Local establishments give their opinions on “Dry January” and what that means for Maryland
Merlot vs Marijuana
MARYLAND – People across the country and Maryland are celebrating “Dry January”, and we checked if this would run business dry as well.
MERLOT VS MARIJUANA
While many people have tried to change their habits for the new year, the question is for the residents of Maryland, are they going to stick with their Miller Lite and Merlot, or move on to Marijuana?
Leave Liquor Alone
To drink or not to drink.? That is January’s question. A 2023 Gallup Survey showed that 62% of adults in the U.S. say they’ve drunk alcohol before, while 38% say they’ve abstained completely. Owners of Cambridge Wine and Spirits Mike and Kathleen Creaghan don’t agree with “Dry January” saying quote:
“When an event like this is published, it puts all liquor stores at a disadvantage. We rely on our local customers to get us through the cold months in this area, because there is rarely anything going on during the winter months on the Eastern Shore”
Grigio or Ganga
The survey also showed 20% of people switched to non-alcoholic drinks, while 21% instead of going dry, got high. Chief Brand Officer Wendy Bronfein of Curio Wellness says as far as substances go, the grass is greener on their side.
“The difference is, you know, you’re without kind of this idea of a hangover, you don’t have calories, right? That’s where I think some of the other interests I think come in, because you can maybe get a similar result in of letting go and being social. But you’re not experiencing potential side effects or by products of alcohol use.”
Substituting Substances
More than 30% of people aren’t trying anything in lieu of alcohol, and about 25 percent are replacing alcohol with Kombucha, sodas, or Seltzers. Delmarva Home Grown sells delta 9 infused drinks and for those who want to a bit of the edge off, CBD may be for you. That’s according to the owner, Mitchell Marriner.
“There’s a multitude of other cannabinoids that don’t have psychotropic effects such as CBD, CBG, CBN, just to name a few. All of which have medicinal purposes, but Delta 9 is the magic one with the high… CBG actually makes me feel very alert, overall well- being great mood. CBD kind of works behind the scenes you don’t have any immediate gratification.”
Cambridge Wine and Spirits is open Monday through Friday from 9:00 am to 10:00 pm and Sunday 10:00 am to 9:00 pm. Delmarva Home Grown is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm, and they close at 4:00pm on Thursdays.
STAYING SOBER
Speaking of Dry January, it might be hard for some to kick the habit of smoking or drinking.
Power Over Poison
Hudson Behavioral Health Admission Director Shiela Pullen says over the 26 years, she’s seen a lot of trends changes. Drugs were once the substance of choice, but since COVID, alcohol has become the household staple for some.
“I have seen the medical and the mental health help that marijuana gives, but there are people that are abusing it, using a lot more than they should and it’s causing them to not want to be productive…”
Activities Over Alcohol
She works with her patients to maintain their goal of staying sober, and says they need a bit more than will power. For those who can participate in “Dry January” she has a bit of advice, staying sober overall might be the right choice.
“Be social, don’t isolate, because that can lead to depression and more drinking, but pick clean and sober friends. People that are in recovery or just don’t drink. You may want to pick up some hobbies or activities. This may be a good time to read one of the books you got for Christmas.”
She adds exercise as other ways to combat addiction, and if you need any assistance, or you know someone struggling from drug or alcohol addition, please contact Hudson Behavioral Health at 410-219-9000 and select option 3.
It remains to be seen if more people will be purchasing buds or Budweiser, but officials say to use all substances, responsibly.
