For many, fall represents a return to routine and busy schedules. As we ready ourselves for the change in seasons and colder weather, we might notice negative feelings of stress, worry, dread or even sadness — and that’s perfectly normal. If you need to reset and unwind, yoga is one form of self-care that can help.
Yoga has proven benefits for stress relief, mental health, reducing anxiety, and of course, physical benefits like flexibility, balance and strength. But even if you’re a seasoned yogi, you might not know that cannabis can be used to enhance your yoga experience. Yes, really! If you want to learn more, you’re in luck: we have everything you need to know to integrate your favorite canna-products into your yoga routine
Why it works
If you’ve ever practiced yoga, you might have noticed that you experienced a “high” or feeling of bliss afterward. It wasn’t your imagination: ongoing research suggests that the response may be linked to the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS), the same system that interacts with cannabinoids like THC and CBD when you consume cannabis.
The endocannabinoid system has many roles, but most importantly, works to maintain homeostasis through neurotransmitters called endocannabinoids, which communicate with receptors throughout your body. Some scientists have hypothesized that yoga helps to stimulate one of the key receptors, CB1, therefore producing cannabis-like effects — such as boosting your mood, producing feelings of relaxation, and yes, overall bliss!
A shared history
The connection between yoga and cannabis isn’t a new revelation, by any means. In fact, you could call it ancient! Researchers say that the practice of yoga goes back to Hindu texts called the Vedas, at least 5,000 years. In the same texts, cannabis is referenced as a sacred plant. Cannabis-enhanced yoga and other spiritual practices have been used in South Asia ever since.
Benefits of combining cannabis and yoga
There are several reasons why you might consider adding cannabis to your yoga routine, including the following:
- Sensory awareness
Both yoga and cannabis can heighten our sensory perception, allowing you to feel more in tune with your body and your environment.
- Pain relief
If you experience soreness or muscle pain during yoga, cannabis could help alleviate the pain and enable you to practice more comfortably. It can also be used to reduce muscle cramps after exercising.
- Anxiety and stress reduction
Being in the right headspace can be key to your yoga experience. If you’re feeling anxious or daily stressors are getting in the way, cannabis can help calm your racing thoughts to be present and focus on your routine.
Tips for the best “cannabis yoga” experience
- Try a lower dose.
When trying any new activity with cannabis (especially a physical one), it’s best to start with a small amount first to see how your body responds. Once you’ve tried it, you can always work your way up, bit by bit, to find the dose that works for you!
- Consider slower routines.
Remember: cannabis does alter your mental state, so it’s important to let your body adjust to the effects while posing. Hatha yoga, yin yoga or restorative yoga are slower-paced choices focused on relaxation, which may be good fits for integrating cannabis into your routine.
- Don’t forget to drink water!
Cannabis use can be dehydrating, and remember, you’re exercising! So bring plenty of water and remember to stay hydrated at all times.
- Find the right products for the experience.
If you’re a regular cannabis user, you know that some strains can be energy-boosting, while others can be more mellow and calming. For yoga, you’ll want the latter. Plus, it doesn’t hurt to try a strain that soothes muscle pain while you’re at it. Here’s a selection of products straight from our shelves at Full Harvest Moonz that we’d recommend for yoga.
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- Arnica Balm (topical): 250 mg, 1:1 THC/CBD – Haverhill
- Purist Drops (tincture): 300 mg THC/300 mg CBD – Haverhill
- Ache Away Eddies (fruit chews): 50mg THC/200mg CBD/50mg CBC – Lowell
- Wynk™ THC & Seltzer Lime Twist (microdosed seltzer): 5mg CBD/5mg THC – Lowell
Want to keep searching? View our Haverhill or Lowell dispensary menus to find the products that you’re looking for, or contact us for more info. We’re here to help with whatever you need!
