Weed Meditation: A Guide To Mindful Relaxation

Meditation and weed have been used in combination for thousands of years. Weed can help you relax and slow your breathing, making it easier to meditate. However, some people argue that weed acts as a form of spiritual cheating, providing only temporary contentment and balance.

If you want to try meditating on weed, it's recommended that you practice meditating for a few weeks before adding weed to the mix. You should also start with a low dose and work your way up. Choose a room where you won't be disturbed for at least 20 minutes. Sit on a cushion on the floor, or in a chair with your back straight and feet planted on the floor. You can also lie down, but be careful not to fall asleep! Set a timer and focus on your breath. Observe the sensations in your body and how they change as the weed takes effect.

Choose the right strain and dose

When it comes to choosing the right strain and dose of cannabis for meditation, there are a few key considerations to keep in mind. Firstly, it's important to assess your tolerance and the experience you want to achieve. If you are a beginner, it is generally recommended to start with lower doses of THC and strains that have lower concentrations of THC and higher amounts of CBD. You can gradually increase the dose and experiment with different strains to find what works best for you.

The type of meditation you plan to practice can also guide your strain selection. For example, if you want to remain focused and alert during your meditation, Sativa strains or Sativa-dominant hybrids might be a good choice due to their energizing effects. On the other hand, if you're looking to relax and unwind, Indica strains are usually a better option, especially for evening meditations or when you need a boost of energy in the morning.

Terpenes also play an important role in enhancing your meditation experience. If you struggle with relaxation, linalool, a terpene found in lavender, can help promote body relaxation and reduce stress. Beta-caryophyllene, another terpene, can help relieve muscle tension, inflammation, and pain. Meanwhile, limonene can improve your focus, boost your mood, and decrease stress.

• Harle-Tsu: This hybrid strain has a high CBD concentration and delivers a relatively mild high, making it a good option for newcomers.
• Blue Dream: Known for its ability to treat stress, anxiety, and depression, Blue Dream often comes with milder cannabinoid profiles, so you can ease anxiety without an overwhelming high. However, it can also deliver an energetic high, so start slowly and observe its effects.
• 9lb Hammer: This indica-hybrid strain is ideal for those seeking relaxation. With a myrcene-heavy terpene profile and higher THC percentages, it's important to approach this strain with caution and start with lower doses.
• 24k Gold: A cross between Tangie and Kush genetics, 24k Gold offers a clear-headed and comforting high, making it a good choice for those seeking relaxation.
• GG4 (Gorilla Glue or Original Glue): GG4 is often reported as a potent physical relaxer, making it a suitable strain for transcendental meditation, where maintaining a comfortable position is important.
• LA Confidential: This potent indica delivers a buzzy head high and a soothing body high, which can be beneficial for guided meditation as it helps you engage with your thoughts while staying connected to your body.
• Lamb's Bread: An upbeat strain known for its positive vibes and earthy, woody aroma. It offers a calming cerebral effect that helps you stay present during meditation.
• Granddaddy Purple: This strain is renowned for its tranquilizing effects, easing tension, and inducing a dreamy euphoria. It often leaves enough liveliness for both still and active forms of meditation.
• Northern Lights: Despite its heavy tranquilizing effects, Northern Lights is a popular choice for yoga and other active forms of meditation.
• Laughing Buddha: Laughing Buddha enhances lightheartedness and deep introspection, helping you forget your stresses and focus on your meditation practice.

Wear loose, comfortable clothing

When preparing to meditate while high, it is important to wear loose, comfortable clothing. This is because the purpose of meditation is to clear your mind and focus on your inner self, rather than external distractions or your appearance. Tight clothing can be a hindrance, preventing you from breathing comfortably and forcing you to focus on your physical discomfort instead.

Meditation can increase your body temperature, so it is a good idea to wear breathable clothing. Natural fabrics such as cotton or silk are ideal. You can also layer your clothing, adding a light jacket or shawl that can be easily removed if you get too warm.

The right meditation outfit will vary from person to person. Some people prefer to wear sweatpants and a t-shirt, while others may opt for yoga pants and a tank top. The most important thing is that you feel confident and comfortable. You may even want to designate a special meditation outfit that you can think of as a uniform, signalling to your brain that it is time to get into a meditative state.

