16. What It Means to Be Cali Sober: Michelle Lhooq on Redefining Sobriety

What happens when you quit everything except cannabis and psychedelics? In this episode of The High Guide, April Pride speaks with journalist Michelle Lhooq, who coined the now-mainstream term “Cali sober.” Together, they unpack how cannabis and psychedelics became Michelle’s tools for recovery, self-regulation, and creative reconnection. From New York party girl burnout to desert mushroom ceremonies, Michelle shares how this drug diet reset her body, mind, and spirit—and why this lifestyle resonates especially with high-functioning, high-strung women navigating modern sobriety. Tune in to explore why sobriety isn’t a one-size-fits-all journey, and how women are rewriting the rules.

🔵 Key Takeaways

-“Cali sober” means abstaining from alcohol and hard drugs while using cannabis and psychedelics intentionally.

-Michelle Lhooq coined the term after her personal shift from NYC nightlife to a slower California pace.

-The viral Vice essay that introduced the world to this new sobriety sparked wide media interest and brand adoption.

-Cali sober isn’t a rigid protocol—it’s a flexible framework for redefining wellness and substance use.

-BIPOC women, especially Asian women, often face stigma around drug use; Michelle’s story challenges that narrative

Learn more about this episode, including guests and resources on substack:https://aprilpride.substack.com/p/cali-sober-lifestyle-explained

Hosted by April Pride

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