Blissed Out Or Burned Out: The Similarities And Differences Between Being High And Meditating

Getting high and meditation are both known to have calming effects on the body. While meditation is a natural way to achieve a relaxed state, getting high is often associated with the use of substances like marijuana. Both practices can lead to a sense of calm and have been shown to have positive effects on physical and mental health. Some people even combine the two, believing that the substances can enhance the effects of meditation. However, it is important to note that the combination of marijuana and meditation may not be suitable for everyone, and it is generally recommended to start with meditation alone before introducing any substances.

Meditation and marijuana can be used to treat inflammatory bowel diseases

Meditation and Marijuana for Treating Inflammatory Bowel Diseases

Meditation and marijuana are both touted as having a range of health benefits, from improving mental health to reducing inflammation. But can they be used to treat inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis?

The Benefits of Meditation and Marijuana

Combining meditation and marijuana may have a synergistic effect on health. Meditation has been shown to produce changes in the brain and positively impact empathy, metacognitive skills, and overall health. Marijuana, on the other hand, is often used to alleviate pain and is believed to have a calming effect due to its CBD component.

The Endocannabinoid System and Inflammatory Bowel Diseases

The endocannabinoid system (ECS) regulates various functions in the body and plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of IBD. The ECS consists of endogenous cannabinoids, their receptors, and the enzymes involved in their biosynthesis and degradation. The two primary endocannabinoids are anandamide and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG), which act on cannabinoid receptors (CB1 and CB2) found in the central and peripheral nervous systems, as well as the gastrointestinal tract.

The Therapeutic Potential of Marijuana for IBD

Marijuana, or cannabis, and its derivatives have gained popularity as a potential therapy for IBD. Cannabinoids, the pharmacologically active constituents of cannabis, interact with the ECS and have been shown to have anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects. In animal models, cannabinoids have reduced colon injury, decreased inflammatory markers, and improved gastrointestinal motility.

Human Studies on Marijuana for IBD

Human studies on the use of marijuana for IBD have produced mixed results. Some patients have reported improvements in abdominal pain, nausea, appetite, and diarrhea. However, there is a lack of objective evidence of true disease modification, with no improvements seen in biomarker profiles or endoscopic healing. Additionally, long-term safety concerns exist, and cannabis use has been linked to an increased risk of surgery in patients with Crohn's disease.

The Bottom Line

While meditation and marijuana have potential benefits for overall health and well-being, their specific role in treating IBD requires further research. Human studies on the use of marijuana for IBD are limited and have produced mixed results. More high-quality, controlled studies are needed to establish the efficacy and safety of marijuana for treating IBD.

Marijuana can be a shortcut to enlightenment

Meditation is a powerful practice that can induce a natural high and improve emotional well-being. It has been scientifically proven to improve emotional control and induce brain changes in regions impacted by drugs. The core feature of meditation is focusing on turning inward and attending to the present moment.

Marijuana and meditation

Marijuana and meditation have been used in combination for thousands of years. Marijuana can be a shortcut to enlightenment as it can help people feel more present. It is also believed that CBD, one of the two main components of marijuana, can have a calming effect.

Ganja yoga

Yoga and cannabis have been used together for thousands of years. Ganja yoga involves consuming cannabis before performing yoga, which can enhance the feeling of relaxation and help individuals connect with their bodies.

The right strain

The strain of cannabis chosen can impact the meditation experience. CBD is relaxing but not intoxicating, while THC is the component that causes the feeling of being high. For meditation, an Indica strain is recommended for relaxation, while for yoga, a Sativa strain is suggested for energy.

Steps to meditating while high

When combining marijuana and meditation, it is important to start slowly and practice meditation before adding marijuana. Here are the steps to follow:

• Find a quiet, undisturbed room.
• Sit on a cushion with your legs crossed, or in a chair with your back straight and feet on the floor.
• Place your cannabis and a clock timer nearby.
• Set the timer for 10 minutes and focus on your breath.
• When the timer goes off, take your first dose of cannabis and set the timer for another 10 minutes.
• Observe the effects of the marijuana high on your body.
• End the session or continue with another dose.

Benefits

Combining marijuana and meditation can boost their individual healing powers and enhance mental clarity and well-being. Marijuana can help individuals feel more relaxed and present, while meditation can clear the mind of mental and emotional clutter, improving focus and confidence.

Ancient roots

The combination of marijuana and meditation has ancient roots. The Vedas, historical texts written in India around 1500 BC, name cannabis as one of the five sacred plants. Lord Shiva, a Hindu deity, is described as a passionate lover of cannabis. In modern-day Nepal, a yearly spiritual festival features marijuana as a central element.

Marijuana and meditation can be combined for yoga

Marijuana and Meditation for Yoga

Yoga, meditation, and marijuana are increasingly being combined by practitioners seeking to enhance their yoga experience. While this combination is controversial in the yoga community, some practitioners believe that marijuana can help them explore their yoga practice more deeply and with fewer mental and physical barriers.

