California Sober and Cannabis: Alcohol is Out, Weed is In

Key Takeaways

California Sober means abstaining from alcohol and hard drugs while still using cannabis, as a middle-ground approach to sobriety.
Cali Sober is becoming popular as more people become aware of alcohol’s damaging health effects.
Going Cali Sober involves evaluating your relationship with alcohol, starting mindfully with cannabis, and staying intentional about consumption.

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Intro

It’s 2025, have you had all the wine yet? Maybe you’ve been thinking about drinking less, but the thought of going completely sober is daunting. The California Sober (or Cali Sober) lifestyle may be the perfect middle ground for you.

From Post Malone’s lyric “California sober on the Highway 1,” to Billy Strings plucking his banjo singing “So I’m California sober as they say/ And lately I can’t find no other way…I don’t get to acting mean when I keep my buzzes clean…”

…Cali Sober has officially entered the chat.

But what does it mean to be California Sober? How is it different than to “regular” sober? And what does it have to do with cannabis?

In this article, I’ll explore the concept of Cali Sober, and give you some practical tips on how to swap alcohol for cannabis in a mindful and intentional way.

What Does it Mean to be California Sober?

When someone says they’re “sober,” it means they don’t use any mind-altering substances, especially alcohol or hard drugs.

“California Sober” on the other hand means you don’t drink alcohol or use hard drugs, but do use cannabis.

Sometimes California Sober is expanded to include the use of other plant medicines – like psychedelic mushrooms – in moderation.

Cali Sober is a nice middle ground between quitting alcohol and going fully sober. You can enjoy the benefits and buzz of cannabis while avoiding the more harmful effects of alcohol and other addictive substances.

Why “California” Sober?

Why “California” sober instead of another state? This lifestyle originated in California because cannabis has been legal in California for medical use since 1996 and recreational use since 2016.

Cannabis is part of life in California in a way it’s not in other states. It truly is California’s “state flower.”

So when someone in California gives up alcohol, they don’t necessarily give up cannabis. That’s the California way, hence “California Sober.”

You don’t have to live in California to be California Sober.

Download Kate Lily's free Beginner's Cannabis Glossary

Why Is California Sober Popular?

The popularity of Cali Sober can be attributed to several factors:

Alcohol Damages Your Health: We’re all becocming aware of the damaging effects of alcohol on our health, including liver disease, cancer, anxiety, and poor sleep quality.
The World Health Organization estimates that 5% of deaths worldwide are due to alcohol use.
Cultural Shift: As cannabis becomes more mainstream and legal across the U.S. there is less stigma around using cannabis in social settings.
Cannabis as a Wellness Tool: Cannabis is now widely recognized for its potential therapeutic benefits. Products such as CBD oil, tinctures, and edibles can help people manage stress or chronic pain without relying on prescription medications or alcohol.
Mental Clarity: Alcohol is known to cloud the mind, impair judgment, and affect mood. Those who go Cali Sober often find that quitting alcohol leads to greater mental clarity, better focus, and improved emotional health.
Better Sleep: THC and CBD have been found to have relaxing effects that can improve sleep quality. People who struggle with insomnia may find that cannabis provides a better alternative to alcohol or prescription sleep aids.
Mood Stabilization: Cannabis has been linked to mood improvement, particularly for people suffering from anxiety, depression, or PTSD. Many Cali Sober folks report feeling more emotionally stable without alcohol in their lives.

The Controversy Around California Sober

While the California Sober approach works for some, it remains controversial, particularly within the addiction recovery community.

Organizations like Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous generally do not endorse the Cali Sober lifestyle, as their philosophy is based on total abstinence. They argue that any form of substance use, even cannabis, could lead to relapse into harder drugs or alcohol.

If you believe you have an alcohol or drug problem, go see an addiction specialist before switching to the California Sober lifestyle. If not, keep reading to learn more.

Cannabis and Cali Sober: Why Cannabis Is Key

The Connection Between California Sober and Cannabis

Cannabis plays a central role in the California Sober lifestyle.

Cannabis does a lot of the good things alcohol does – relieves stress, helps social anxiety, manages pain – without the bad consequences of alcohol.

Unlike alcohol, cannabis does not cause liver damage, is non-addictive for most users, and does not impair cognitive function in the same way heavy drinking does.

Cannabis joints in floral paper on tea cup

How to Choose the Right Cannabis Products for a Cali Sober Lifestyle

Not all cannabis products are created equal. If you’re thinking about becoming Cali Sober, it’s important to choose cannabis products that align with your goals of moderation and mental clarity. Here are a few tips for choosing the right products:

Start with CBD: If you want to avoid any psychoactive effects but still enjoy the benefits of cannabis, CBD products are a great place to start. CBD is non-intoxicating and can provide relaxation, pain relief, and stress reduction.
Consider THCa: THCa is the precursor to THC, and it remains non-psychoactive unless heated. Raw cannabis, juiced cannabis, or THCa tinctures offer potential therapeutic benefits without the high.
Low-THC Strains: If you enjoy the effects of THC but want to avoid getting too high, consider low-THC strains that offer relaxation and pain relief without the intense psychoactive effects.
Edibles and Tinctures: These forms of cannabis offer discreet and controlled doses, allowing you to adjust the amount you consume based on your desired effect.

