What is Dry January All About?

Alan Cruz|January 08, 2025

Dry January was a public health initiative started by a UK-based organization, Alcohol Change UK, in 2013 and has since become a global annual tradition. It encourages people to take a step back from drinking alcohol for the entire month of January to focus on health and balance, especially after the indulgences of the holiday season.

While it might seem like a short commitment, the potential benefits can be far-reaching, including improved physical health, better sleep, enhanced mental clarity, and financial savings.

Dry January isn't just about abstaining, but it can be about finding alternative ways to relax, socialize, and unwind without depending on alcohol. This is where some people choose to turn to hemp-based cannabis products for microdosing.

What Is Microdosing Cannabis?

Microdosing involves consuming very small amounts of cannabis to experience subtle effects without reaching a full-blown high. The most popular method of microdosing cannabis is with pre-measured doses of THC — usually between 1-2 mg — per serving to reap the potential benefits of cannabinoids like relaxation, mood enhancement, and stress relief while still staying clear-headed.

But for those who want to avoid THC entirely, CBD-focused products can be a good option, too.

CBD, or cannabidiol, is the main cannabinoid found in hemp, and it doesn't have psychoactive properties, even when taken in higher doses. For this reason, it might be more appropriate for those who are looking to abstain from substances that cause an altered state of mind, and you can find them in many different forms like gummies, oil, vapes, and capsules, which are much more versatile and accessible than THC products.

How Does Microdosing Align With Dry January Goals

Microdosing cannabis can complement the wellness goals of Dry January in several ways:

Socializing Without Alcohol: For many, alcohol is synonymous with social gatherings. Microdosing could be an alternative way to relax and enjoy social events without the hangover or health risks of alcohol.
Relaxation and Stress Relief: Small doses of cannabis can help calm the mind and body, making it easier to unwind after a long day.
Mood Enhancement: Cannabis can help brighten the mood and provide a sense of contentment, which can be especially valuable during the darker, colder winter months.
Healthier Rituals: Just as Dry January encourages the creation of healthier habits, microdosing can become a ritualistic alternative to drinking — a small, intentional act of self-care.

Tips for Microdosing THC during Dry January

Unlike drinking alcohol, which can impair judgment and is rough on the body, microdosing THC is a more subtle way to promote relaxation, boost mood, foster creativity, and even make social gatherings more enjoyable.

If you want to try microdosing THC during dry January to help with your alcohol-free month, we've got some helpful tips to get started.

Choose the Right Products: Look for edibles, tinctures, or capsules that clearly label the dosage of THC dosage. At VIIA, we have microdosing-friendly options designed with wellness in mind for Focus, Relaxation, and Sleep. Depending on the desired mood, each option is infused with complementary supplements and botanicals like Alpha GPC, L-theanine, 5-HTP, and passionflower.
Start with a Lower Dose Than You Think: The VIIA microdose gummies have 2 mg of THC in each square. If you're brand new to THC, start with half a gummy and gradually adjust based on how you feel.
Be Mindful: Treat microdosing as an intentional act. Pay attention to how it makes you feel and adjust your routine.
Keep a Non-Alcoholic Drink in Hand: Having a non-alcoholic seltzer beverage in hand can make social gatherings feel more natural and help bridge the gap left by alcohol. Drinks like kombucha or flavored sparkling waters can be excellent substitutes because they mimic holding a drink for a sensory experience that can help you feel included in social settings without drinking alcohol.

Can You Get High During Dry January?

This depends on your personal goals for the month.

Some people view Dry January as an opportunity to abstain from all substances that change your state of mind, while others may be open to using cannabis products as an alternative to alcohol.

Microdosing typically doesn’t produce a “high,” but consuming larger amounts or certain forms of cannabis can.

For example, THCA flower is non-psychoactive in its raw form. However, when smoked or heated, THCA converts to THC, the compound responsible for the cannabis high. If your version of Dry January includes avoiding intoxication, then you might want to stick to CBD products.

Trying THCA Flower for Dry January

If you're open to the elevating effects of alcohol during your Dry January month, THCA flower could be a good option. While it doesn’t align with a completely substance-free approach, smoking THCA could be an experience of relaxation and mild euphoria in a controlled, intentional way.

At VIIA, we have an extensive collection of classic and rare cannabis strains that are federally legal. This is because the flower, in its raw (unheated) form, contains less than 0.3% THC and is technically considered hemp. When you light up a THCA pre-roll, you'll unlock the benefits of THC.

This can be a way to redefine social rituals during Dry January as an alternative to traditional drinking habits, more geared towards relaxation and connection without alcohol’s downsides.

Set Intention With Dry January

Dry January is an opportunity to explore new habits, prioritize your health, and redefine what it means to relax and connect with others.

We’re excited to be able to offer you multiple options as you explore new ways to help you find your zen, relax, focus, or sleep better in the new year. At VIIA, you can find a product to suit any mood or occasion. From non-intoxicating CBD options to microdosing-friendly THC products, we support your goals and help set the tone for a more balanced and mindful year ahead.