When we mention weed, the only thing some people think is, “oh, that substance gets you high!” But is that all? Of course not. If you have been around for so long, you already know that weed helps to relieve stress and anxiety. But, weed isn’t the only thing that helps reduce these uncomfortable feelings; meditation is also an excellent stress-relief practice. Close your eyes and imagine what effects combining weed and meditation would have. Now, open your eyes, and let’s find out.
The History of Meditation
The exact origin of meditation is unclear, but historians tell us that meditation dates back thousands of years ago in India, specifically 500 BC. Around 400 BC, the Hindu scholar started writing different texts of The Yoga Sutras. During this period, they saw meditation as the eighth of the nine steps of yoga.
Historians also tell us that meditation in the West began with Buddhism in the 18th century. A significant milestone in the history of meditation was 1922, when Siddhartha, a book about Buddha’s spiritual journey of self-discovery, was published. The massive impact of meditation on health and general wellbeing from that time remains to date. Little wonder meditation remains one of the oldest and most commonly used techniques for enhanced mental and emotional stability.
Is There a Relationship Between Weed and Meditation?
On its own, meditation helps to reduce stress and anxiety while also improving overall health. On the same note, marijuana also enables you to reduce stress and anxiety. So, is there a relationship between weed and meditation?
Yes, we believe so. The relationship between weed and marijuana is such that each can exist without the other but can produce better results when combined. In recognition of how well weed can help meditation, certain religious sects, such as the Buddhists and the Shaivites have introduced weed into their meditation rituals. They believe that there is a relationship between both that can bring about increased awareness.
How Weed Affects the Brain
Marijuana, commonly referred to as weed, has a significant impact on brain function, primarily due to its active components, including tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). These compounds interact with the brain in various ways, leading to both short-term and potential long-term effects.
CBD in Anxiety Reduction
One of the most notable impacts of weed, specifically its CBD component, is its effect on anxiety-related behaviors. Research published in the journal “Neurotherapeutics” highlights that CBD has been found effective in reducing anxiety behaviors associated with a range of disorders.
This includes post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), panic disorder (PD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and social anxiety disorder (SAD). The study suggests that CBD exerts its effects by interacting with the brain’s serotonin receptors, which play a key role in mood regulation and anxiety.
Acute Changes in Cerebral Blood Flow
Another crucial aspect of how weed affects the brain is its impact on cerebral blood flow. A study referenced in PubMed reveals that smoking marijuana leads to acute changes in cerebral blood flow. This alteration in blood flow can have various implications, including the potential to affect cognitive functions and mood states.
The change in cerebral blood flow is particularly relevant when considering practices like meditation. Meditation is known to induce relaxation and changes in brain activity. The alterations in cerebral blood flow caused by marijuana use might mimic or enhance certain aspects of the meditative state, potentially leading to a heightened sense of relaxation or altered consciousness.
However, it’s important to note that the effects of marijuana on cerebral blood flow are complex and can vary significantly between individuals, depending on factors like the specific strain of marijuana used and the individual’s unique brain chemistry.
The Effects of Smoking Weed Before Meditating
Smoking weed before you meditate helps to increase your consciousness. Weed is known to help elevate your mind and keep you relaxed, so what is a better combination for a great meditation session than this?
Getting your body into a relaxed state is not something that comes easy for some people. Even when you are physically ready to meditate, you still find your mind wandering to different thoughts, such as those bills, work deliverables, etc. However, smoking weed could help achieve a level of quietness in your mind and keep you relaxed, thus allowing you to get the best result from your meditation.
Generally, the effects of smoking weed before meditating vary for people. While it helps some relax their body, it helps keep the minds quiet for others. Combining weed with meditation for others could help them gain insight while it would help some others connect with their spiritual side.
How to Use Weed and Meditation to Clear the Mind
You can use weed and meditation to clear your mind differently – there is no hard and fast rule. However, there are certain things we suggest that you consider when using weed and meditation to clear your mind. One of these is choosing the right strain. If you have been consuming weed for a while, you already know what strain helps you relax and which ones keep you energized. Needless to say, you should use the relaxing strain when you want to clear your mind and meditate.
Also, if you are new to meditation, you may want to practice meditation on its own without consuming weed. Consequently, you may realize that you don’t even need weed to reach a state of quietness in your mind, and meditation alone is sufficient for you.
