Canna-Culture Shouldn't Be So Confusing!

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Are you confused? Because I sure am.

Smoke shops, dispensaries, recreational vs. medical, THC, CBD, Delta-8, Delta-9, CBG—the list goes on. With so much information out there, it’s hard to know where to start.

It feels like every time I Google something, I’m met with more questions than answers.

That’s why I’m using this newsletter to help cut through the noise. Each edition will focus on breaking down all this information, one piece at a time.

Today, we’re diving into the difference between hemp and marijuana—something that still trips up a lot of people.

As I always say, you don’t know what you don’t know. 

And let’s be real, people spend big money to make sure Google tells you what they want you to hear.

So, consider this your no-BS, unbiased guide—learning as I go, just like you.

-Monica

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“After quitting alcohol, nothing feels like a ‘treat.’ How can I train my brain to think of other things as something special?”

I struggled with this a lot after I stopped drinking.

Sure, I worked out for the endorphin boost and to stay busy when cravings hit, but let’s be honest, I’ll never be someone who sees exercise as a “treat.” So, I had to find my own way to reframe what felt rewarding:

The first step for me was identifying what triggered my cravings. What was really bothering me in those moments? For example, I often drank and argued with my husband about our future. Through therapy and self-reflection, I realized I was projecting my fears onto him.

Instead of channeling that fear into arguments, I started finding sustainable ways to regain control over my life. One big change was launching a podcast where I could share my insights with others while building something that could eventually generate income.

It wasn’t a quick fix, but it gave me a sense of purpose and long-term satisfaction that alcohol never could.

Interestingly, research shows that the brain’s reward system can be retrained over time. Dopamine, the “feel-good” chemical associated with drinking and other fun activities, can also be released through healthier alternatives!

Working on creative projects, building connections with others, or even setting small goals can help spark that reward response without turning to alcohol.

So, while it takes effort to find new "treats," the long-term benefits of creating meaningful routines and breaking unhealthy cycles can make a world of difference.

(P.S. Do you have a question you’d like answered here? Reply to this email, and we’ll include it in a future edition!)

What We’re Drinking: Sparkling Blood Orange Mocktail

Don’t get me wrong: I love summer as much as the next California girl.

BUT, there is something comforting about fall weather.

We’re cooling down across the nation, and what better way to celebrate the changing of the seasons than with a refreshing drink packed full of vitamins!

Here’s how you can make this sparkling blood orange mocktail for yourself:

Ingredients:

• 4 oz freshly squeezed (or store-bought, who are we kidding?) blood orange juice

• ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract

• ½ tablespoon honey

• ½ oz lime juice

• Club soda or seltzer

• Some blood orange slices to garnish

Add the ingredients to a cocktail shaker, give it a good old shake, and pour it into your desired fancy glass!

Girl, Where’s The 🍃?

Don’t worry, I got you… How can we make this mocktail infused?

Personally, I love adding in some OURGLASS Delta-9 THC Drops. These drops are sugar-free, delicious, and low-dose, making them PERFECT for spicing up any mocktail.

While I think that canned canna-beverages are delicious, there’s something especially fun about adding that extra oomph to any drink of choice. (Plus, the citrus flavor is great with the blood oranges!)

OH AND DID I MENTION THEY ARE GIVING CALI SOBER MOM READERS 10% OFF?

Education Spotlight: Hemp Vs. Marijuana THC - What’s The Difference?

Now, I know what you’re probably thinking: “Aren’t hemp and marijuana just two words describing the same plant?” The answer is both yes and no. Let’s dive into it:

THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol (fancy!), is the compound responsible for the "high" associated with cannabis. Hemp and Marijuana, both varieties of Cannabis sativa, contain THC. However, their primary difference lies in THC content. 

Hemp typically contains less than 0.3% THC, while Marijuana ranges from 5% to 20% or more. But, because the THC molecule itself is identical, both variations of the plant can be used to produce the same effects.

Why even bother with the differentiation if our bodies can’t tell which is which?

Because, in the eyes of the US Government, there is a difference between these two sources. At least, by law. Because of the 2018 Farm Bill (yep, that old thing again), the sale of hemp and hemp-derived products is legal as long as they contain less than 0.3% THC. Marijuana, on the other hand, remains a controlled substance in many places because of its naturally higher THC content, making it subject to stricter laws and regulations.

Ultimately, it’s all about choice and availability! Chances are, if you live in the US, hemp-derived THC products will be easier to obtain (legally, anyway).

Products with a Purpose: Zero Proof Nation

In the last few years, we’ve experienced a long-awaited shift toward the inclusion of non-alcoholic options at bars, restaurants, and bottle shops.

But, both you and I know that this is quite a recent phenomenon. Back in the day, asking for a “mocktail” at the bar meant receiving a cup of straight orange juice.

Why did the tides start shifting on N/A beverages? Because of pioneers like Zero Proof Nation’s Laura Silverman.

Laura has advocated for accessible alcohol-free options for years, dedicating her career to providing options for those who want “something different, something new, something rebellious, something promising, present nights and clear-headed mornings.”

Alongside providing education about N/A options and recipes, she’s also put together the only global map of alcohol-free establishments.

Want to help support Laura’s incredible mission? You can check out her collection of merchandise! Know that every purchase goes toward a revolutionary cause (and that you’ll get some awesome accessories out of the deal, too!)

If you want to get more involved - send me a message or follow my soon to launch advocacy corner on Youtube!

Healing Out Loud - so others don’t have to

Funnily enough, a guy I met that night (who I barely remember flirting with) still wanted to take me out. He even planned the date around my broken ankle. Lord.

Spoiler alert: that did not work out. LOL.

You’d think that would be my rock bottom, right? But I was back at work a few days later, hobbling around, acting like everything was fine.

Alcohol abuse didn’t seem like a problem back then—it was just how life was.

I even have a picture of me in Walmart, stocking up on booze with my cousin, broken ankle and all. Looking back now, it makes no sense.

I’m sharing this because if you’ve ever been there, you’re not alone.

These moments that once felt shameful can lose their power once we stop hiding them.

So, healed friends, share your stories—whether anonymously or proudly. Let’s remind each other we’re not in this alone.

(P.S. Do you have a story you’d like to share? Reply to this email, and we’ll include it in a future edition!)