Cannabis Yoga: The Mindful Way of Plant Medicine
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Time: 7 min
Cannabis yoga is a powerful new ritual that is becoming more popular across Europe. It combines two old wellness practices. This mindful practice combines the healing effects of cannabis with the physical and mental benefits of yoga to create a truly holistic experience. The combination is still fairly new to European wellness scenes, but it has deep historical roots and helps practitioners become more aware of their bodies, relax, and be present.
Table of Content
The Old Roots of Cannabis Yoga Historical Background in Europe How Cannabis Makes Yoga Better Cannabis Yoga Benefits for the Body Benefits for the Mind and Emotions A Guide to Cannabis Yoga That Works Setting the Scene Choosing and Using Cannabis Guidelines for Responsible Use Cannabis Yoga Retreats and Communities in Europe New European Yoga Retreats Creating a Community Around Mindful Practice Conclusion FAQ
TL;DR: Cannabis yoga combines yoga poses with mindful cannabis use to possibly deepen practice, improve the connection between mind and body, and boost overall health benefits.
The Old Roots of Cannabis Yoga
Cannabis and spiritual practices have been linked for thousands of years. Cannabis has been recorded in sacred texts and archaeological discoveries from various cultures as a plant utilized for rituals, healing, and spiritual development.
Cannabis was one of the five sacred plants in ancient India, and the Vedas called it "bhang." Hindus, especially those who worship Lord Shiva, used cannabis in their yoga and meditation to get closer to God. These traditional uses were based on the plant's ability to calm the mind and make you more present.
Historical Background in Europe
Cannabis yoga may seem like a new health trend, but Europe has a long history with both parts of it. Cannabis was used for medicinal purposes in ancient European cultures, and different types of movement meditation developed across the continent.
Cannabis yoga today is a way to reconnect with these old plant-human relationships, which are now backed up by what we know about cannabinoids and how they affect our endocannabinoid system.
How Cannabis Makes Yoga Better
Cannabis and yoga work well together because they both affect the mind and body. When used together in a smart way, they can create a synergistic experience that makes each practice's benefits even better.
Cannabis Yoga Benefits for the Body
Combining cannabis with yoga can have a number of possible physical benefits:
Physical Part |
Cannabis Effect |
The Effect of Yoga |
Combined Benefit |
Tension in the muscles |
Relaxing the muscles |
Stretching and letting go |
More resistance-free deeper stretches |
How Pain Feels |
Pain relief for a short time |
Therapy through movement |
Practice is easier for people who have chronic pain |
Awareness of the body |
Better ability to sense things |
Movement with awareness |
Increased awareness of one's own body and how it connects to others |
Breath |
Bronchodilation |
Pranayama (controlling your breath) |
Breathing techniques that might go deeper |
Swelling |
Anti-inflammatory effects |
Less stress on the body |
Complementary management of inflammation |
Benefits for the Mind and Emotions
In addition to the physical benefits, cannabis yoga can also be very good for your mental and emotional health:
- Improved focus: Some types of cannabis may help quiet mental chatter and help you concentrate more deeply during practice when used mindfully
- Awareness of the present moment: The combination can help you stay in the present moment
- Emotional release: A lot of people who do yoga with cannabis say they feel more open and free emotionally during the sessions
The key is to be mindful and intentional. Cannabis isn't just an enhancement; it's a part of yoga that, when used with respect, can deepen the connection between the mind and body.
A Guide to Cannabis Yoga That Works
If you want to try cannabis yoga, it's important to do it in a mindful and responsible way. Here are some rules to follow to make sure you have a safe and helpful time.
Setting the Scene
For a successful cannabis yoga session, it's important to set up the right space. Your space should be safe, comfortable, and free of things that could distract you. When getting your space ready, think about these things:
- A clean, quiet place with enough space to move around freely
- The temperature is comfortable (a little warmer than usual)
- Very little light that is calming
- Things from nature, like plants or rocks
- Use essential oils like sandalwood or lavender to make the experience more pleasant
You should place your yoga mat in a way that makes you feel grounded and stable, so you can move around without worrying about running out of space.