Steps to Meditating with Weed
Combining weed with meditation can offer a unique experience, particularly for those exploring this synergy for the first time. Below are suggested steps for beginners to safely and effectively integrate these practices:
Find a Quiet Space
Choose a room where you can be undisturbed for about 20 minutes. This space should feel safe and comfortable, free from external distractions.
Get Comfortable
Settle into a comfortable position. This could be sitting on the floor, a chair, or lying down on a bed. The key is to ensure that your position is sustainable and relaxing for the duration of your meditation.
Decide on Timing for Smoking Weed:
- Before Meditation: If you choose to smoke weed before starting your meditation, do so 10 to 15 minutes beforehand. This allows time for the effects to begin, setting a conducive state for meditation.
- During Meditation: If you prefer to smoke while meditating, start your session with a few minutes of deep breathing to relax. Then, take your first smoke and continue meditating. After a few minutes, you can take a second dose if desired. This method allows a gradual integration of the weed’s effects with your meditative state.
- Begin Meditation: Once you’re in a comfortable position and have decided on your smoking timing, start focusing on your breath or any other meditation technique you prefer. The goal is to gently guide your attention away from external stimuli and towards a state of internal awareness.
Conclude the Session
To end your meditation, slowly open your eyes. Spend a minute in silence, allowing yourself to transition out of the meditative state. This brief period helps in reorienting to your surroundings and ensures a smooth transition from the meditative experience.
Remember, the experience of meditating with weed can vary greatly from person to person. It’s important to start with a low dose, especially if you’re new to this practice or to using weed.
Always consider your comfort and safety, and if possible, discuss with a healthcare provider before combining meditation with weed, especially if you have any health concerns or are taking other medications.
Benefits of Cannabis and Meditation
The combination of cannabis and meditation can offer a range of benefits, although it’s important to note that these can vary from person to person. Individual experiences may differ based on factors like personal tolerance, the type of cannabis used, and one’s familiarity with meditation. Here are some of the potential benefits that users might experience:
- Helps Achieve a Deeper State of Relaxation and Focus
Cannabis can potentially enhance the meditative state by deepening relaxation and improving focus. This can make it easier to let go of distracting thoughts and immerse more fully in the meditative experience. - Reduces Anxiety, Promoting Calm and Relaxation
One of the well-documented effects of certain strains of cannabis, especially those high in CBD, is their ability to reduce anxiety. This can be particularly beneficial in meditation, helping to create a more tranquil and relaxed state of mind. - Increases Creativity and Enhances Sensory Experiences
Some users report that cannabis enhances their creativity and heightens sensory perceptions. This can add a layer of richness to the meditation experience, making it more vivid and engaging. - Can Make Meditation Activities Feel More Rewarding
The combination of cannabis and meditation might lead to a more enjoyable and rewarding experience. This could encourage more consistent practice, enhancing the long-term benefits of meditation. - Allows for Greater Inner Peace and Ability to Stay in the Moment
Cannabis may assist in cultivating a sense of inner peace and an enhanced ability to be present in the moment. This aspect is central to many meditation practices and can contribute to greater overall well-being.
Beginners should start with lower doses and be aware of the legal and health considerations surrounding cannabis use in their area. As with any wellness practice, personal experiences may vary, and what works for one person may not work for another.
Remember: Weed and Meditation Might Not Be For Everyone
Please note that weed and meditation aren’t for everyone – it all depends on your body. Some people use weed before meditating, and there is no change in their meditation experience, while others get into a quiet and relaxed mode when they use weed before meditating. The best way to know what category you fall into is by trying out both methods: use weed before meditating, and meditate without using weed on another occasion. That will help you to understand the difference in your experiences and decide what works for you.
Finding What Works for You Through Elevate Holistics
That’s pretty much everything about the connection between weed and meditation. A critical factor for using weed before meditating is getting the strain right. You can choose to try out different strains and see what works for you, but you can also speak with professionals to make the process of finding what works even faster. Ready to find out? Elevate Holistics is here to help you make an educated choice effortlessly.
If you’re interested in getting your medical marijuana card online, just click the button below to get started. Our MMJ program is hassle-free, straightforward, and done right from the comfort of your home.
