drug test if it’s looking for THC.
The Various Levels of Sobriety
There’s no one way to become sober, but they all have the potential to improve your health if you’re abstaining from alcohol. Consider all four of the following levels of sobriety before making your choice.
Sober Curious
People who are still drinking or using other substances can try a sober-conscious approach to see what life might be like with healthier habits. These people tend to take breaks from even their favorite substances and may decide to become committed to a sober lifestyle in the future.
Florida Sober
Becoming sober means avoiding alcohol and hard drugs, but it doesn’t always have to mean abstaining from everything. This lifestyle calls for using cannabis, Kava, and Kratom as needed because they’re all-natural substances. However, Kava and Kratom aren’t right for everyone either.
California Sober
The California Sober lifestyle involves abstaining from all substances aside from cannabis. This can include THC and CBD extracts as well, not just whole cannabis flowers. Some consider natural psychedelics like mushrooms also acceptable as part of the Cali Sober program.
Normal Sober
Full sobriety means using no substances at all, ranging from alcohol to cannabis or THC in any form. It leaves you with few options for unwinding after a stressful day, but it is likely to benefit your health in the long run. Still, most people can get the majority of the benefits of this level of sobriety by going Cali Sober instead.
Starting Out Small With a Trial of Sobriety
Not sure what level of sobriety is right for you, or if the lifestyle is a good fit at all? There’s no need for permanent commitment just to sample the potential positive effects of going dry. A 2- to 4-week trial is generally the shortest amount of time you’ll need to avoid alcohol and other substances to get noticeable effects.
If you can commit to a Cali Sober lifestyle for six months or more, you’ll really get a good feel for how your life feels without alcohol weighing you down. Multiple short trials help you find alternatives to drinking without the pressure to never pick up another glass of wine or beer.
Celebrities Who Have Gone California Sober
If you decide to try living by the California Sober tenets, you’ll have good company. Many celebrities have temporarily or permanently adhered to this lifestyle and have either hinted at it or openly announced it.
- Demi Lovato was such a fan of the practice that she sang a song about it in 2021, although she’s fully sober as of 2024.
- Billy Idol says he follows the practice with the occasional glass of wine added in.
- Other celebrities like Drew Barrymore, Nicki Minaj, Tom Hardy, and Bradley Cooper all stick to a stricter, fully sober lifestyle.
Why THC Is a Healthier Alternative to Alcohol
There are many studies showing that alcohol is associated with far more serious health risks than marijuana use. This includes effects on the structures of the brain, cancer risks, and liver damage. Most people who stop drinking also find that they lose weight because they’re not consuming extra calories with each drink. Don’t forget about the opportunity to avoid the hangover the day after and the side effects like bloating, headache, and nausea.
There’s no need to drink alcohol when cannabis-based beverages are available throughout the country now. While more research is needed to completely know all of the potential side effects of cannabis consumption, what is known backs up the concept that a Cali Sober lifestyle can be a healthy choice.
Options for Drinking Without Alcohol
Just because you want to put down the beer or wine doesn’t mean you have to stop drinking beverages altogether. Cannabis mocktails and flavored THC drinks let you express your wild side without the health risks associated with regular alcohol consumption. If you’re ready to stop consuming the extra calories that come with sugary drinks, you could also try vaporizing THC or using extracts that are calorie-free. For the pain-relieving or calming effects in a tiny package, try edibles like gummies and mints with THC. There’s a method for everyone that fits the Cali Sober lifestyle while providing you with the results you want.
Consider making the California Sober lifestyle part of your life upgrades and watch the benefits roll in. You’ll enjoy better sleep, clearer skin, and fewer liver issues once you ditch the alcohol habit for THC alone. You can also consider alternatives like the Florida Sober option if you’re a big fan of psychedelics or substances like Kratom and Kava. No matter what, there are plenty of reasons to choose some level of sobriety.
