Cannabis And Meditation: Finding Inner Peace

While meditation has roots tracing back thousands of years, the use of cannabis in spiritual practices is equally ancient.

Cannabis is classified as one of the sacred plants in Atharva Veda, a Hindu holy scripture dating back to 2000 BCE¹.

Fast forward to 2024, both meditation and cannabis are gaining mainstream acceptance. More and more people are shifting to natural solutions to harmonize their mind and body.

If you love meditation and/or cannabis, you might be thinking about meditating while you’re high.

In theory, it looks great, the biggest hurdle in meditation is being able to relax physically and mentally. Cannabis is well-known for inducing deep relaxation and calmness.

But is there really something to this combination, or is it just another passing fad?

Let's dive into the facts and see what we're really dealing with.

What Is Cannabis?

Cannabis is a genus of flowering plants comprising three primary species: Cannabis sativa, Cannabis indica, and Cannabis ruderalis.

Cannabis plants have been used by humans for a very long time. We have grown it for food, fiber, medicine and even spiritual practices.

While each species offers unique characteristics and effects, they all share a common thread: the production of cannabinoids.

These cannabinoids, over 113 of which have been identified, are the active chemical compounds that interact with our body's endocannabinoid system (ECS), a vast network of receptors found throughout the brain and body.

The effects you feel from cannabis depend on a few things: the specific mix of cannabinoids, how much of each is present, and your own unique body chemistry. It's this complex interaction that creates the wide range of experiences people have with cannabis.

Some people experience euphoria, relaxation, and heightened sensory perception, while others report increased focus, creativity, or even introspection.

Being high is a different experience for everyone.

The effects depend on a multitude of factors, including the strain of cannabis, the individual's tolerance and sensitivity, and the set and setting of consumption.

The specific outcomes depend on factors such as:

• The particular cannabinoids and their concentrations
• The individual's physiology, tolerance, and sensitivity
• The strain of cannabis
• The context of consumption (set and setting)

Types of cannabis plant: Hemp & Marijuana

1. Hemp: Contains no more than 0.3% THC by dry weight. It's the source of most CBD products you see on the market.
2. Marijuana: Contains more than 0.3% THC and is what people typically think of when they hear "cannabis."

Both contain over 100 cannabinoids, the active compounds that interact with our body's endocannabinoid system. While THC and CBD are the most well-known, other cannabinoids are gaining attention for their unique properties:

Key Cannabinoids

• CBD (Cannabidol): Non-intoxicating and prized for its potential to reduce anxiety, inflammation, and pain. It won't get you high, which makes it appealing for daytime use or for those who want to avoid intoxication.
• THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol): the main intoxicating ingredient in cannabis. It is the cause of the "high" and has an impact on perception, mood, and thought processes.
• CBN (Cannabinol): Often formed when THC ages. CNB is being researched for its relaxing effects. Some people use it to help with sleep, though more studies are needed to confirm its efficacy.
• CBG (Cannabigerol): Showing promise for focus and natural energy enhancement.

Is Cannabis Legal?

The legality of cannabis is complex and varies significantly state by state.

Always check your local laws before using any cannabis products.

Hemp-derived products (?0.3% THC) became federally legal in the U.S. with the 2018 Farm Bill.

Marijuana (>0.3% THC) remains federally illegal but is legal in some states for medical or recreational use.

Medical marijuana programs typically cover conditions like:

• Chronic Pain
• Epilepsy
• PTSD
• Cancer-Related Symptoms

Always check your local laws before using any cannabis products.

How Cannabis Affects Meditation

The cannabinoids in cannabis plants interact with the body's endocannabinoid system (ECS) through its cannabinoids, which bind to CB1 and CB2 receptors throughout the body.

This interaction can influence various physiological processes, including mood, pain perception, appetite and more.

What does this mean for you?

Cannabis can help you relax your mind and body. Getting into a relaxed meditative state is not easy for everyone.

Sometimes we’re physically just uncomfortable and can’t relax no matter how hard we try. But physical relaxation alone isn’t enough for meditation.

If your mind is noisy and wandering around different thoughts like deadlines, family responsibilities, or the embarrassing thing you said in 8th grade.

This mental chatter can be a major obstacle to meditation. That's where cannabis can be helpful.

Many people report that it helps combat anxiousness, quiets the mind, eases racing thoughts and allows you to focus on the present moment.

It’s important to remember that these benefits are different for everyone.

CBD and Meditation

Since CBD doesn't get you high, it's a great option if you just want to relax and clear your mind. CBD is known for promoting a sense of calmness and easing any anxiety or physical tension that might be distracting you.

It's like hitting "mute" on those nagging worries, allowing you to truly sink into your meditation.

Potential benefits include:

• Physical relaxation
• Mental calmness

While CBD is generally well-tolerated, very high doses might induce mild drowsiness in some individuals. This effect is typically minimal compared to THC.

THC and Meditation

Anecdotal reports suggest that THC has helped people take their meditation sessions to the next level.

CBD doesn’t have any mind altering effects.

THC, on the other hand, does get you high, but also opens the door to a more expansive and introspective meditation experience.

Many people find that THC helps them tap into their creativity, visualize vivid imagery, and feel a profound sense of connection with the universe.

