Kava Stories - Ep. 1

When and how did you discover kava? 

I was doing research about 14 years ago on different plants and their effects and came across kava. It intrigued me a lot and I really wanted to try it, but it was not something you could get locally, and I either couldn’t find it online or did not feel comfortable getting it online. This would have been in 2010. I did not actually try kava for the first time until late 2022. I came to Ohana Kava Bar and got a Kraken to go and some Taste of Paste. I was worried about the effects originally and wanted to try it at home. Someone had recommended I go to Ohana Kava Bar and several months later I was wanting something like alcohol but did not want to drink. 

How has kava impacted your life? 

Kava has impacted my life in many ways. The main one is that I prefer it over alcohol because its effects are profound but not debilitating. Alcohol is troublesome, and I think one of my greatest accomplishments has been releasing myself from the hold alcohol had on me. I feel like I will live longer and happier. Being able to effectively cut alcohol out for something that is better has been great. My favorite part about kava is that I remember everything, it doesn’t limit my cognitive abilities, and I still get the social lubricant that I would with alcohol. Also, I can enjoy kava while I am working on things in a way I never could do with alcohol. I really like to make work more enjoyable, and used to drink alcohol while working, but now I drink kava and it’s so much better.

How has Ohana Kava Bar impacted you on your kava journey?

Ohana Kava Bar technically started my kava journey because that was where I bought my first kava products. What I appreciate about Ohana is the sense of community, and respect everyone has for each other and the bar. The kava tenders are very knowledgable – I still remember my first time in and hearing so much information that helped me make my decision to get a Kraken and the Taste of Paste. I have been to a few other kava bars in Colorado and each one knows about Ohana and speak of them highly. I went a lot to a kava bar in Boulder and one in Longmont on two different work trips and they all have a lot of good things to say. From what I understand the Kraken is somewhat legendary, and I can understand why. 

How would you rate the positivity of your experience with kava?

5/5 

Any additional comments or thoughts?

I am kind of surprised that kava is not more popular. I feel like people are just reluctant to try something new or unknown.