Everyone who struggles with addiction has their own story. Because each person experiences addiction differently, you should be allowed to choose your own path to sobriety. While most people view addiction recovery as abstinence from all substances, some individuals take a different route.
“Cali clean” or “California sober” is a term used to describe being sober from all drugs aside from marijuana. For some people it is a form of harm reduction, using cannabis to prevent themselves from relapsing on other substances. On the other hand, some people engage in this lifestyle choice because they use medical marijuana to treat a co-occurring physical or mental health condition.
While being Cali clean comes with some risks, it can be beneficial if you are careful. It is best to only use medical marijuana, as this means you’ll be receiving cannabis by prescription. Doing it this way prevents you from overusing the substance and developing an addiction.
At Patrick’s Purpose, we support Cali-clean individuals by allowing our clients to use medical marijuana. We also host Go Green Meetings, which help individuals who use marijuana in recovery receive the tools and support they need to be successful.
In this article, you will learn:
- What is Cali sober or clean?
- When is it okay to use cannabis in recovery from addiction?
- Can you prevent marijuana addiction when you are Cali sober?
What Does the Term “Cali Clean” Mean?
Cali clean is a term used to describe a lifestyle choice where an individual in recovery from addiction uses marijuana. While they engage in cannabis use, they avoid all other substances.
Cali Clean can also refer to a unique type of support group for individuals who are in recovery but still use cannabis.
There are many reasons to engage in the Cali sober lifestyle, including medical ones. For example, medical marijuana can be used to treat chronic pain that is usually managed with opioids. It can also be used to treat anxiety instead of relying on benzodiazepines.
On the other hand, some people continue to use cannabis in recovery because it helps them stay sober. Using marijuana can be a form of harm reduction, allowing the person to continue using a substance without experiencing the long-term risks of addiction like overdose or organ damage.
While being Cali clean can be beneficial, it also comes with some risks. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “Approximately 3 in 10 people who use cannabis have cannabis use disorder.”[1] Because it is possible to develop an addiction to weed, you must use various forms of support to prevent yourself from slipping up.
When is it Okay to Use Marijuana in Sobriety?
Whether it is okay to use cannabis in recovery from addiction is a personal choice. That said, you should consult with your therapist or a doctor to ensure you are making a sound decision. If cannabis has been recommended to you to treat a condition, you can trust that the medical professional has considered the benefits and risks.
If you are using medical marijuana to treat a diagnosed condition, you should not worry about what other people think. Cannabis has been proven effective in managing a wide variety of conditions and is often the safer option when compared to other medications available.
Medical marijuana can be used to treat:[2]
- Chronic pain
- Seizure disorders
- Muscle spasms
- Appetite loss or eating disorders
- Anxiety and PTSD
- Sleep disorders
Lastly, if you are using marijuana to prevent a relapse, your recovery is still valid. Harm reduction is an important tool that shouldn’t be shamed. For example, if using cannabis prevents you from returning to heroin abuse, you shouldn’t be made to feel like you aren’t in recovery.
How to Prevent Cannabis Addiction When You Are Cali Clean
If you are Cali clean, you need to take some precautions to ensure you do not develop a marijuana addiction.
Some of the best ways to prevent cannabis addiction include:
- Only using medical marijuana to treat a physical or mental health condition
- Avoiding using cannabis as a coping mechanism
- Keep in contact with your therapist about your marijuana use
- Use a journal to track when you use cannabis to identify any potential negative behavioral patterns
- Consider attending a sober living program that can support you through your medical marijuana use
- Continue to attend sober support meetings to keep your recovery fresh
- Use healthy coping mechanisms to deal with triggers, cravings, and uncomfortable emotions to prevent cannabis from becoming a crutch
If you are using medical marijuana in recovery from addiction, Patrick’s Purpose is here to support you. We are a cannabis-friendly sober living program that offers support meetings specifically for Cali-clean clients.
Get Connected to a Cannabis-Friendly Sober Home
If you or a loved one are Cali clean, you might have a hard time finding a sober living program that allows marijuana use. At Patrick’s Purpose, we allow our clients to use medical marijuana while they reside at our sober home. To support our Cali sober clients, we have a Go Green Meeting that connects you with peers who are on similar paths to recovery.
Contact us today to learn more about how our cannabis-friendly sober living program works.
References:
- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Understanding Your Risk for Cannabis Use Disorder
- Medline Plus: Medical Marijuana