Have you been feeling stuck in a bit of a rut lately and wanting to mix things up?
Have you been looking to spend less time on your phone and re-watching everything on Netflix for the third time?
Maybe you've been working on your mental, physical and spiritual health and looking for ways to use cannabis mindfully?
Whether your just looking for some fun activities to do while high or looking to live a more mindful life here's a fun list of activities you can do while elevated (or not!) that can help relieve stress, anxiety, and support you in living a more thoughtful and fulfilling life.
DISCLAIMER: I am not a medical practitioner and am not promoting that any herbs will "cure" you. I do not recommend Smoking or ingesting herbs to replace medical treatments and always suggest speaking to your doctor first before starting any "treatments". It is very important you do proper research to see if you can smoke a certain herb as they can interact with medication and/or may be allergic to some herbs. If at any point you do feel sick inhaling smoke cease use of it immediately. Do not smoke if you are pregnant/breastfeeding or operating heavy equipment.
1. Marry Maryjane and Meditation: Using Cannabis Mindfully
Many strains of Cannabis can have an uplifting side effect which can help with focus and being more mindful and in the moment. When first starting out learning how to meditate I struggled to quiet the mind or letting go of ruminating thoughts. Pairing cannabis with your meditation sessions can support slowing down thoughts and let the body relax which can make it easier to move into a meditative mindset.
Meditation doesn't need to take long or be complicated, it can be as easy as taking a few moments to notice how and what you're feeling it in your body. However, if in the moment that feels like too much instead shift your focus and take notice in your surroundings. Take a moment to ground yourself, remind yourself you are safe and take a few deep breaths in and out while you roll your joint or load a bowl for your favorite bong
If you've never meditated before feel free to check out some YouTube guided meditations to have something to help focus your thoughts. Guided meditations can give you some support when your first starting out practicing on focusing your thoughts. Try out a few different ones and find one that works for you!
2. Cannabis-infused Yoga- Sun Salutation Sessions
Combining Ganja and Yoga is such a natural pairing that there should be no surprise there is a historical and spiritual a connection between the two. The practice of yoga and the cannabis plant are both highly regarded and considered sacred in Hinduism, historically given as an offering to the God Shiva. This sacred plant is described in ancient scripters as a "bringer of freedom" and happiness. Engaging in yoga practices while under the influence of cannabis can enhance the mind-body-spiritual connection, deepen relaxation, and promote deeper introspection. The calming and centering effects of certain strains can help you find a sense of peace, balance and mindfulness during your practice.
As the two practices have grown in popularity in the West, you can now find many studios that are 4/20-friendly and provide classes or sessions specifically those who want to practice elevated. Just like meditation there are many styles and teachers so try out a few and find what you enjoy. A good place to start can be to learn the 12 basic asanas for morning Sun Salutation to energize and start your day paired with a morning "wake and bake".
Joining the two can facilitate getting out the head and quieting the ego which encourages a heightened meditative state, promoting physical and mental well-being as you explore a more profound state of mindfulness and relaxation on your mat. A little tip: make sure your well hydrated and start with a slower paced yoga; cannabis lowers blood pressure and paired with the calming effects of yoga can cause lightheaded-ness, dizziness and loss of balance, so make sure to take your time and stop if your not feeling well.
3. Exercising Elevated- "The Runners high"
A quick google search and you'll see there have been several studies showing the effects of using cannabis mindfully while working out. Reported for being used for a variety of reasons, the Adults in this report from the University of Colorado study claimed benefits like faster recovery times, along with more motivation to work out because being elevated made it more fun or reduced pain and inflammation which allowed folks to work out longer and harder.
Personally, I love smoking a joint or bowl before going for a walk or run with the dog and now studies show Cannabis brings new meaning to "runners high". More and more studies show that instead of endorphins being responsible for that "high" feeling after a good workout it's instead something called "endogenous cannabinoids" which are naturally producing cannabinoid-like chemicals our brain makes when positively stimulated. These chemicals happen naturally in our bodies while working out and then bind to receptors in the brain to make us euphoric and alert. Similar Cannabinoids are also naturally found in cannabis which can give a head start or enhance those feel good feelings of a good workout.
And an important word of caution when operating heavy equipment like gym equipment, or working out in public, to always use safety first. Cannabis can be a great tool but don't let it impair your safety. Use all recommended safety gear, proper forms, obey traffic laws in your in public and always have a spotter/friend watching over you just in case.
