Whether you’re someone who practices yoga regularly or a person who enjoys using cannabis, you may want to seriously consider combining the two. Both yoga and cannabis have long histories– evidence suggests that yoga has been practiced for more than 5,000 years. It is believed that humans have been using cannabis for at least 2,500 years. Both yoga and cannabis use can promote well-being and feelings of euphoria, so it is not surprising that many people experience great results when pairing yoga and cannabis together.
It is not necessary to be an experienced yoga practitioner or regular cannabis user in order to pair cannabis and yoga. Using cannabis while practicing yoga is something that even novices or beginners can do, either in yoga classes with other students or while practicing yoga at home. If you are brand new to practicing yoga, it is always a good idea to speak to your doctor first.
Connection Between Yoga and Cannabis Throughout History
Cannabis and yoga have a long history of being connected. In India, Shiva, one of the most important Hindu gods, is considered the Lord of Yoga and Ganja. Legend has it that Lord Shiva discovered cannabis and gave it to all of humanity. Many artistic depictions of Lord Shiva show him smoking cannabis and meditating.
Since yoga and the use of cannabis can create similar feelings of relaxation and well-being in people, it is not surprising that their pairing has been done for thousands of years. The practice of doing so has long been popular in India. In modern times, it is becoming increasingly popular around the globe as cannabis becomes legalized in more countries.
How Cannabis Enhances Yoga
Some forms of yoga provide a strenuous workout that strengthens muscles and increases heart rate. However, most people who practice yoga do not do it for physical health benefits alone. Since its inception, yoga is focused on creating a connection between the body and the mind. Ideally, practicing yoga regularly results in feeling both harmony and balance after each session.
One of the reasons that cannabis is one of the most popular recreational drugs in the world is because most people experienced pronounced relaxation and feelings of well-being when using it. While yoga aims to do the same thing, it can be difficult to create these feelings through yoga alone. For example, if you have had a bad day or are in a foul mood, you may not be able to relax when taking a yoga class or practicing at home. Combining cannabis and yoga makes it easier to unwind, focus on the mind-body connection, and experience complete relaxation that results in harmony and balance.
When you’re high on cannabis while doing yoga, you will most likely have an easier time focusing on clearing your mind of mundane thoughts. The right strain of cannabis can make it possible to forget about the stress of everyday life, so you can pay attention to how your body is moving through each pose while also allowing a strong mind-body connection.
What Cannabis to Use While Practicing Yoga
There are so many different strains of cannabis to choose from, so it is easy to become confused about which strain to use while practicing yoga. A good rule of thumb is to choose a strain that does not have an extremely high THC level, especially if you are not an experienced cannabis user. You want to feel the effects of cannabis while doing yoga. However, you don’t want a high that is so strong and overwhelming that it makes it difficult to concentrate or complete each pose. Many people opt to use hybrid strains when they want to pair cannabis and yoga.
Make sure that you plan accordingly when combining cannabis and yoga. If you are using edibles, you will need to consume them well in advance of your yoga class or when you plan to practice yoga at home. Smoking or vaping cannabis will make you high faster, so you can consume cannabis this way right before you begin yoga.
One of the keys for successfully pairing cannabis and yoga is paying attention to what strain of cannabis you’ll use, as well as the dosage. It is a good idea to try out different strains of cannabis to find one that produces a comfortable high before you begin practicing yoga while using cannabis. Then determine the right dosage for your body for the strain that works best for you.
Important Considerations When Combining Yoga and Cannabis
There are many forms of yoga that you can choose to practice. Some forms of yoga are much more physically intense than others. If you are interested in pairing yoga and cannabis, your best option is to start with slower forms of yoga. Yin and Hatha yoga are both good choices.
When doing yoga while under the influence of cannabis, it is essential to avoid pushing yourself too hard. This is important if you are new to practicing yoga and have no experience. Take things slow and skip any advanced poses that you don’t know how to do safely. Taking a cautious approach to doing yoga while using cannabis will prevent injuries and ensure that you have an enjoyable experience.
Conclusion
Yoga and cannabis go hand in hand, and more and more people are discovering how cannabis can enhance the practice of doing yoga. In fact, cannabis yoga classes are becoming popular at yoga studios as demand skyrockets. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced yoga enthusiast, it is also easy to partake in yoga while using cannabis at home since it is easy to find yoga instructional videos online.
If you are interested in pairing yoga and cannabis, take the time to find a cannabis strain that provides a comfortable, mellow high. Then, make sure that you opt for a slower form of yoga and do not push yourself physically. Instead, focus on the enhanced connection between your mind and body as you go through each pose.
