From Wine to Weed: The Stigma Free Truth

If you would’ve told me 18 months ago that I’d be writing a newsletter about NOT drinking and instead using CANNABIS…

I probably would’ve laughed at you while refilling my mega pint of red wine. (Sorry I could not resist a subtle shoutout to the Johnny Depp / Amber Heard trial. Weird times.)

As it turns out, my alcohol dependence was a byproduct of undiagnosed ADHD, a lack of education about the horrible impacts of ethanol, and a personal stigma against cannabis use.

But, you know what? You don’t know what you don’t know.

I’m not going to fault myself and you shouldn’t fault yourself, either.

The fact is, I would never have known until I did the research on my own. Censorship is real and keeping vital information from reaching you, your friends and your family.

So let’s start sharing real unfiltered information here, but have FUN and help educate each other along the way.

Whether you’re ten years or ten days into your journey, I’m here to help provide a space for you to learn, grow, and feel okay with making mistakes.

After all, no challenge is quite so scary when you know you aren’t alone.

-Monica

“I recently stopped drinking alcohol. How frequently should I use cannabis when starting out?”

As much as I wish there were, there’s unfortunately no one-size-fits-all answer to this question.

The reality is that quitting alcohol is incredibly challenging because of how deeply it impacts your body and mind. Alcohol is scientifically proven to be addictive; it alters your DNA, your cells, and the way your brain is wired. Breaking free from it requires a HUGE amount of physical and mental energy.

With this in mind, the frequency of cannabis use should be based on what you feel you need to support your journey. The primary focus right now is on getting off alcohol, and that’s no small feat.

So, don’t stress too much about how much cannabis you’re consuming at this stage. The goal is to overcome alcohol dependency, and your cannabis use can be adjusted over time as you continue to recover.

Another quick piece of advice: Something that I’ve found helpful is drinking my cannabis. When you start using edibles, it can be easy to take too much too soon in other forms. Drinking it allows you to take your time and adjust as you do!

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What are We Drinking this Week?

Who doesn’t love a marg on a summer day?

In this recipe, we give our spin on the classic margarita with an infused twist.

I used the MXXN THC Infused Tequila “Jalisco Agave” & Lyre’s NA Italian Orange “Spirit” to create this drink at home, and let me just say - It’s much better than the N/A margaritas you pay $15 for at the bar.

Huge shoutout to Katie, AKA @soberishmom on Instagram, for the inspiration! It was awesome to put my twist on it, and I hope you all love it as much as I do.

(P.S. I know that we do NOT have time for fresh-squeezed juice with kiddos in the house. Whatever you have handy will work perfectly.)

Why should I care about…..
the Farm Bill?? Really?

Whether you are a long time consumer or a total newbie trying to figure out how this is legal - I need you to know: Your rights to a plant are under attack once again, so large corporations can make billions, even TRILLIONS of dollars. The more you educate yourself and use your voice, the more we protect our rights as human beings and consumers over corporate greed.

Recent changes in cannabis legislation (the 2018 Farm Bill, in particular) have opened the door for a flood of new products. The tricky part, though, is a lack of regulation around those products.

While some label this bill a “loophole” and call for bans, it’s important to recognize that not all players are bad actors. The conversation around cannabis is evolving, with important debates happening state-by-state.

Unfortunately, a lot of misinformation is circulating, often fueled by big medical marijuana and alcohol companies who see these changes as a threat to their bottom line. Educating yourself on trustworthy brands is incredibly important as you explore medical, recreational, and hemp-derived cannabis.

The real issue isn’t prohibition—it’s the need for sensible regulation! Prohibition has failed in the past, and this industry is begging for clear rules to ensure safety and quality.

Products with a Purpose

I was very excited to try all four of the 40 Tons THC gummies, released in collaboration with MinnyGrown!

Their mission, one that strongly resonates with us here at CaliSoberMom, is to bring attention to (and donate a portion of their profits toward) those who remain incarcerated for non-violent cannabis charges.

We believe that cannabis should be accessible to everyone, not just those with privilege.

These gummies are perfect for those with a sweet tooth - I’m not the biggest fan of extra-sweet treats, but I know a lot of you will love them!

But the Sour Lemonade Sativa has to be my favorite! At 5mg - it is the perfect amount for me. If you are a newbie, maybe only take half and give it time. If you are an experienced consumer, maybe take a few!

The product itself is only a small part of what makes 40 Tons so special. Because if corporations can now make millions, if not billions, off the same products people are still in jail for (non-violent is the key here) we need to be having this discussion out loud!

Legislation that does not incorporate this important topic is simply focused on greed.

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

So, when I was a blackout and falling asleep in the middle of Monopoly…

The reaction received was giggles and photos.

Now, of course, I’m no longer taking a snooze during family bonding time.

And yes - My cousins are still my absolute best friends, and I enjoy every family event.

Spoiler alert: You don’t need to drink to have a fun time. (In fact, being awake actually helps!)

(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!)