Cannabis Meditation vs. Regular Meditation: Comparison
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Time: 7 min
Cannabis meditation vs. regular meditation offer practitioners two distinct paths to self-awareness and mindfulness. Whereas traditional meditation relies solely on breathing exercises and mental discipline to attain clarity, cannabis-enhanced meditation uses cannabinoids to potentially deepen the practice through altered perception and heightened sensory awareness. Both strategies offer different benefits and challenges, depending on each person's experience, preferences, and wellness goals.
Table of Content
Understanding the Fundamentals of Both Meditation Practices The Traditional Approach to Meditation The Cannabis-Enhanced Meditation Method Significant Differences in Impact and Experience Sensations in the body Accessibility and the Learning Curve When to Apply Each Technique When Regular Meditation May Be More Beneficial When Cannabis Meditation May Be Beneficial Realistic Aspects of Combined Practice Finding Your Own Equilibrium Rules for Responsible and Safe Use Conclusion FAQ
TL;DR: Your unique goals and sensitivities will determine the best course of action. While cannabis meditation may offer quick access to deep states but requires responsible use, regular meditation strengthens the mind through consistent practice.
Understanding the Fundamentals of Both Meditation Practices
While the goals of traditional meditation and cannabis-enhanced meditation are similar, their approaches differ greatly. Practitioners can select the approach that might best suit their needs by being aware of these differences.
The Traditional Approach to Meditation
Traditional meditation has roots in many different spiritual traditions and cultures that date back thousands of years. This practice aims to develop awareness through mental discipline alone. Regular meditation develops concentration over time by teaching the mind to observe thoughts objectively.
The basic tenet of traditional meditation is that consistent practice develops the mental capacity to achieve higher states of awareness, remain in the present, and calm the mind. As meditation techniques advance, the advantages of this process typically accumulate gradually, but it typically calls for perseverance and commitment.
The Cannabis-Enhanced Meditation Method
In cannabis meditation, cannabinoids are used to potentially enhance the meditative state. This approach has historical roots in certain spiritual traditions, particularly in South Asian customs where the ceremonial use of cannabis flowers was used to enhance religious experiences.
The primary appeal of cannabis-enhanced meditation is its capacity to promote physical relaxation and lessen mental chatter, two problems that many beginners encounter when they first begin meditation. It's possible that cannabis users can achieve "profound stillness" faster than they could with traditional meditation alone.
Significant Differences in Impact and Experience
The experiences of traditional and cannabis meditation differ greatly, particularly in terms of how one enters meditative states and what those states entail.
Aspect |
Regular Meditation |
Cannabis Meditation |
The path to mindfulness |
Training progressively with consistent practice |
Chemical support could enable faster access |
Mental sharpness |
Acute, keen awareness |
Potential shifts in perception with varying degrees of clarity |
The learning curve |
Steeper learning curve initially |
It may initially seem more approachable |
Thought patterns |
Observing thoughts naturally |
Potentially different associations and thought processes |
Dependency risk |
Dependency problems are minimal |
Potential for psychological dependence |
Consistency |
Recurring, consistent experiences |
Changing experiences based on dosage and strain |
Length |
Effects are limited to practice time and afterglow |
The length of time depends on the mode of consumption and metabolism |
Sensations in the body
Traditional meditation gradually encourages physical relaxation through breathing techniques and mindful awareness. Practitioners often experience a reduction in muscle tension, an increase in body awareness, and a general sense of physical well-being over time.
Cannabis meditation, on the other hand, can result in immediate physical sensations. The plant may facilitate deep relaxation, enhance blood flow to the brain, and make it easier for practitioners to connect with their inner thoughts and feelings. These physical effects may help some people maintain comfort in otherwise uncomfortable meditation postures.
Accessibility and the Learning Curve
These methods differ in two important areas: the learning curve and accessibility for beginners. Many traditional meditation practitioners need to practice regularly before they can reach profound states of awareness.
According to one cannabis yoga instructor, cannabis users approach enlightenment "backwards," "amping it up and getting a glimpse of that other side first" before learning "how to ground that, and balance it, and center it." This suggests that some people may have a positive first-time experience with cannabis that encourages them to continue using it.
When to Apply Each Technique
Depending on the situation and the person's needs, one approach might be better suited than the other. Knowing the possible advantages of each practice helps practitioners make better decisions.
When Regular Meditation May Be More Beneficial
Regular meditation without cannabis offers several obvious advantages:
- When developing an innate ability to focus and concentrate is the goal of long-term mental discipline
- When driving a car or piece of equipment after practice, when you're pregnant or nursing, or when there are local cannabis laws
- For practitioners who wish to maintain consistency in their practice, have a history of adverse cannabis reactions, or have mental health conditions that cannabis may exacerbate
Research indicates that traditional meditation offers numerous benefits over cannabis use, including improved mental toughness, reduced inflammation, improved immunity, and better sleep.
