What is the California Sober lifestyle?

California Sober refers to a lifestyle where people abstain from alcohol and hard drugs but continue using cannabis. It gained popularity among Gen Z and wellness-focused consumers who find cannabis a healthier alternative to drinking. Many Dry January participants adopt this approach permanently after experiencing the benefits.

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January 2025

Dry January 2025:
Your Guide to High January

Q: Can I use cannabis if I've never tried it before?

Absolutely! Dry January is a great time to explore cannabis as an alternative. Start with low-dose products like 2.5-5mg THC beverages or gummies. CBD products offer relaxation without intoxicating effects. Visit The Library in West Orange for personalized first-timer guidance from our expert budtenders.

Q: Where can I buy THC drinks in New Jersey?

THC-infused beverages are available at licensed NJ dispensaries, including The Library at 5 Washington Street, West Orange, NJ 07052. We carry a selection of cannabis drinks with various THC levels perfect for Dry January participants. Call (862) 786-0886 for availability.

Q: How do I dose cannabis compared to alcohol?

Start with 2.5-5mg THC if you're new to cannabis—roughly equivalent to the relaxation of one drink. Wait 60-90 minutes before consuming more, as edibles and drinks take longer to feel than alcohol. Experienced users may prefer 10-15mg. Unlike alcohol, there's no 'drink every 30 minutes' pacing—cannabis is slower-acting but longer-lasting.

Q: Will cannabis show up on a drug test?

Yes, THC can remain detectable in your system for days to weeks depending on usage frequency, metabolism, and test type. If you're subject to drug testing, consider CBD-only products which contain no THC, or discuss your situation with our knowledgeable budtenders for guidance on appropriate products.

Q: What if I don't want to get 'high'?

You have options! CBD products provide relaxation and wellness benefits without any intoxicating effects. You can also try low-dose THC products (1-2.5mg) for a very mild, functional experience. Our budtenders can help you find the right product to match your comfort level.

Q: Can I participate in Dry January AND use cannabis?

Dry January traditionally focuses on abstaining from alcohol specifically. Many participants choose cannabis as their social alternative during this month. Some prefer 'High January' or 'California Sober January' as their personal challenge. The goal is improving your relationship with alcohol—how you define that is up to you.

Ditch the booze, not the buzz. How cannabis makes sober January actually enjoyable.

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64% of Dry January participants are interested in trying THC drinks as an alcohol alternative

Reading time: 12 minutes

Corey

Cannabis Educator & Content Specialist

Corey is a cannabis education specialist at The Library with 5+ years of experience helping customers navigate the New Jersey cannabis market. He creates engaging, accurate content about cannabis products, regulations, and wellness.

✓ NJ Cannabis Regulatory Commission Certified✓ Budtender Certified✓ Cannabis Content Expert✓ Customer Education Specialist

Published: December 3, 2025Read time: 12 minThe Library of New Jersey

Here's the thing about Dry January—most people white-knuckle through it, counting down the days until February 1st. They swap their evening wine for sparkling water, suffer through social events sober, and generally feel like they're missing out.

But what if there was a way to actually enjoy your sober month?

Welcome to High January—where you ditch the booze but keep the buzz. More and more people are discovering that cannabis offers everything they loved about their evening drink (relaxation, social lubrication, unwinding after work) without the hangover, empty calories, or 3 AM anxiety spiral.

What is Dry January?

Dry January started in the UK in 2013 as a public health campaign encouraging people to abstain from alcohol for the first month of the year. It's grown into a global movement—in 2025, over 54% of American adults who drink say they're at least "somewhat likely" to participate.

The reasons vary: some want to reset after the holidays, others are curious about their relationship with alcohol, and many are looking for health benefits like better sleep, weight loss, and clearer skin.

The California Sober Movement: A growing number of people are choosing to quit alcohol permanently while continuing to use cannabis. It's called "California Sober" and it's especially popular among Gen Z and wellness-focused millennials who see cannabis as a healthier alternative.

Why Cannabis for Dry January?

Let's be honest: Dry January is hard because alcohol serves a purpose in our lives. It helps us relax, be social, celebrate, and unwind. Taking it away without a replacement leaves a void.

Cannabis fills that void—differently, but effectively. Here's how they compare:

Category	Alcohol	Cannabis
Next Day	Hangover, headache, fatigue	No hangover, wake refreshed
Calories	100-300+ per drink	0-20 per serving (edibles vary)
Hydration	Dehydrates your body	No dehydration effect
Sleep Quality	Disrupts REM sleep	Many report deeper sleep
Social Vibes	Lowered inhibitions	Relaxed, present, connected
Organ Impact	Liver damage risk	No liver concerns

Note: Cannabis products are not FDA-approved to treat any medical conditions. This guide is for informational purposes only. Individual responses vary—consult healthcare professionals before making changes to your wellness routine.

Best Cannabis Products for Dry January

Not all cannabis products are created equal for replacing alcohol. Here's what works best for different situations:

THC Beverages

The star of High January

Cannabis-infused drinks are the perfect alcohol replacement. They come in precise doses, taste great, and provide a social drinking experience without the hangover. Start with 2.5-5mg THC and work your way up.

Products: Seltzers, sodas, teas, and moreBest for: Social situations, dinner parties, winding down

Edibles & Gummies

Long-lasting relaxation

Gummies and chocolates offer consistent dosing and longer-lasting effects than beverages. Perfect for a relaxing evening when you'd normally reach for a glass of wine. Effects typically last 4-6 hours.

