There’s sober, and then there’s California sober. Originally coined in 2019 by LA-based journalist Michelle Lhooq, this evocative term has recently gained traction in the media. Being California sober means giving up alcohol and hard drugs but continuing to use marijuana.
While it’s not an official medical or psychological term, this plant-based way of life has many people debating what it means to be sober and whether you need to cut everything out to achieve sobriety.
The Origins of "California Sober"
When Lhooq first wrote her article “Getting ‘California Sober’ Showed Me a Kinder, Gentler Way to Do Drugs” for Vice Magazine, she probably didn’t know how many people it would resonate with. However, the rise in popularity isn’t down to Lhooq making the switch from drugs and alcohol to weed alone. Instead, celebrities who live the lifestyle and singers like Demi Lovato and Willie Nelson promote it through songs called California Sober.
Outsiders often consider California one of the most laid-back states, full of residents from Silicon Valley tech bros to A-list actors who indulge in health-conscious lifestyles. From the state’s California Wellness Plan to promote wellness in all its residents to its hot climate, progressive social values, and outdoor opportunities, it’s a haven for people who want to focus on healthy living.
California was also the first state to legalize medical cannabis in 1996 and recreational cannabis in 2016, so it’s not hard to see why it’s called California sober and not South Carolina sober.
What Does "California Sober" Mean?
Choosing to be California sober is when somebody decides to abstain from alcohol and other hard drugs but continues to use cannabis. How somebody interprets the lifestyle depends on several factors.
Some people also include the occasional use of psychedelics like mushrooms, ayahuasca, and LSD in their lifestyle as well. In contrast, others need to be stricter on themselves if they have had previous addictions and could see themselves slipping back into the use of harder drugs by consuming anything but the occasional hit of cannabis.
The Appeal of California Sober
Stopping the use of alcohol or hard drugs cold turkey can often lead to returning to old habits. Instead, California Sober helps people find balance through moderate indulgence versus total abstinence. If you’re looking forward to a joint at the end of the day, this may prevent you from reaching for a bottle of wine or something harder.
It’s a fact of life that many people partake in vices because their friends do, and hangouts wouldn’t be the same without them. So, if you’re hanging out with friends, California sober allows you to enjoy getting high together without having to worry about a party getting out of hand.
There isn’t a hangover or comedown associated with smoking cannabis in the same way as alcohol or harder drugs. Instead, it can help people relax and relieve stress without these things. It’s also more controllable and less dangerous than other substances.
The Pros of California Sober
When you ditch alcohol and hard drugs, you are much more likely to stick to other physical health goals, especially if you are strict on when and how you consume cannabis.
There are lots of ways to consume cannabis, like edibles and vapes, which means you don’t need to burn it and damage the lungs, which means you can pair occasional cannabis use with a healthy lifestyle. Cannabis is used medically to combat stress, anxiety, and depression, providing users with clarity, better sleep, and more.
Ditching hangovers for improved mental and emotional health could be a no-brainer. Switching to being California sober can allow you to continue hanging out with friends without locking yourself in your home away from your friendship group and offers a new way to hang out with your crew.
The Cons and Criticisms of California Sober
California sober isn’t an issue-free alternative to hard drugs and alcohol. Smoking cannabis can mean “significantly higher odds of stroke and myocardial infarction or coronary artery disease, with a possible role in premature cardiovascular disease,” according toone study of more than 130,000+ U.S. adults.
Long-term consumption of cannabis can also lead to “cognitive deficits and smaller hippocampal volume in midlife. Research is needed to ascertain whether long-term cannabis users show elevated rates of dementia in later life,” according to anotherstudy.
It’s important not to switch from hard drugs and alcohol to cannabis and continue consuming it in the same amounts, as being stoned all day, every day, can also affect ambition and drive. If you plan on incorporating this way of life without clinical help, it’s down to you to stick to your set boundaries.
Additionally, because everyone sees California sober as something different, it’s vital to nail down what that means to you before you embark on the journey to adapted sobriety.
How Does California Sober Compare to Other Forms of Sobriety?
There is a big difference between California sober and complete sobriety. Programs like Alcoholics Anonymous usually focus on complete abstinence from all substances and remain the most effective way to beat alcohol addiction, while California sober is a way of life that lacks any significant studies to see its effectiveness.
Other people may prefer a harm-reduction approach to gain control over drink and drug use, which involves cutting down on substances rather than quitting altogether, or moderation-based sobriety, which means you can still consume drugs and alcohol in moderation. It won’t cause as much damage to your day-to-day life.
There’s also a difference between sober, which is more of a way of life that involves constant work like attending meetings to prevent relapsing, and substance-free, which is not having any substances in your body at any one point.
Who Is California Sober For?
California sober isn’t for everybody. However, people in recovery who are looking for a middle ground between total abstinence and moderate substance use may find this lifestyle change to be a great fit.
There are many people out there who don’t identify with traditional sobriety but still want to cut out harmful habits like alcohol or hard drugs. For these people, California sober means you can still enjoy a relaxing night with friends in a social setting and not feel disconnected from your old life.
Finally, those who seek more flexibility in their lifestyle choices and can control themselves when slipping into old habits can find a healthier way of life by adopting the California sober ideals.
Tips For Going California Sober
Before you dive into going California sober, be sure to write down a set of goals and intentions to stick to, as it’s not a defined plan; you’ll need to make one yourself so you stay on track.
Set boundaries and limits on how much cannabis you plan on consuming so you don’t experience the cons we outlined earlier. Be sure to let your community know that this is the path you plan on taking, and maybe some of them will come on the journey with you.
Try to replace some old bad habits like drinking and doing drugs in the evening with exercise or mindfulness that will promote a healthier lifestyle. California sober embraces the healthier side of consuming cannabis, and Vessel does the same.
Consider vaping with one of Vessel’s premium products rather than smoking joints that can have more lasting damage on the body. It’s okay if you make a mistake; you can always brush yourself off and toke again.
Conclusion
California sober started as a phrase and has turned into a movement. Stopping the use of alcohol or hard drugs cold turkey can often lead to returning to old habits. Instead, California Sober helps people find balance through moderate indulgence versus total abstinence.
There’s no right way to do it, so if you decide to do it, be sure to set out a plan before introducing this way of life into your life. The world of sobriety no longer means complete abstinence, as a healthy relationship with substances can be found through moderation and a healthy lifestyle, too.
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