4. Get Creative!- Canvas and Cannabis.
As an alternative artist selling hand-painted smoke accessories, pairing art with cannabis is probably my favorite way to partake and use cannabis mindfully. Don't limit yourself to just canvas and paint either! Get creative, paint, crochet, felt, draw, pyrography, leatherwork, make jewelry, glasswork.. whatever you fancy! It's okay if you have no idea how to do it or if you even do it well, the point is just to have fun and learn as you go!
If you don't know where to start, check out your local dollar store or craft store! They have some great beginner materials to try out ideas and then you can graduate to more expensive materials as you get to know what you really like. I will forever preach the amazing tutorials you can find on YouTube and Pinterest when your first starting and looking for inspiration to grow your skills.
There's a variety of strains that will promote creativity and focus which helps with the art making process. Cannabis can help relieve the anxious thoughts and get you out of your head and into the body more, encouraging more flow in your work which builds confidence in skills. This can help push you to be a better artist, to continue taking more risks, to express yourself, try new things, build your skills and confidence but most importantly just have some plain old fun bringing out that inner child and getting messy!
5. Spark Up while Sparkling Up!- Cannabis & Cleaning!
Cleaning your home while in a elevated state, can be a surprisingly enjoyable and productive experience! Throw on your fave playlist, toke on your fave strain and get your cleaning Karaoke on as you cross off items from your to-do list!
Cleaning can be a real bore and tedious which only encourages many of us to procrastinate on it but add in a bong rip and some 90's hip-hop and now were talking!
Take your time, maybe add in aromatherapy with your favorite scented cleaners/ essential oils, and focus on one task at a time while embracing the calming influence of cannabis. Or if it spaces you out too much, reward yourself with your favorite strain once your space is refreshed, and bask in the serenity of your newly cleaned surroundings!
By channeling your inner Martha Stewart and pairing cannabis and housekeeping it allows you to combine the benefits of a clean environment with the soothing effects of cannabis that even Marie Kondo would be impressed with!
6. Dab and Dance- Get Groovy with Ganja
Cannabis, dancing and music in general have a rich and difficult history together having influenced many artists and genres including jazz, rock, reggae and dancehall. Without this wonderful plant and the incredible musicians who were pioneers in cannabis activism, dancing wouldn't be what it is today!
So it should come as no surprise that combining cannabis and dance can elevate the feelings of the experience! By joining the two it allows you to express yourself more freely and connect with the energy of the music on a deeper level. Cannabis has the potential to enhance the senses, provide pain relief and reduce performance anxieties for some, which can make music and dancing more immersive and fluid. Letting you just really seize the moment and enjoy.
It doesn't matter if you're taking classes at your local community center or learning the newest trending tiktok dance from home, joining dance with cannabis can support with the exploration of movement and sound. Which is both beneficial for the body and mind and a fun way to reconnect with yourself and others around you.
7. Dope vibes and Dank buds: High notes and Hybrids.
We can't talk about dancing and cannabis without touching more on Music and cannabis!
A natural partnership, cannabis has the ability to enhance the auditory experience, making music more immersive. Different strains can have varying effects, from deepening your connection to the music to inspiring creative thoughts. When you listen to music your entire nervous system is activated which activates your natural cannabinoid system (just like the runners high in the exercising elevated section!) which triggers "feel good" feelings and responsible for why we love music so much. So its no surprise many people enjoy listening to their favorite tunes while under the influence of cannabis, as it can further intensify the sensory pleasure of the music.
Cannabis and Music have a rich history that is worth reading into if you like learning about music history, civil and human rights and cannabis. Many musicians were influenced by cannabis including the legends Louis Armstrong, Bob Marley, Bob Dylan, and Kurt Cobain. All having gone on record crediting cannabis for influencing their work and speaking out for it. With the push for legalization over the last several decades we've seen more and more 420-friendly artists and musicians coming out such as Snoop Dogg, Wiz Khalifa, Lady Gaga, Florida Georgia Line and more. Whatever your fave musical genre is, throw on your fave playlist and dankest strain and get creative!
We just quickly touched on a few ways we enjoying to partake but of course there are many more ways cannabis can be enjoyed mindfully!
What are some other ways you like to enjoy using cannabis mindfully?
Comment Below and let us know!
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