I test supplements for a living — this CBD is the only thing selling me on ‘Sober October’

’Tis the season for pumpkin spice everything and suspiciously empty liquor drawers.

Apparently, “Sober October” is in full swing, which means thousands of social media users are pledging to cut back on booze through the spooky season.

The sobriety challenge, aimed at promoting healthier living, has sparked all kinds of viral posts; from people bragging about their “sleepy girl mocktails” to others swearing by more natural stress relief hacks (queue the sound baths and sauna sessions).

And then there is the other proposition: going California Sober, aka abstaining from addictive substances, besides marijuana and CBD. California sober isn’t realistic for everyone. Personally, I work a 9-to-5 and have a toddler, which means I need to be alert, functional, and semi-sane at all times.

My schedule is chaotic — from the moment my toddler waddles out of bed at 6:00 a.m., to the mad dash for the subway through midtown Manhattan, to squeezing in a desperate 30-minute workout before collapsing into bed after a long day of work. Basically, there’s barely any room to breathe.

But, I have found one thing that helps take the edge off: Tribe Tokes CBD gummies.

When I first heard about the “clean cannabis” company, I was skeptical but curious. As a health and wellness writer, I can appreciate the concept of CBD products that are grown without the use of synthetic pesticides, harmful chemicals, or toxins. But I’m also picky about the type of CBD I’m taking.

Tribe Trokes products are all lab-tested and designed to fit different needs, from sleep to pain relief, to party time and my personal favorite — stress support. The company also offers completely THC-free products. If you read the fine print, some full-spectrum CBD products can contain trace amounts of THC.

For me, that was the biggest selling point. Tribe Tokes offers a way to relieve stress without relying on any addictive substances. And for anyone participating in any form of Sober October or California Sober, it could be their missing piece, too.

When I started scrolling through reviews on the site, I was shocked to see how many people were buying these gummies on repeat, claiming that they’re “the perfect dose.” The only real complaint I found was that some people had to stop themselves from eating too many at once because they tasted that good.

When I first saw the Tribe Tokes gummies, I immediately thought of a Sugarfina candy box (which may or may not be a good thing). Fortunately, every gummy order is delivered in a reusable, childproof bag. Storing in a cool, dry space away from pets and kiddos is also recommended.

You can tell these are no back-of-the-bodega sketchy finds; they’re beautifully packaged, appropriately labeled, and directions of use are crystal clear. For more curious minds, there’s also an FAQ section on the website. The best protocol: begin with one gummy and see how you feel. It can take up to two hours for the full effects to kick in, and everyone reacts differently.

On first taste, I started to understand what everyone was talking about. These gummies are soft, chewy, and perfectly sweet with a tangy kick. You can actually detect the natural berry flavors from Mother Nature — and see it in the rich colors. It’s honestly hard to believe they only have two grams of sugar, because they’re that delicious.

Within about 30 minutes, I could feel them working. A lot of people assume a completely THC-free option won’t be as effective as full-spectrum CBD, but I was honestly blown away by how much these gummies helped me unwind. According to the brand, the difference between THC and CBD is like the “difference between a warm bath and a wild roller coaster ride,” and I couldn’t agree more.

A couple of hours after taking a Tribe Tokes gummy, the stress of the day begins melting away. No jitters, no crash — just calm. I’d recommend them to anyone dealing with tension, physical or mental, because that tight, restless feeling quickly gives way to full-body relaxation once you take one.

Final Thoughts

In my line of work, I’ve tried it all: CBD, mushroom coffee, protein powders, prebiotic sodas, parasite cleanses, and more funky-tasting elixirs than I can remember (most of which I still couldn’t tell you exactly what they are supposed to do).

Still, I’m always open to anything that helps me unwind without wrecking me the next day, and that’s exactly what Tribe Tokes delivers. These CBD gummies aren’t a miracle cure or a ticket to another universe, but they do make me feel like I’ve just woken up from a refreshing nap or a spa treatment — relaxed, clear, and completely reset.

There can be a few mild side effects. A bit of drowsiness isn’t uncommon, and changes in appetite can happen, too. As with any supplement, it’s smart to talk to your physician before starting, since CBD can interact with certain medications. Personally, I didn’t experience any unwanted side effects.

And the best part, in my opinion? No hangover the next day. I didn’t exactly expect a CBD gummy to be the thing that actually sold me on Sober October, but now I understand how a little bit of cannabidiol could make a huge difference for anyone trying to cut back on other, more harmful substances.

This article was written by Miska Salemann, New York Post Commerce Writer/Reporter. As a health-forward member of Gen Z, Miska seeks out experts to weigh in on the benefits, safety and designs of both trending and tried-and-true fitness equipment, workout clothing, dietary supplements and more. Taking matters into her own hands, Miska intrepidly tests wellness products, ranging from Bryan Johnson’s Blueprint Longevity Mix to home gym elliptical machines to Jennifer Aniston’s favorite workout platform – often with her adorable one-year old daughter by her side. Before joining The Post, Miska covered lifestyle and consumer topics for the U.S. Sun and The Cannon Beach Gazette.