If you’re someone who wants to stay fit and focused without having to leave the comfort of your home, then yoga may be the option for you. Practicing yoga regularly not only increases flexibility and builds strength – it also helps manage stress by quieting the chatter of the mind, allowing us to be more present, and deepening our mind-body connection, which can improve sleep and overall mental health. Yoga can also help reduce chronic pain, which is what initially got me onto the mat and, eventually, into becoming a teacher: I have slight scoliosis and two herniated discs in my spine, and yoga has definitely helped ease that pain and strengthen my body.
Over the years, I’ve seen an array of funky yoga trends: goat, nude, aerial, underwater, and even paddleboard yoga. One trend that’s not so funky, though, is Cannabis-infused yoga. Now, I’ve been a certified yoga instructor since 2004, but I’ve been a certified stoner my entire life, so you can believe me when I tell you that Cannabis and yoga are a very complimentary combination. In the past several years, tons of online and in-person classes, teacher trainings and wellness retreats offering Cannabis-enhanced yoga have popped up – including a few of my own (I provide yoga at all of my Higher Way Travel retreats and events, and often offer my yoga clients a Cannabis option before classes).
There are several ways to incorporate Cannabis into your yoga practice. A great place to start is to apply a topical to areas on your body that might need some extra love before starting your session. You can try one with a 1:1 ratio of THC to CBD or even a CBD-only topical if you prefer. You can always take a few hits from a joint before you hit the mat as well. Or you could enjoy an edible or infused beverage beforehand … that way, the high will kick in gradually as your practice progresses – making your savasana (the meditative relaxation time at the end of the session) extra sweet. And if you’re feeling the burn after your practice, an infused bath bomb is always a great way to soothe sore muscles.
Does some stoney yoga sound like an enjoyable experience to you? Consider the following for getting comfortable and further enhancing your time on the mat:
– If you want to see how you feel first, try an online ganja yoga class in the comfort of your own home before attending one in person.
– You may want to adjust the type and amount of Cannabis product you use, depending on what kind of yoga you choose to do. For beginners, I recommend sticking to basic classes like Hatha or Yin yoga – two styles where you move slowly and deliberately. Think lots of floor asanas (poses), hip openers, twists and stretches. A more vigorous vinyasa (flow) style class while high could result in dizziness, a racy heart, or feeling lightheaded (so dabs and Sun Salutations may not be the best combo!).
– Remember: It all depends on the person and their individual tolerance and fitness level – everyone is different. But regardless of what/how you choose to imbibe, always follow the classic rule of thumb to go low and slow. You can always add more, but you can’t add less.
While not for everyone, a regular regimen of Cannabis and yoga can help us deal with life’s problems, make better choices in what we consume (such as news, food, negativity, mids, etc.), and lead to a better relationship with yourself, your loved ones, and the Earth. Most importantly, though, combining yoga and Cannabis should be fun – so don’t take yourself too seriously and just go with your flow.
