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Infusing Yoga with Cannabis – What You Need to Know

Despite cannabis just becoming “legal” in many places, it’s existence dates back more than 10,000 years. Before prohibition began just less than a century ago and still today, cannabis is utilized for many different reasons in a plethora of cultures globally. One of those reasons is for spiritual purposes and enlightenment.
Another ancient practice that is believed to be one component of an overall enlightened lifestyle is yoga. In the publication titled “Yoga Sutras” which was penned roughly 2,000 years ago by an Indian Sage named Patanjali there are references to the utilization of herbs as one of the 5 paths to enlightenment.
Many believe these references are about cannabis. This is due to the history of cannabis in the Indian culture. For example, in India, it’s tradition to honor the deity Shiva with cannabis elixir. India has also referenced cannabis sativa in texts from the Vedic period regarding an intoxicating ritual drink known as Soma.
Today many individuals are choosing to combine the two ancient components in what the masses refer to as Ganja Yoga. Cannabis-infused yoga if you will is, in fact, becoming quite the hit in cities around the world as the movement to legalize the herb once more continues to be victorious.

The Synchronicity of Combining the Cannabis and Yoga

Many people are familiar with the benefits of Yoga and the benefits of cannabis, but are the two better together? According to individuals such as Lu Pancini, a certified yoga instructor that runs The House of Yoga where yogis and consumers can partake in cannabis-infused yoga sessions, and her husband Joey, cannabis could be the key to allowing individuals the ability to “enjoy the full benefits of yoga.”
Here are some of the benefits of combining cannabis and yoga!

  • Cannabis relaxes both the mind and body which in return will allow you to become more mindful and eliminate pain points.
  • Cannabis helps to relieve both pain and anxiety. These are two factors that could otherwise reduce the effectiveness of yoga.
  • It is believed that cannabis consumption even in small doses before a yoga session can help students to become more in-tune with the philosophy that the body, mind, and spirit are one, an essential philosophy of yoga.
  • Cannabis for many also lowers inhibitions allowing students to try poses they may not have tried previously.
  • The practice of yoga tends to help reduce stress and decrease blood pressure. It can also increase metabolism and support your overall immune system. Coincidentally, cannabis can also help with all of these aspects, so it only makes sense that the two would work even better together.

From Ancient Text to Modern Times

One of the earliest texts of spiritual guidance known to man as The Vedas references the use of yoga and cannabis together dating back as far as 2000-1400 BC. The first U.S. pairing of the two in the modern day, however, was in 2009, and the two were brought together by Dee Dussault.
Dee has more than 20 years of experience as a hatha yoga instructor. She is also the author of Ganja Yoga: A Practical Guide to Conscious Relaxation, Soothing Pain Relief, and Enlightened Self-Discovery. This publication provides guidance on how to best incorporate cannabis into your yoga routine.
Speaking of how to incorporate the herb into your yoga practices best, here are a few tips for combining the two for the most elevated and enlightened experience possible.

Tips for Incorporating Cannabis into Your Yoga Routine

When it comes to incorporating cannabis into your yoga routine, there are a few things you will want to remember. One is you know your body better than anyone, and you know what works and what doesn’t. Never deny your self-knowledge. Consume and proceed only as you feel comfortable. It is only then that you will truly be at one and benefit the most from this experience. With this in mind, here are a few other tips for combining cannabis and yoga.

  • Start your routine with a Sativa strain or a Sativa dominant hybrid. These types of strains tend to provide an energetic and uplifting effect. If Sativas are known for making your mind race or increasing your anxiety, it may be best to start with a hybrid. You know your body best. Find what works for you and go with the flow.
  • Indica strains are recommended towards the end and even after your routine as they relax the body and mind. This allows you to remain in a state where you can best reflect on your practices.
  • Ganja yoga isn’t just about smoking cannabis either. In fact, many people who combine the two actually prefer to utilize different consumption methods. Methods such as consuming edibles, infused drinks, and vaping as opposed to or even in combination with smoking.

Do you incorporate cannabis into your yoga routine or have you ever attended a Ganja Yoga type class? If so, we’d love to hear your thoughts and suggestions in the comments below!