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For years I’ve covered “Dry January” and “Cali Sober” to educate readers and offer more options to enhance their personal wellness. These trends are increasing in popularity as alcohol consumption decreases across the globe. While cannabis legalizes and becomes more accessible, weed is disrupting the hold that alcohol has on altered states.
Each person has different reasons for going Cali Sober or taking January off from drinking. I saw alcoholism in my family at an early age and this drew me to cannabis instead of booze in my college years. I still wanted a buzz that would take the edge off but one without the hangover. Weed was the answer for me.
Hence I am Cali Sober instead of completely sober. It should be noted that the word “sober” in Cali Sober is controversial. Some in the recovery community think Cali Sober is not only a joke, but a harmful one at that. Still others feel like Cali Sober can move people into less dangerous behaviors. Like most things these days, it’s a subject of intense debate.
For Dry January, I’ve put together a list of plants and other compounds some Cali Sober practitioners include in their lifestyle. Those of you who are giving Dry January a go may find some of these helpful for getting to the finish line without a drink. If you’re curious, the list can educate and introduce you to products and brands with which to experiment.
Be warned, everything included will give you a “buzz” of some kind so taking things slowly is highly recommended. The usual disclaimers about driving and operating heavy machinery apply. Lastly, if you’re predisposed to substance misuse, you may want to abstain from any type of psychoactive plant or formulation.
Cannabis
The most accessible buzz after alcohol is cannabis. It’s widely available in underground markets, in states with legal dispensaries, and with direct-to-consumer websites that ship hemp-derived products to all 50 states. Drinkable products are increasingly popular and for those practicing Dry January, it’s a familiar way to unwind and relax.
Hi Selzer is a top-selling brand of zero-calorie, zero-sugar seltzers that have 5 mg of hemp-derived THC in each serving. CEO Lou Police emailed me that his products are wonderful for Dry January. “Whether you’re at a restaurant, enjoying a cozy night in, or at a live event,” wrote Police, “you’ll never feel like you’re missing out with Hi Seltzer.”
Hemp-derived drinks are a discreet and accessible way to get yourself a light cannabis high. I’ve sampled some like Cali Sober (yep, it’s a brand, too) and Mighty Kind, which also has a discount code for Dry January on their website; both are low-dose formulations that enable users to titrate their ‘high’ responsibly. And users can always split a serving with a friend and see how things feel before enjoying more.
Magic Mushrooms
Magic mushrooms and other psychedelics have exploded in popularity since the pandemic. A lot of people tried them while in shelter-in-place mode. Some kept them in their lifestyle rotation. While illegal almost everywhere (and federally), some jurisdictions have decriminalized mushrooms (e.g., Denver, Oakland). Oregon legalized therapeutic mushroom clinics. A select few cities even have mushroom “churches,” where members can purchase the “sacrament” in a retail environment. Mushrooms are becoming more accessible outside of underground markets.
Whether you microdose mushrooms or go for a full experience, these ancient master fungi have a lot to offer end users. Educating yourself before experimenting is key. Two trusted sources of information are MAPS (Multidisciplinary Association of Psychedelic Studies) and Double Blindmagazine. Mushrooms are the strongest item on this list so be mindful of dose, set, and setting. Taking mushrooms alone is not recommended unless you are an experienced practitioner.
Kratom
Kratom is another psychoactive plant that is widely available from southeast Asia, mostly in smoke shops or by mail order. It’s not legal everywhere so check your local laws but it is federally legal. Not unlike cannabis, Kratom has many varieties and strains that do different things in the body. It can be stimulating or sedative, depending on the dose and the strain of the plant. Many folks use it for pain relief and as a substitute for opioids.
If Kratom is new to you, educate yourself thoroughly before ingestion and find good sources of supply. One trusted source for high-quality Kratom is Christopher’s Organic Botanicals, which also has good educational material on the website. Christopher, the owner, will happily talk to anyone about Kratom—he uses the plant himself for medicinal purposes and has a lot of knowledge to share.
