Dry January & Cannabis: A Healthier Alternative
Skip the hangover this January. 30% of Americans are going dry—and many are choosing cannabis instead. Explore your options at Yerba Buena.
Every January, millions of Americans hit pause on alcohol. 30% of U.S. adults are participating in Dry January this year—a 36% increase from 2024. But here’s what’s interesting: they’re not just going without. They’re choosing alternatives. And increasingly, that alternative is cannabis.
According to recent research, nearly 1 in 6 Dry January participants are replacing alcohol with cannabis beverages. That’s not a fringe movement—it’s a significant shift in how people think about social drinking, relaxation, and their health.
Why People Are Swapping Alcohol for Cannabis
The reasons vary, but they tend to cluster around a few key themes:
No Hangover
The most obvious benefit. Cannabis—especially edibles and beverages—doesn’t leave you feeling wrecked the next morning. No headache, no nausea, no lost Sunday.
Fewer Calories
A typical beer has 150+ calories. A glass of wine, 120-150. A Wyld gummy has about 10-20 calories, and most cannabis beverages clock in under 50.
Better Sleep Quality
Alcohol disrupts REM sleep. Cannabis—particularly indica strains and products like 1906 SLEEP drops—can actually support restful sleep.
More Control
With precisely dosed edibles (2.5mg, 5mg, 10mg), you know exactly what you’re getting. No more “one more drink” turning into five.
A Brown University clinical trial found that cannabis use reduced alcohol consumption by 19% in controlled settings. And in real-world surveys, 62% of consumers say they choose cannabis over alcohol when given the option.
Cannabis Beverages: The Fastest-Growing Category
Cannabis beverages are having a moment. The market hit $54.6 million in Q1 2025—a 15% year-over-year increase—and continues to grow as more people discover them.
Why the appeal? Beverages offer:
- Faster onset: Many use nano-emulsion technology for 15-30 minute effects (vs. 60-90 for traditional edibles)
- Social format: You can sip them at a party like you would a cocktail
- Precise dosing: Most come in 2.5mg, 5mg, or 10mg servings
- No smoke: Perfect for people who don’t want to inhale anything
At Yerba Buena, we carry a selection of beverages perfect for Dry January. Our 1906 drops can be added to any non-alcoholic drink—turn your sparkling water into something more interesting.
How to Do Dry January with Cannabis
If you’re considering swapping alcohol for cannabis this month, here are some tips:
Start Low
If you’re new to edibles or beverages, start with 2.5-5mg and wait at least 90 minutes before taking more. The effects are different from alcohol—be patient.
Pick the Right Product
- Social settings: Low-dose gummies (2.5-5mg) or cannabis beverages
- Evening relaxation: Indica strains or 1906 CHILL drops
- Better sleep: 1906 SLEEP or Wyld Elderberry CBN gummies
Plan Ahead
Edibles take time to kick in. If you’re heading to a party, take your edible 45-60 minutes before. For beverages with nano-emulsion, 15-30 minutes is usually enough.
Don’t Mix
The point of Dry January is to take a break from alcohol. If you’re using cannabis as a replacement, keep them separate—combining alcohol and cannabis intensifies both in unpredictable ways.
A Note on Balance
We’re not here to say cannabis is “harmless”—nothing is. But the research is clear that for many people, it’s a less harmful alternative to alcohol, especially when used mindfully.
Cannabis doesn’t damage your liver. It doesn’t cause the kind of impaired judgment that leads to fights or accidents. And there’s no such thing as a cannabis hangover.
That said, everyone’s relationship with substances is personal. If you’re doing Dry January to reset your relationship with alcohol, cannabis might be a helpful tool—or it might not be right for you. Listen to your body.
Ready to Explore Your Options?
At Yerba Buena, we’re here to help you find the right products for your Dry January goals—whether that’s relaxation, better sleep, or just a more interesting Friday night without the hangover.
Stop by our Cobble Hill location and talk to our budtenders. We’ll help you find something that works.
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