CBD for the Festive Season: Why More People Are Going California Sober

As the holiday season approaches — Thanksgiving in the US, Christmas creeping up for the rest of us — most people expect their social calendar (and their alcohol intake) to rise. But a growing number of adults are choosing a very different approach to unwinding: replacing alcohol with cannabis, CBD or otherwise. The concept isn’t new, but it’s now becoming mainstream — especially among people who want to stay social without the hangovers, calories or next-day fog.

In the US, this shift is often called “California sober”: avoiding alcohol and harder substances, but continuing to use cannabis or plant-based alternatives instead. And now, new research is putting scientific weight behind what many have felt anecdotally for years — cannabis (both THC and CBD Bud) can significantly reduce alcohol consumption.

New Research: Cannabis Use Linked to Lower Alcohol Intake

A recent rigorously designed, randomised, double-blind controlled trial — published in The American Journal of Psychiatry — investigated how cannabis influences drinking behaviour. The study involved 157 adults who regularly used cannabis and engaged in heavy episodic drinking. Participants smoked joints containing either 7.2% THC, 3.1% THC or a placebo before entering a simulated bar setting.

The results were pretty interesting:

• Those who consumed 7.2% THC reduced their alcohol intake by 27%.

• The 3.1% THC group cut their drinking by 19%.

• Both THC groups delayed their first drink significantly compared to placebo.

• Interestingly, cravings didn’t always decrease — but the behaviour (actual drinking) still changed.

In simple terms? - Smoking/Vaping cannabis before drinking consistently led to people drinking less — and starting later.

While UK CBD products, and everything at CBDBudshop.com contain negligible amounts of THC, the wider trend is clear: many adults are finding cannabis-based alternatives help them step back from alcohol-heavy habits.

Why This Matters for the Holiday Season

December is famous for excess: office parties, family gatherings, mulled wine at every corner. But more people each year are looking for ways to stay present, clear-headed and balanced — without cutting themselves off from the social aspect.

That’s where CBD bud, CBD flower and CBD hash are stepping in.

• No hangover

• No aggressive spikes in mood

• No next-day regret

• Still relaxing, still social, still ritualistic and decreasingly frowned upon!

For many, CBD/Cannabis becomes the perfect evening replacement to alcohol or other harder alternatives, with CBD providing many of the same elements of the taste and ceremony.. without the downsides.

CBD as a Winter Wellness Swap

While THC-based cannabis may influence alcohol consumption more powerfully, CBD offers its own benefits:

• A calmer, more grounded evening

• Support for stress, tension and winding down

• A ritual that replaces the “pour a drink” habit

• Zero intoxicating effects, legal in the UK

• Clearer mornings (even after Christmas parties)

Pairing seasonal down-time with CBD bud, CBD flower or CBD hash is becoming a popular approach for customers who want to break the cycle of repeat drinking throughout December — without feeling like they’re missing out.

A Seasonal Shift That’s Here to Stay

As more studies emerge, and as more people share their personal experiences, it’s clear the cultural relationship with alcohol is changing. Many are cutting back not through restriction, but by finding a replacement that actually feels good — physically, mentally and socially.. with many less of the stigmas that previously existed.. 

Cannabis (and CBD in the UK) offers a softer way to unwind.
A clearer way to enjoy the festive season.. and a far kinder way to greet your mornings.

If you're looking to dial down the drinking and level up your wellness this winter, exploring high-quality CBD bud, CBD flower or CBD hash could be the start of a much more balanced holiday season.