Dry January, New Intentions: How Cannabis Can Be a Kinder Swap

By Chris Buske, Wonders of Nature

Dry January is less about deprivation and more about curiosity—asking how we want to feel, connect, and show up in the new year. In Wisconsin, where raising a glass is part of our social fabric, choosing not to drink can feel countercultural. This isn’t a judgment of alcohol or those who enjoy it in moderation. Think of it as an invitation to a softer and gentler option that works with your wellness goals—THC, used thoughtfully.

Approached with trusted, quality products and mindful dosing, cannabis can be both safer than alcohol and genuinely supportive. Alcohol often “turns down the volume” on our inner experience—which can be welcome after a hard day—but it can also bring next-day fog, disrupted sleep, and a cycle of stress relief that doesn’t always move us forward. Cannabis, by contrast, can help many people unwind without those same downsides. With the right product and dose, THC may support relaxation, more easeful sleep, creative focus, or relief from everyday tension—while encouraging a kinder stance toward ourselves and others.

There isn’t a single “right” or “wrong” way to approach cannabis—each of us responds differently, and the goal is to develop your own thoughtful relationship with the plant. At Wonders of Nature, we’re here to educate and guide that process, helping you experiment with intention and confidence. Education means understanding how much to use (start low, go slow), when to use (match timing to your goals), and what form to use (from infused sodas and edibles to flower, vapes, or topicals), along with the cannabinoid and terpene profiles that fit your aims. Respecting cannabis as the energetic plant it is means treating it like a tool, not a crutch—something that can open perspective rather than help us look away. 

Dry January pairs perfectly with intention-setting. Try replacing the “end-of-day drink” with a measured THC option and notice what shifts: 

- Am I sleeping more restoratively? 

- Do conversations feel warmer? 

- Do stressful moments feel more workable? 

Small experiments can lead to big clarity. 

At Wonders of Nature, located at 416 S Barstow Street in Downtown Eau Claire, we offer a range of cannabis products to meet different comfort levels, with a special focus on our new THC-infused sodas—crafted to be clean, approachable, and delicious. They’re available in-store and are beginning to appear at local bars and restaurants, giving you a non-alcohol option for a night out or a cozy evening in.

If you’re curious about a more intentional start to the year, we’re here to guide you—no judgment, just knowledge and care. You’ve tried the rest… now discover the Wonders of Nature. (21+ only; please consume responsibly.)