When I first saw the advertisement for a local “Lifted Yoga” session I immediately contacted them! Consuming cannabis while stretching has been one of my favorite ways to relax and unwind for a while now and I’m excited to see the pairing of cannabis and yoga becoming mainstream, especially locally!. Why is this so exciting?
First of all, both cannabis and yoga have roots in the ancient middle east. The fact that they’ve both maintained popularity speaks volumes about their benefits to our overall well being.
Yoga is a holistic practice meaning it encompasses our physical, mental and spiritual health. Its origins can be traced back to ancient India, but began gaining popularity in the United States during the 1960’s. Modern yoga includes various styles, each emphasizing different aspects of the practice. Vinyasa yoga, often called “Flow Yoga”, focuses on continuous movement. Hatha yoga emphasizes breathwork and alignment. Yin yoga is more meditative with gentle stretches, typically held for extended periods of time.
You may also see more current variations such as Hot Yoga, Bikram Yoga, and combinations of yoga with pilates at your local gym or yoga studio. Studies show that all types (and exercise in general) release endocannabinoids into our bloodstream and integrate with the parts of our brain that control fear, anxiety, and stress. When endocannabinoids stimulate the receptors in the brain, they help calm us, soothe us, and provide an overall sense of well being.
Regardless of the type of yoga you choose, the benefits of combining cannabis and yoga include:
Increased relaxation
If you’re a cannabis lover you know the feelings of calm and relaxation our favorite strains can provide. Similarly, yoga uses breathwork and movement to promote calm and relaxation. Proponents say the union of these two brings the ultimate sense of overall tranquility.
By reducing our stress and anxiety, we can sink into deeper relaxation during yoga. I personally find that consuming cannabis before any movement allows my mind to focus more on the task at hand by quieting down the “background noise” in my mind.
Certain strains of CBD and THC have muscle relaxant properties. Using these and reducing tension in the muscles allows for more range of motion and deeper stretching. Edibles and inhalation bring both muscle and cerebral relaxation. Adding topicals on tight muscles brings localized relief.
Since both cannabis and yoga have stress-reducing properties, combining the two may amplify the stress-relieving benefits of each. I recommend this for individuals looking to unwind, release tension, and experience unmatched calmness.
Enhanced mindfulness
Cannabis enhances a mind-body connection, heightening our awareness of physical sensations. This allows us to tune into our body and connect more deeply with our breath, yoga poses and flow of movement. It also allows us to be fully present in our practice, creating a deeper bond physically, emotionally and spiritually.
Certain strains induce a meditative-like state, although it takes some experimenting to determine your preferred meditative conditions. The calm and focused mind from cannabis enhances our experience of meditation during yoga practice, quieting the “mental chatter” that sometimes distracts us from a deep meditative state.
Pain relief
Pain and discomfort can keep you from enjoying your yoga practice and consistent daily movement. Both CBD and THC (and especially the combination of both!) can alleviate this with their pain relieving properties. Certain cannabinoids and terpenes (like Beta-Caryophelle) are known for their analgesic properties that can be as effective as prescription painkillers.
Easing pain can make an enormous difference in your yoga practice because you’ll be able to deepen stretches and have better range of motion. When pain limits our movement it can create further tightness or lead to compensations, essentially worsening the problem. Have you ever noticed that when you have back pain, your gait changes and sometimes you end up noticing discomfort in other areas like your legs, hips, feet or shoulder? The absence of pain means fewer restrictions overall and less risk of injury.
Considerations
There are only a few, but keep in mind these safety concerns when combining yoga and cannabis:
- While THC can enhance mindfulness, it’s also intoxicating. Therefore, it’s important to listen to your body and not accidentally overextend or over exert. I recommend spending time in yoga practice familiarizing yourself with the movements, postures and getting acquainted with how your body responds before combining it with cannabis. Then you can fully embrace the union of the two.
- Too much THC can worsen anxiety in some people. I recommend using a dosage you’re familiar and comfortable with when performing any physical activity. Spend some time exploring how different strains and terpenes affect you before attempting any physical activity under the influence.
- Dehydration is a risk when performing any physical activity and yoga is no exception. Combined with the dry mouth some people experience, it’s important to stay hydrated before, during and after practice.
- Since smoking creates a unique aroma it might not be appreciated at your gym or yoga studio. Consider consuming with a vaporizer or before practice begins if you’re sharing space with others.
Popular Strains
Selecting your strain to pair with yoga depends largely on the type of yoga you’re practicing. For Vinyansa or “Flow” yoga, you may want an energizing sativa strain or look for the terpene limonene. For more restorative yoga, an indica strain or the terpene myrcene is probably going to be more appropriate. Everyone’s body responds differently to cannabis so it may take some trial and error to determine which you prefer for various activities.
Pro Tip: Track your usage to remember which strains, terpenes and dosages are most effective for your practice!
Also, keep in mind a lower dose might be optimal since yoga practice naturally heightens awareness and promotes euphoria similar to cannabis. Therefore you may not need as much cannabis to enjoy the meditative and relaxation benefits.
Vinyasa: Blue Dream, White Widow, Super Lemon Haze, Durban Poison, Sour Diesel, Amnesia Haze, Train Wreck, Pineapple Express
Hatha: Granddaddy Purple, Northern Lights, Blue Mystic, Hindu Kush, Lemon Creamsicle
If you’re consuming via edible or tincture, be sure to allow time for them to kick in before your practice. Whereas if you’re smoking, effects are generally immediate.
The combination of cannabis and yoga offers a unique and exciting way that allows you to explore your yoga practice with fewer mental and physical barriers, ultimately enhancing our overall well-being.
If you’re interested in more personalized or want to explore further, feel free to reach out to me directly at Beth@Cannafitnessnutrition.com. You can discover more about my comprehensive 12 week program, CannaFit, which helps you integrate cannabis into your fitness and nutrition for optimal wellness at www.cannafitnessnutrition.com.