Kratom can be addictive and some folks have experienced negative outcomes from Kratom use. It’s important to be mindful with this compound as it’s complex and works differently for everyone.
7-oh
7-oh is a derivative/extract of Kratom. Entrepreneurs have taken the active ingredient of Kratom (mitragynine), processed it, then put it into formats like capsules, gummies, and tinctures. It’s available in most places where Kratom is for sale. 7-oh is highly controversial within the Kratom community. The purists believe it to be harmful and potentially quite addictive to end users. Others feel like it’s a format of Kratom that’s easier to titrate the dose and predict outcomes.
Vince Sanders is CEO of CBD American Shaman, which sells CBD, hemp, and 7-oh products. Sanders introduced me to promising science indicating 7-oh may be effective for pain relief. He’s a big proponent of harm reduction.
“A growing body of research showcases the potential of plant-based products to play a role in harm reduction and support individuals seeking alternatives to support their health,” said Sanders.
Like all Kratom products, getting the 7-oh dose right is critical. A dose of 2-5mg can give many folks a strong buzz, while 15mg can be too much for some people so it’s recommended to take it slow. An informative website lists lab tests results for 7-oh products to further educate consumers. Most brands are listed and, if not, consumers can request a test.
Kanna
Kanna is a succulent plant from South Africa and is considered traditional medicine that’s been used for hundreds of years. It has relaxing and euphoric effects. Many people report experiences of empathy or an “opening of the heart.” Kanna is subtle and comparisons to MDMA may be exaggerated. My own use of Kanna confirmed the subtle but enjoyable effects of this plant medicine.
Stephanie Wang, CEO of KA! Empathogenics, a company that makes and distributes Kanna products, informed me of her company’s intention to support Dry January.
“With the purchase of our Kanna Tincture you’ll receive a complimentary recipe booklet for creating delicious Kanna-infused ‘tinctails,” wrote Wong in an email. “We are excited to share with people a new way to socialize that’s sober.” In addition to creating high-quality products, the KA! website is filled with good information and fun ways to build community.
Kava Kava
Kava is a traditional plant and root-based drink originating in the South Pacific Islands—most notably Fiji, Vanuatu, and Hawaii. Consumed for medicinal, social, and religious purposes, its effects promote euphoria, relaxation, and social connections. It’s legal and accessible in most places.
Here in the Bay Area, several Kava bars have sprung up in the last decade. While this may not be a common occurrence all over the country, trusted direct-to-consumer options exist. I know several folks who use Kava in recovery from alcohol dependency. Not unlike Kratom, Kava can be intense for new users and may be stimulating in addition to relaxing. The more stimulating kava is referred to as “heady” and relaxing is “heavy.” There are also “balanced” strains and blends that try to do equal parts of both. Inquire with your seller and ask questions. Top traders of any plant medicine will have good information and be willing to share it.
The Smart Shop
Smart Shops are retail establishments that sell a variety of psychoactive substances and plants. They first popped up decades ago and still exist in Holland, especially in Amsterdam. Most smart shops in the United States are under the radar. You may or may not have access to one but many ship directly to consumers. Try calling the establishment to place orders if you find the websites problematic or can’t find what you’re looking for. Some offerings are off-menu items for a variety of reasons.
Professor Seagull’s is located in San Francisco but also has a website. Owner and operator Ben Manton is a passionate advocate for Cali Sober. He emailed me his company’s approach to harm reduction.
“Our mission is to redefine harm reduction as a compassionate, creative, and empowering approach that provides safe access, informed choices, and supportive resources,” said Manton.
His North Beach shop includes an art gallery and event space that builds local community and educates folks about the products available. He’s hosting a Dry January event at the end of the month.
With Dry January mid-stroke and Cali Sober gaining momentum in pop culture, entrepreneurs are responding. The products and companies in this article represent only a fraction of what’s out there so poke around and explore. It’s my experience that approaching new substances with curiosity allows folks to educate themselves, titrate their doses according to their unique needs, and behave in ways that reduce harm and increase health, wellness, and pleasure.
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