Choosing and Using Cannabis
The kind of cannabis product you choose has a big effect on how your yoga class goes. Different cannabinoid profiles have different effects that might work better with some yoga styles than others.
If you're new to CBD and THC, you might want to start with products that have a good balance of the two or ones that are mostly CBD but have some THC in them. These will have mild effects without being too psychoactive. More experienced practitioners might look into specific terpene profiles that fit with their practice goals.
Guidelines for Responsible Use
When adding cannabis to your yoga practice, moderation is key:
- Begin with a small amount, much less than you would use in a social setting
- Give the effects enough time to show up before you start practicing (15 to 45 minutes, depending on how you take it)
- Drink enough water before, during, and after practice
- If you feel unsteady, don't ever practice inverted poses or complicated balances
- Always respect your body's limits and don't go past what feels comfortable
Keep in mind that the goal is to improve mindfulness, not get drunk. Cannabis should add to the yoga experience, not take it over.
Cannabis Yoga Retreats and Communities in Europe
Cannabis yoga is becoming more popular in Europe, and there are now special retreats and communities in places where cannabis laws allow it.
New European Yoga Retreats
Cannabis wellness retreats with special yoga classes are now available in a number of European countries. Most of these retreats are in countries with more progressive cannabis laws, and they usually use legal CBD products or are in places where cannabis use is not illegal. Some popular places are:
- Rural Portugal, where using cannabis for personal use is no longer a crime
- Areas of Spain that have cannabis social clubs
- The Netherlands, especially outside of Amsterdam in more natural areas
- Switzerland, which is mostly about legal CBD products with very little THC
These retreats usually offer a full wellness experience that goes beyond cannabis yoga to include things like nutrition, spending time in nature, and learning how to use cannabis safely. For those interested in women-specific experiences, many cannabis yoga retreats offer special sessions focused on women's wellness needs.
Creating a Community Around Mindful Practice
In addition to planned retreats, cannabis yoga communities are growing all over Europe. These groups focus on education, reducing harm, and the health benefits of using cannabis mindfully.
A lot of these groups work to make safe places for people to explore and share their experiences, especially for women who might feel more at ease in gender-specific wellness spaces. The cannabis yoga community is mostly about being open and welcoming to people of all skill levels.
Conclusion
Cannabis yoga is a smart way to combine old practices with modern health and wellness. When done with purpose, knowledge, and respect, this mix can be good for both the body and the mind in ways that are different from other things.
Cannabis yoga is becoming more popular across Europe, which shows that people are starting to change how they feel about plant medicine and holistic wellness. Researchers are still looking into the possible benefits of cannabis and yoga on their own. The combination of the two is an interesting area for both personal exploration and scientific study.
Nine Realms backs smart, informed ways of using plant medicine for health and wellness. You can make smart choices about whether cannabis yoga might help you on your personal wellness journey by learning about its history, possible benefits, and how to do it safely.
“Yoga is the journey of the self, through the self, to the self.”
FAQ
Is yoga with cannabis legal in Europe?
The law is very different in different European countries. Some countries allow only CBD cannabis yoga, while others that have decriminalized cannabis may have communities that practice more openly. Before you join or plan a session, always look into the rules in your area.
Will cannabis make it harder to do yoga?
Cannabis usually doesn't make it harder to do yoga if you use it carefully and in the right amounts. But it's important to start with easy exercises, stay away from hard balancing poses until you're more experienced, and always pay attention to what your body is telling you.
What makes cannabis yoga different for women?
Some women say that cannabis yoga helps with menstrual pain, balancing hormones, and dealing with emotions. Cannabis yoga groups for women have sprung up to provide safe places for women to learn about these benefits and talk about how cannabis and yoga affect women differently.
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!