Products: Gummies, chocolates, mintsBest for: Evening relaxation, movie nights, sleep

CBD Products

Zero buzz, all the calm

Not ready for THC? CBD provides relaxation and wellness benefits without any intoxicating effects. Perfect for cannabis-curious folks or those who need to stay sharp. Won't show up on most drug tests.

Products: Tinctures, gummies, topicalsBest for: Work nights, daytime use, beginners

Low-Dose Options

Microdose your way through

Microdosing (1-2.5mg THC) lets you enjoy the benefits of cannabis while staying completely functional. Many people use these throughout the day for mood enhancement without impairment.

Products: Microdose gummies, mints, beveragesBest for: Social events, work functions, daily use

How to Dose: Cannabis vs. Alcohol

The biggest mistake new cannabis users make? Treating it like alcohol. Here's what you need to know:

Alcohol Timing

• Feel effects within minutes
• Peak in 30-60 minutes
• Wears off in 2-4 hours
• Easy to pace with drinks

Cannabis Timing (Edibles/Drinks)

• Feel effects in 30-90 minutes
• Peak in 2-3 hours
• Lasts 4-6+ hours
• Start low, wait before more

Beginner Dosing Guide

Brand new to cannabis: Start with 2.5mg THC. Yes, really. Wait 2 hours before more.

Some experience: 5-10mg THC is a good starting point for most.

Regular user: 10-25mg THC, adjust based on your tolerance.

Prefer no buzz: CBD products (0mg THC) or microdose (1-2.5mg THC).

Pro tip: Our budtenders at The Library can help you find the perfect dose based on your experience level and goals. Don't guess—ask!

Navigating Social Situations

One of the hardest parts of Dry January? Social pressure. Here's how to handle it with cannabis:

At Parties & Gatherings

Bring THC beverages in your bag—they look just like any other drink. Or pop a low-dose mint before arriving. You'll be relaxed, social, and participating without anyone knowing you're not drinking.

Work Happy Hours

Microdose gummies (1-2.5mg) provide subtle mood enhancement without any obvious effects. You'll be engaged and present while everyone else gets sloppy on their third drink.

Date Nights

Share a THC beverage or low-dose edible together. Many couples find cannabis creates more connection and presence than alcohol—and no one's falling asleep or getting too drunk to talk.

Solo Evenings

Replace your evening wine with an edible or THC beverage. You'll get the relaxation you're craving without waking up foggy or checking the recycling bin with regret.

Your 31-Day High January Plan

Don't wing it. Here's a week-by-week guide to making High January a success:

Week 1

Getting Started

Visit The Library for your first consultation
Start with low-dose products (2.5-5mg THC)
Try different product types to find your preference
Keep a journal of what works for you

Week 2

Finding Your Rhythm

Establish your preferred products and doses
Experiment with timing (evening vs. social)
Notice how you feel vs. drinking
Stock up on your favorites

Week 3

Social Situations

Bring discreet options to gatherings (mints, beverages)
Practice explaining your choice to friends
Host a cannabis-friendly get-together
Try products for different occasions

Week 4

Reflect & Decide

Compare how you feel vs. December
Decide if you'll continue California Sober
Share your experience with others
Plan your February approach

Start Your High January at The Library

Our budtenders are experts at helping people transition from alcohol to cannabis. Whether you've never tried cannabis before or you're looking for the perfect products for your lifestyle, we'll guide you through it.

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(862) 786-0886 5 Washington St, West Orange

Frequently Asked Questions

Is cannabis healthier than alcohol?

While we can't make health claims, many people find cannabis has fewer next-day effects, no calories from the plant itself, and doesn't dehydrate the body. Individual responses vary—consult healthcare professionals for medical advice.

Can I use cannabis if I've never tried it before?

Absolutely! Start with low-dose products (2.5-5mg THC) or CBD products for no intoxication. Visit us for personalized first-timer guidance—our budtenders love helping new customers.

Will cannabis show up on a drug test?

THC can remain detectable for days to weeks. If you're subject to testing, consider CBD-only products or discuss your situation with our budtenders.

What if I don't want to get 'high'?

You have options! CBD products provide benefits without intoxication. Microdose THC (1-2.5mg) gives a very mild, functional experience. We'll help you find your comfort level.

Where can I buy THC drinks in New Jersey?

THC beverages are available at licensed dispensaries like The Library at 5 Washington Street, West Orange. Call (862) 786-0886 for availability.

What is California Sober?

California Sober means abstaining from alcohol while continuing to use cannabis. It's popular among wellness-focused people who see cannabis as a healthier alternative to drinking.

How do I dose cannabis compared to alcohol?

Start with 2.5-5mg THC for beginners—roughly equivalent to one drink's relaxation. Wait 60-90 minutes before more. Cannabis is slower-acting but longer-lasting than alcohol.

Can I participate in Dry January AND use cannabis?

Dry January focuses on abstaining from alcohol. Many participants use cannabis as their alternative—it's sometimes called 'High January.' The goal is improving your relationship with alcohol.

Make January Count

Dry January doesn't have to mean boring January. With cannabis, you can still relax, socialize, celebrate, and unwind—just without the hangover, empty calories, and regrettable texts.

Whether you're trying cannabis for the first time or you're a seasoned user looking to replace alcohol, The Library is here to help. Our knowledgeable budtenders can guide you to the perfect products for your High January journey.

Here's to a happy, healthy, and hangover-free January.

Dry January 2025:Your Guide to High January