READ UP

Here are some of my key articles to help you find the right cannabis products for your Cali Sober life:

THC Drinks for Beginners: Your 2025 Guide to a Better Buzz

THC Gummies for Beginners

5 Easy Ways to Use Cannabis Without Smoking

How to Take a CBD Oil Like a Pro

Your First Time? How to Shop at a Cannabis Dispensary in 2025

Dry January and Cali Sober: Is There a Connection?

One of the most well-known events in the world of alcohol sobriety is Dry January, where holiday-weary folks pledge to abstain from alcohol for the entire month.

Dry January is typically viewed as a way to reset your relationship with alcohol, detox, and assess whether alcohol consumption is affecting your health or well-being.

While Dry January is a short-term challenge, it shares a lot in common with the California Sober approach. Both encourage people to examine their habits, make healthier choices, and cut out alcohol, but with Cali Sober, the decision is more long-term and rooted in a lifestyle of balance and intentionality.

For many people, Dry January serves as an eye-opener. After a month without alcohol, many participants report feeling better physically, sleeping better, and experiencing improved moods. For some, Dry January sparks a lasting change and encourages them to continue abstaining from alcohol beyond the 31 days.

This is where the Cali Sober lifestyle can be a natural next step.

Instead of going back to drinking after Dry January, consider a long-term approach by cutting alcohol entirely from your life and replacing it with cannabis in a mindful way.

How to Swap Alcohol for Cannabis: A Step-by-Step Guide

Switching from alcohol to cannabis as your primary relaxation tool may seem like a big change, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. If you’re considering going Cali Sober, here’s how you can make the transition smoothly.

1. Evaluate Your Relationship with Alcohol

Before making any changes, take some time to reflect on your relationship with alcohol. Why do you drink? Is it a social habit, a coping mechanism, a way to unwind? Understanding your reasons for drinking can help you make more mindful choices when transitioning to cannabis.

2. Start Slowly and Mindfully with Cannabis

If you’re new to cannabis, start with small doses and gradually increase as needed. Begin with CBD or THCa products that have little to no psychoactive effects, and experiment with different methods of consumption (e.g., tinctures, edibles, or raw cannabis).

3. Replace Drinking Rituals with Cannabis Rituals

A big part of alcohol consumption is the ritual. Whether it’s having a glass of wine at dinner or unwinding with a beer after work, alcohol often becomes a part of your daily routine. THC seltzers and CBD tea make easy swaps for your usual alcohol.

4. Stay Mindful and Intentional

Living Cali Sober is all about mindfulness. Be conscious of how cannabis makes you feel and whether it aligns with your goal of some form of sobriety. Avoid overconsumption and be sure to choose products that make you feel good without leading to dependence.

5. Seek Support if Needed

If you find the transition challenging, don’t hesitate to seek support from others who are living Cali Sober or explore online communities. Sharing experiences and tips can help you stay motivated and grounded in your journey.

The Future of California Sober

As cannabis legalization continues to spread, the California Sober lifestyle is going to continue to pick up devotees.

While it may not work for everyone, it does provide a nice option for people who want to give up alcohol but not go as far as total sobriety.

Ultimately, your best approach to sobriety is the one that works for you. Whether you choose full abstinence or going Cali Sober, the key is finding a balance that supports your mental, physical, and emotional well-being.

FAQs

Get answers to a list of the most Frequently Asked Questions about being California Sober.

California Sober is not considered traditional sobriety, as it allows for cannabis and sometimes psychedelics. It is more of a harm-reduction approach rather than complete abstinence.

Some people find that using cannabis instead of alcohol helps them avoid relapse and maintain a healthier lifestyle, others find its just swapping addictions. If you think you have an alcohol addiction, find a recovery specialist to work with.

While cannabis has far fewer negative effects on the body than alcohol, its safety depends on individual use, frequency, and mental health considerations.

Yes. Some Cali Sober folks use plant based psychedelics like psilocybin mushrooms. Cali Sober doesn’t come with strict rules, do what works for you.

Consider your history with substance use, personal goals, and mental health.

Start with non-intoxicating CBD products, or low-THC products. Here is a list of 5 Easy Ways to Use Cannabis Without Smoking to get you started.

TLDR

If you don’t want or need to go completely sober, but do want to cut out alcohol, consider going California sober by using a gentle dose of cannabis.

Kate Lily

Certified Cannabis Educator

California Sober and Cannabis: Alcohol is Out, Weed is In

Key Takeaways

Intro