• Altered perception of time
• Increased sensory awareness
• Deeper introspection and new thought patterns

However, THC can also induce anxiety or racing thoughts, especially at higher doses. Products with a higher CBD:THC ratio may help mitigate these effects.

Is Cannabis Right For Meditation Practice?

The decision to incorporate cannabis into meditation is deeply personal. It’s not a question which can be answered by someone else as the experience of being high is unique for everyone.

While many report positive experiences, others can find it distracting or anxiety-inducing. It's important to note that negative effects are more likely at very high doses.

Our THC gummies, for example, have a 1:4 THC:CBD ratio, designed to provide a perfect experience. After years of research, we found that this ratio strikes the perfect balance.

Products with high CBD content can reduce the likelihood of any unwanted effects of THC.

Pros & Cons Of Meditating While High

Pros:

• Enhanced relaxation
• Pain management
• Better sleep
• Potential medical application

Cons:

• Difficulty concentrating
• Increased anxiety (especially with high-THC low-CBD products)
• Respiratory issues (if smoked)

Mindful Cannabis Consumption for Meditation

Creating a chill and comfy space is key for any meditation, but even more so when you're adding cannabis to the mix. Find a quiet spot where you won't be interrupted, and make it your own little sanctuary.

Dim the lights, put on some relaxing music or nature sounds, and adjust the temperature so you're cozy.

The goal is to create an atmosphere that helps you unwind and focus inward.

How you integrate cannabis into your meditation is going to be unique for you.

Some people can drift into a flow state easily right after consuming cannabis, others might find it too overwhelming.

Timing and method of consumption are the most important things when it comes to combining meditation and cannabis.

Everyone reacts differently, so it's all about finding what works for you.

• Edibles: Edibles are a discreet and convenient option, but they can take a while to kick in – anywhere from 30 minutes to 1.5 hours. So, if you're planning to use edibles, make sure to give yourself plenty of time before you start meditating. (or use Cannovia's THC Gummies for quicker onset).
• Smoking or Vaping: If you want to feel the effects faster, smoking or vaping are good choices. You'll usually start feeling them within minutes, giving you more flexibility in timing your meditation session.
• Tinctures: Tinctures are another option for faster onset of effects, typically felt within 15-30 minutes.

We discourage smoking and/or vaping as it can lead to many health complications. Gummies and tinctures are a far healthier option as our lungs are not made to inhale smoke.

Three Ways to Combine Cannabis & Meditation

There are a few different ways to incorporate cannabis into your meditation practice, and the timing will vary depending on your chosen consumption method:

• Before:
  • Edibles: Consume 30-60 minutes before your session to allow the effects to fully settle in.
  • Smoking or Vaping: Take a few puffs immediately before starting your session for a quick onset of effects.
  • Tinctures: Consider consuming 15-30 minutes beforehand to experience the effects as you begin your meditation
• During: Some people like to microdose a tiny amount during meditation. This can subtly enhance your focus and awareness. But be careful – too much can be distracting! This method is generally more suitable for vaping or tinctures, as the effects can be more easily controlled.
• After: Enjoying some cannabis after your meditation can help extend that sense of calm and peacefulness. This is a nice way to transition back into your day. Any consumption method can be appropriate here, depending on your personal preference.

It’s usually advised not to wait too long after taking cannabis if you prefer smoking/vaping as it can make it harder for people to be able to feel the full effects during meditation.

Dosage & strain selection

• Start low and go slow: Begin with a minimal dose and gradually increase to suit your needs.
• Experiment with different strains: Indica-dominant strains are often preferred for relaxation, while balanced hybrids may offer a mix of calm and mental creativity.
• Keep a journal: Record your experiences with different strains to track their effects and so you can further personalize your cannabis experience.

Top Strains For Meditation

• ACDC is a cannabis strain that's known for having a lot of CBD. CBD can help you to feel relaxed without getting high.
• Granddaddy Purple is a type of cannabis that's mostly indica. Indica strains are often used to help you feel relaxed and sleepy.
• Jack Herer is a mix of indica and sativa, which means it has a bit of both types. This strain can help you to feel creative and focused.
• Northern Lights is a classic type of indica that's often used to help people feel relaxed and calm.

FAQS

Can you meditate while high on weed?

Yes, you can meditate while using cannabis.

Will cannabis make me too sleepy to meditate effectively?

Cannabis may make you feel sleepy, particularly if you use strains high in THC or indica varieties

How long should I wait after consuming cannabis before meditating?

It really depends on how you’re consuming it. Generally, wait for 30-60 mins after edibles to start meditation. With smoking, you can take it and feel the effects almost immediately and get in that state.

Conclusion

Cannabis and meditation is a unique duo for self-exploration.

While some find it deepens their practice, others prefer to keep the two separate. Listen to your body, start slowly, and be mindful of how cannabis affects your meditation experience.

Remember, the goal is to enhance your journey inward, not to become dependent on any substance for spiritual growth.

References

1. Morningstar P. J. (1985). Thandai and chilam: traditional Hindu beliefs about the proper uses of Cannabis. Journal of psychoactive drugs, 17(3), 141–165. https://doi.org/10.1080/02791072.1985.10472336 ↩︎