Monica Roerig Olano, MBA - Cali Sober Mom

Can you share about your personal journey and how it led you to embrace the 'Cali Sober' lifestyle?

Monica: My journey towards 'Cali Sober' began on June 18, 2022, the night I gave birth to twins. With three children under 18 months old, their unexpected early delivery became a traumatic experience due to medical errors. Left unsupported to cope, I turned to alcohol, a crutch since age 14, worsening my postpartum depression and anxiety. Realizing I needed a change for my family's sake, I quit alcohol and transitioned to medical cannabis edibles first and then low dose hemp beverages finding them both to be healthier alternatives for me. To share my discovery and fight stigma, I started “Mommy’s New Medicine,' initially a podcast, but the concept has grown into Cali Sober Mom, a complete platform that now advocates for sober living with cannabis alternatives.

What inspired you to start Cali Sober Mom, and how has your mission evolved since its inception?

Monica: Living in New Orleans, a city known for its vibrant social scene centered around alcohol, I felt isolated as a non-drinker. However, discovering cannabis beverages with a friend opened my eyes to a new world of socializing without alcohol. This led me to create Cali Sober Mom, initially as a podcast, to share stories, humor, and insights about modern parenting and sober living with cannabis alternatives.

As I dove deeper into this space, I realized the lack of representation and education. Many women, like myself, didn't have access to clear information about cannabis products. This gap inspired me to expand Cali Sober Mom into a platform where moms can shop for trusted products, access educational resources, and feel supported in their journey towards healthier living. Reconnecting with my randomly assigned high school locker partner who is the creative, visual and design ying to my yang, has further fueled the mission to destigmatize cannabis use among moms and advocate for sensible regulations in this evolving industry. Together, we aim to empower women with the tools and community they need to thrive.

 How do you navigate the challenges of parenting while advocating for a cannabis-inclusive lifestyle?

Monica: I approach parenting and advocacy by simply being myself. As a stay-at-home mom, I've found that using low-dose cannabis and hemp products enhances my parenting more effectively than alcohol ever did. There's a pervasive stigma that moms who use cannabis are constantly impaired, which isn't true—I don't consume cannabis during the day and function just fine. Yet, society readily accepts moms having a glass of wine at a playdate but frowns upon a small cannabis gummy in the evening.

I'm fortunate not to face job-related risks due to my choice, unlike many working moms who fear repercussions for using cannabis. My husband's business in bars and restaurants underscores my commitment to challenging alcohol culture despite its economic ties. After a traumatic experience, alcohol-free living has empowered me to speak out against unfair stigmas and injustices. I stand by my choices confidently, knowing I'm setting an example for my children to advocate for what's right without fear of judgment or reprisal from societal norms.

Can you describe a pivotal moment or experience that reinforced your commitment to the Cali Sober lifestyle?

Monica: One pivotal moment was diving into the politics surrounding cannabis and hemp legalization. Learning the history of why it was criminalized and uncovering the vested interests behind its continued regulation opened my eyes. It became clear that this plant's potential threatens certain powerful interests and their profits, which strengthened my resolve to choose cannabis over alcohol. Witnessing the effects of alcohol on people's behavior also reaffirms daily that I've made the right decision for myself.

What are some common misconceptions about the Cali Sober approach, and how do you address them through your platform?

Monica: There are widespread misconceptions about who uses cannabis products, perpetuated by outdated stereotypes from the war on drugs era. Our platform challenges these stereotypes by showcasing responsible, active individuals—like moms raising families, volunteering, and advocating for social justice—who incorporate cannabis into their lives responsibly. We highlight that not everyone who uses cannabis fits the stoner stereotype; many are professionals and parents who rely on cannabis for various reasons, often silently due to fear of repercussions in their careers. It's crucial to debunk these myths to foster a more informed and accepting public discourse about cannabis use.

How do you envision the cannabis industry evolving to better support those choosing a Cali Sober lifestyle, particularly parents?

Monica: To truly support individuals adopting the Cali sober lifestyle, especially parents new to cannabis, the industry needs to break free from its echo chambers. Many industry discussions are shaped by narrow perspectives that overlook the diverse needs and struggles of potential users. Transitioning from alcohol to cannabis goes beyond surface-level marketing slogans; it's about addressing deeper personal reasons for using substances to cope.

Real progress will come with full legalization and equitable policies that acknowledge and rectify the disproportionate impacts of past drug laws, particularly on marginalized communities. This isn't just about personal choice—it's about advocating for systemic change that prioritizes fairness over profit-driven policies benefiting special interests.

What exciting projects or initiatives are you currently working on that our readers should know about?

Monica: We have several exciting projects underway that I can't reveal just yet. One of the core principles of Cali Sober Mom is maintaining an authentic, community-focused space.

I've been collaborating with various brands in the cannabis and hemp sectors on innovative projects, and I can't disclose specifics just yet, these initiatives promise to be both impactful and enjoyable for the industry as a whole.

One that I can share right now, is the Cali Sober Mom x Imperfect Inspiration box is currently being curated—a unique, one-time purchase featuring items aligned with the bigger-picture mission. It's a creative way to introduce our lifestyle and industry to a broader audience, to a community of powerful neurodivergent women and moms. This partnership is poised to amplify our message and reach, even among those who haven't yet explored cannabis or hemp or may be avid consumers already but new to beverages.

Stay tuned for exciting updates in the coming months!

How can our readers connect with you, and what’s the best way for them to support your work?

Monica: The best way to connect with me is to reach out directly. Whether you're a fellow entrepreneur or business leader looking to collaborate, or simply someone interested in this space, send me a DM or email. I'm open to exploring ideas and potential partnerships.

For those wanting to stay connected with the Cali Sober Mom movement, visit our website at CaliSoberMom.com. The website serves as the hub for everything—from accessing the podcast and blogs to connecting on social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram.

Lastly, if you're a brand interested in aligning with the movement’s values and initiatives, send me your ideas. We offer unique sponsorship opportunities outside of the traditional influencer pay per package space. While we prioritize authenticity and organic engagement on our social platforms, there are various other avenues to collaborate effectively and create win-win situations for all stakeholders. That’s what this is all about. Reach out, and let's explore how we can work together!