The Benefits

A study by the University of British Columbia found that people who practice yoga after consuming marijuana experience improved mindfulness and mysticality. The study's author, Sarah Elizabeth Ann Daniels, found that 72% of participants would mix cannabis and yoga again, with many reporting enhanced physical awareness and a deeper connection to their body.

The Risks

However, it is important to note that consuming marijuana can impact your balance and coordination, so it is recommended to experiment at home first to ensure you remain calm and relaxed during your yoga practice. Additionally, inhaling marijuana smoke or vapour can impact your breathing, which may be counterproductive to proper yoga breathing techniques. Therefore, it is advised to give yourself a longer ramp-up time before practicing or to consider an alternative delivery method such as edibles or strain-specific flower.

The Bottom Line

When combining marijuana and yoga, it is crucial to know your body and your yoga practice well. Start with small doses of marijuana, and ensure you are comfortable and in control while under the influence in your yoga environment. The strain of marijuana you choose is also important, with indica strains known for delivering more of a body high and reducing anxiety. Ultimately, the decision to combine marijuana and meditation for yoga is a personal one, and it is essential to use cannabis responsibly and in moderation.

The purpose of meditation is to clear your mind of mental and emotional baggage

Meditation has been shown to improve emotional well-being and can induce brain changes in the same regions impacted by drugs. It is a powerful tool for emotional control and can be especially beneficial for adolescents and young adults struggling with substance abuse issues.

One way to think about meditation is as a way to retrain your mind and centre your emotions. It helps you to let go of stressful thoughts and see pain for what it is: a sensation. This can lead to a feeling of stress relief, like dropping a heavy backpack you've been carrying.

Meditation can also be combined with cannabis to enhance the experience. Cannabis is known to have calming effects, and when combined with meditation, it can lead to a deeper sense of relaxation and euphoria. However, it is important to start slowly and practice meditation under the guidance of an instructor before adding cannabis to the mix.

Overall, meditation is a powerful tool for achieving a clear and calm mind, and when combined with cannabis, it can lead to an even more intense experience.

Marijuana and meditation can help treat chronic pain

Chronic pain is a growing health concern in the United States, affecting around one in five Americans. It is a complex condition that causes physical, mental, and emotional distress, requiring a multifaceted treatment approach. While opioids have been the traditional medication for chronic pain, they are highly addictive and have dangerous side effects. As a result, there is a growing interest in alternative treatments, including medicinal cannabis and meditation.

Marijuana for Chronic Pain Treatment

Medicinal cannabis has a long history of use for pain relief, dating back to ancient Chinese medicine. It has been used to treat various types of pain, from headaches to childbirth. Today, it is often touted as a promising alternative to opioids for chronic pain management.

Cannabis contains compounds like tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) that interact with the body's endocannabinoid system, specifically the cannabinoid receptors in the brain and body. THC is the compound responsible for the psychoactive effects of marijuana, while CBD is non-psychoactive and known for its anti-anxiety and antipsychotic properties.

Research suggests that THC can activate the brain's reward system and reduce pain levels. On the other hand, CBD may interact with pain receptors in the brain to produce pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory effects without causing a high. The combination of THC and CBD in marijuana can provide mild to moderate pain relief, similar to codeine.

However, it is important to note that marijuana is not without its risks and side effects. THC can increase anxiety, and high doses may lead to addiction in some individuals. Additionally, the long-term effects of marijuana use are not yet fully understood, and it is currently classified as a Schedule 1 drug due to its potential for abuse.

Meditation for Chronic Pain Management

Meditation has gained recognition as a powerful tool for managing chronic pain. It is a form of mindfulness practice that involves focusing the mind and achieving a mentally clear and emotionally calm state. By doing so, meditation can help individuals cope with pain and reduce their perception of pain intensity.

Research has shown that long-term meditators exhibit changes in the brain, including increased activity in areas associated with pain modulation and reduced activity in the default mode network (DMN), which is linked to a more restful mind. Additionally, meditation has been found to have positive effects on empathy, metacognitive skills, and overall health.

Combining Marijuana and Meditation

The combination of marijuana and meditation has ancient roots, with historical texts like the Vedas describing cannabis as one of the five sacred plants. Modern-day practitioners of high meditation believe that marijuana can provide a shortcut to enlightenment, offering a glimpse of heightened sensory perception and a sense of calm.

When combining marijuana and meditation, the strain of cannabis chosen plays a crucial role in the experience. CBD-dominant strains are preferred for their relaxing effects without the intoxicating high, while THC-dominant strains can provide a more intense experience. It is important to start with low doses and gradually increase the amount of cannabis consumed to avoid negative side effects.

In conclusion, both marijuana and meditation have been found to offer relief from chronic pain. When used together, they may provide a synergistic effect, enhancing the benefits of each practice. However, more research is needed to fully understand the potential risks and benefits of combining these two modalities.

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