If you are meditating in a group setting or at a religious temple, be mindful of modesty and dress codes. Avoid low-cut or revealing clothing, and check if there are any specific rules about what to wear.

Find a quiet room

When preparing to meditate after consuming cannabis, it is important to find a quiet room where you can be left undisturbed for at least 20 minutes. This space should be comfortable and free from distractions, allowing you to feel safe and relaxed.

The room you choose should ideally be somewhere you can lie down or sit comfortably for the duration of your meditation session. This could be on a cushion on the floor, in a chair, or lying down on a bed. The key is to ensure that your position is sustainable and relaxing. If you are sitting, it is recommended that you sit with your back straight and your feet planted on the floor.

If you are new to meditation, it is advisable to practice meditating without consuming cannabis first. This way, you can determine whether you are able to reach a state of mental quietness without it. Additionally, if you are combining weed with meditation, it is important to start with a low dose and work your way up gradually, especially if you are new to this practice.

Remember, the experience of meditating with weed varies from person to person, so it is important to consider your comfort and safety. If possible, discuss with a healthcare provider before combining meditation with weed, especially if you have any health concerns or are taking other medications.

Focus on your breath

Breath control is a cornerstone of meditation. By controlling our breath, we can control not only our thoughts but also our emotions. It is the simplest way to gain control of a runaway mind.

Observe your breath

Sit in a comfortable position with your chest upright and back straight. Close your eyes and relax your shoulders. Allow the tension to melt out of your body. Observe your breath in this relaxed state.

Take a deep breath

Take a long, deep breath in through your nose, filling your whole abdomen and chest with air.

Pause

Once you have inhaled fully, pause briefly at the top for a beat or two.

Exhale slowly

Very slowly begin to exhale fully. Pause here again for a couple of beats (these pauses should always be comfortable and never strained).

Repeat

Inhale again and repeat this pattern. As you breathe, allow your thoughts to focus solely on your breath and gradually allow your mind to clear. Simply exist in this space, breathing mindfully, and relax as all else melts away.

Acknowledge distractions

It is important to focus on your breathing, particularly if you are a novice. Focused breathing will help you disengage an overactive mind and relax it. To avoid distractions, make mental notes of your inhales and exhales. As you breathe in and out, repeat the words "inhale" and "exhale" as they occur.

Practice refocusing

If overcoming mental distractions proves too challenging, then practice mind refocusing. Acknowledge thoughts as they come and go, and allow them to be fleeting. Continue focusing on your breathing for several minutes, or for however long you feel is comfortable.

Be consistent

Ideally, people should meditate daily with a specific goal in mind. Perhaps you want to feel grounded, calmer, mentally sharper, or more resilient. The more you do it, the easier it becomes, and the more you benefit from it.

Observe the high

Once you have inhaled your cannabis, it's time to observe the high. This is a crucial step in meditating while high, as it allows you to notice and embrace the sensations and changes occurring in your body and mind.

Start by bringing your attention to your body. Observe how the high makes you feel physically. Notice the changes in your breathing pattern and the sensations in different parts of your body. You might feel a relaxation spreading through your muscles or a lightness in your limbs. Embrace these physical sensations without judgement or the urge to control them.

As you continue to observe, you might notice that your thoughts are racing or that you're more aware of your surroundings. You might feel a heightened sense of perception or a shift in your mental state. Perhaps you're more focused on the present moment or are experiencing new insights and perspectives. Whatever the case, simply observe these mental changes without trying to alter or suppress them.

During this observation phase, it's important to let go of control. Allow the high to take you on a journey without attempting to steer it in a particular direction. Embrace the sensations as they come, whether they are pleasant or unpleasant. Remember, this is a judgement-free zone. You're simply witnessing the interplay between the cannabis and your mind and body.

By observing the high in this mindful way, you're able to fully immerse yourself in the present moment. You're not just meditating; you're meditating with the assistance of cannabis, which can enhance your sensory experiences and heighten your awareness. So, take this opportunity to explore and embrace the unique journey that each meditation session offers. Remember, every experience is unique, and there is no right or wrong way to feel during this state.

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