By Rebecca Olmos
I’ve been a long-time enthusiast of combining cannabis and yoga – so much so that it was even the topic of my very first published article as a writer. The piece featured a local yoga instructor leading infused classes in Oakland, CA.
In addition to my time behind the counter as a budtender, these unique infused yoga experiences shed light on the larger community of like-minded individuals. I had partaken in cannabis and mindful movement in the privacy of my home, but taking it into a public space with other yogis showed me that this profoundly tranquil venture is one that many people enjoy regularly. Not only in my local community but all over the world. One study found that yoga is one of the top three workout activities individuals like to do while consuming cannabis.
People add topicals, edibles, tinctures, and other traditional consumption methods to their practice for several reasons. Below, I have listed my top five most notable ways I feel that cannabis enhances mine, as well as many others’ yoga practices.
1. Unwinding your body
Coming into a yoga class, my body is usually tight and wound up from hours spent driving in the car, playing with my 90-pound dog, or hunched over my computer. Yoga poses on their own can help the body relax and loosen up, but taking a 5 or 10mg edible 30 minutes before a session allows the muscles to loosen more deeply. It can become easier to settle into the sensations of the stretches to get the most out of each one.
I have a preference for high THC for my pre-workout consumption, but CBD and other cannabinoids can also help unwind the body.
2. Calming your mind
Photo by Conscious Design on Unsplash
Heightened mindfulness is my favorite part of combining cannabis and yoga. Yoga is slow and intentional and usually encompasses some form of meditation. Whether on the mat for 15 minutes or 60, the guided poses help you move intentionally.
Adding cannabis to this practice eases you into the right head space. Without it, it can be easy to be distracted by random daily worries. Studies show that cannabis’ ability to calm the mind is due to its interaction with the CB1 receptors of the body’s endocannabinoid system. On days when you need extra mental calmness, I've found that a good 1:1 THC-CBD ratio can be the perfect ratio to help balance your mind and body out.
3. Facilitating recovery
Photo by Chelsea shapouri on Unsplash
Applying topicals to my body before or after practice helps me target areas more susceptible to pain or post-workout soreness. I like to put a generous amount on my shoulders that can be unnecessarily tight due to previous injuries.
Cannabis is commonly known to help reduce pain. One study of athletes found that products high in THC or CBD can be helpful for symptoms related to post-workout recovery. The great part about topicals is that you can apply as much as you want, and it won’t cause any psychoactive effects, but you can still feel the physical benefits.
4. Elevating your mood
One of the main effects of cannabis consumption is an elevated mood, which is exactly what I need since I’m not one of those people who look forward to working out, even though I found the style of workout I enjoy the most.
It can be hard to get into the workout spirit when you're bogged down about daily to-dos and other life stressors before arriving to the mat.Taking a few puffs off a vape pen or preroll before starting your practice may help shake off any bad or stressful energy you’re carrying. It helps to take a moment to inhale, exhale, let go and start your practice in good spirits.
5. Fostering your flow
I’ve learned to enjoy yoga because it can be guided in a group setting or solo, but I can very easily make it my own flow. Once the mind and body effects from the cannabis settle in, you may be better suited to effortlessly feel where your body needs more breath or when to give it more space.
Combining a relaxed body and calm mind is ideal for the yoga experience. Transitioning from pose to pose is easier, and once you get to the final pose of Savasana, you can be at the pinnacle of feeling stress-free and unwound.
The best methods to start your cannabis and yoga experience
All of the effects of cannabis can be beneficial when practicing yoga. How to best achieve them is unique to you. While some may suggest specific products and cultivars, I’ll remind you that what’s suitable for someone else may not suit you. If you’re new to combining cannabis and yoga, start with small doses. If you’re more experienced with cannabis but new to adding it to yoga, try a product or cultivar you know makes you feel good, and then adjust or change it as you see fit.
To learn more about what cannabis products may be helpful for your needs, check out the rest of TokeAI’s blog posts and follow TokeAI on Instagram to get notified when a new one is posted.
SUBMIT YOUR COMMENT