Marijuana Meditation: Tips and Best Strains for Meditating

While we’re all sheltering in place during the COVID-19 pandemic and practicing social distancing, there are a few things that we can do to maintain peace of mind during this disruption of our daily lives. Many people, especially cannabis consumers, are turning to meditation to quiet their minds and take away some of the stress and anxiety caused by current events. In case you’re looking to try a little cannabis and meditation combination, we’ve put together some great information to help maximize your results. Keep reading to learn more about the benefits of meditation, as well as some of the best marijuana strains to consume before meditating.

Meditation, or the act of mindful concentration, is a practice that has been used for centuries to exercise the mind and regulate focus. However, the benefits of meditation go far beyond improved focus; regular meditation reduces stress, improves self-awareness, encourages healthy lifestyle habits, improves physical health, and even extends mortality.

Though stress can be helpful in protecting against danger, chronic stress causes cells to age quicker because it forces the body to remain in an extended state of reactivity. However, mindful meditation helps shift cognitive appraisals away from feelings of threat and conflict and into a more balanced (and happier) mindset.

People have been using cannabis for spiritual purposes for centuries, dating all the way back to 6^th Century China where it was used in Buddhist tantric meditation practices. Whereas many non-tantric Buddhist practices involved monks and nuns who quietly sought enlightenment behind closed doors, tantric practices were done by laypeople (with much more room for mistakes). As such, cannabis was often used in rituals to ease aversions and encourage engagement.

Cannabis has been used for meditative purposes for many years. photo credit

Cannabis has been used ceremonially numerous times since then including  9^th Century Assyria where it was used during religious ceremonies to increase euphoria and ward off evil spirits. Some biblical scholars even suggest that Jesus used cannabis in his holy anointing oil to heal his followers (which could explain why so many were miraculously healed, too).

Cannabis can be a powerful substance so it’s important to take it slow when determining your tolerance. When it comes to smoking marijuana before mediating, the importance of microdosing should not be understated.

To avoid a wandering brain or an overly sleepy head, we recommend consuming only half of your usual dose. Be sure to take small hits to reduce airway abrasion or consume a small dose of edibles 30 to 60 minutes prior to your meditation session.

Try to take smaller hits before meditating so you can have open airways for breathing. photo credit

Alternatively, you can try sublingual cannabis which absorbs through the salivary glands if held in place long enough. In a comfortable place free from distraction, place your sublingual dose under your tongue or between the gum and cheek (keeping in mind that the bioavailability of edibles versus sublingual products is very different) then relax and begin your session as the cannabinoids absorb into your bloodstream.

Breath in through your nose and out through your mouth if possible then follow the prompts of guided meditation. Within a few minutes, your body should be released of pain and tension and your mind free from anxiety and stress.

To avoid a case of absent-mindedness that could derail the meditation process, be sure to choose the right strains. Some of the best strains we’ve found to work for meditation include the following:

Meditation works wonders for the brain and body, but just like with exercise and diet, meditation must become habit for it to be effective. Help improve your odds of meditation success by including cannabis into the ritual.

Have you tried to meditate under the influence of cannabis? Tell us about your results.

Photo Credit: Jared Rice (license)