When Cannabis Meditation May Be Beneficial
Cannabis-enhanced meditation may be more appropriate in certain circumstances:
- When chronic pain makes traditional meditation physically difficult
- For those who struggle to concentrate during meditation because their minds are always racing, when seeking new insights or creative ideas
- It can be helpful for experienced meditators who are experimenting with different states of awareness during specific spiritual or exploratory practices when used intentionally and mindfully as part of a wellness strategy
- For professionals who use cannabis to treat certain types of anxiety
- In settings where cannabis is lawfully available
Realistic Aspects of Combined Practice
Many mindfulness practitioners find that integrating both techniques into their practice is advantageous. These practical considerations can help create a well-rounded practice.
Finding Your Own Equilibrium
The optimal method of meditation is ultimately personal and may combine aspects of both traditions. To improve your practice, consider the following strategies:
- To develop foundational skills, begin with traditional meditation
- Once you have mastered the basics of meditation, carefully introduce cannabis meditation
- Increase the number of times you meditate traditionally and use cannabis enhancement on occasion
- Write about your experiences utilizing both strategies in your journal to identify patterns and preferences
- Whatever the approach, set specific objectives prior to each session
- Develop a relationship with both practices rather than seeing them as diametrically opposed options
Rules for Responsible and Safe Use
When using cannabis for meditation, the following guidelines promote both safety and effectiveness:
- Start with microdosing, or tiny doses
- Make sure the settings are suitable and free of distractions
- When selecting cannabis varieties, take your meditation goals into account
- Allow adequate time between eating and practicing meditation
- While practicing, make sure to stay hydrated
- Never drive or operate machinery after using cannabis for meditation
- Consult your healthcare providers about any pre-existing medical conditions you may have
It's crucial to listen to your body, start slowly, and be aware of any side effects because the goal of using cannabis for meditation should be to enhance your inner journey rather than to become dependent on it.
Conclusion
It is not always the case that regular meditation and cannabis meditation cannot coexist. Both approaches offer valuable paths to mindfulness and self-awareness, each with particular advantages and considerations.
Traditional meditation develops mental discipline and offers cumulative benefits that develop naturally over time with consistent practice. This approach promotes self-reliance and reliable experiences that are readily applicable to real-world situations.
Cannabis-enhanced meditation may cause some practitioners to experience relaxed mental states and increased awareness more quickly. This technique can be particularly beneficial for those who have specific problems that make traditional meditation difficult, such as persistent pain or recurrent thought patterns.
We at Nine Realms believe that educating people about all aspects of cannabis wellness is crucial. Regardless of whether you choose traditional meditation, cannabis-enhanced practice, or a purposeful combination of the two, it is important to find a method that supports your unique wellness journey with mindfulness and intention.
“Silence is not empty, it’s full of answers.”
FAQ
Is using cannabis for meditation spiritually authentic or is it considered "cheating"?
Neither approach is inherently more authentic than the other. Numerous spiritual traditions have used both techniques throughout history. It's important to consider your intention and mindfulness. While some traditions value the discipline of unassisted meditation, others have utilized plant medicines as tools for spiritual exploration. The authenticity comes from your sincere participation in the practice, not the precise method.
How can I figure out which approach works best for me?
Consider your particular situation, goals, and sensitivities. If you have adverse reactions to cannabis, value consistency, or would prefer not to use drugs, traditional meditation is probably more suitable. If you suffer from chronic pain, find it difficult to maintain traditional meditation, or have trouble stopping your mind from racing, cannabis might be a helpful tool. Many practitioners find the approach that best fits their unique needs by trying both.
Can someone who uses cannabis learn "real" meditation techniques?
Developing skills is not always hampered by mindful cannabis meditation. However, relying only on cannabis may make it more difficult for you to meditate effectively without it. Numerous seasoned practitioners suggest beginning with a foundation in traditional meditation before carefully examining how cannabis might enhance particular aspects of the practice. Regular traditional meditation practice coupled with occasional cannabis-enhanced sessions as a complementary exploration is often the most well-rounded approach.
Author: Edijs Eleksis
Growing up in a country where cannabis was stigmatized and even shamed, Edijs faced many roadblocks to get to enjoy the benefits of this plant. However, as more countries worldwide are opening up to the idea of cannabis-available society, Edijs is inspired to take on a mission: spreading awareness about cannabis and its industry in Europe through engaging, educational blog content. Because only with more information, humans as a collective, can make decisions that are better for all of us!
