A beginner’s guide to meditating with marijuana

Cannabis can be a great accompaniment to any type of meditation, as it’s really all about presence. Below are some thoughts on adding cannabis from Tara Rose, host of the Green Goddess podcast, which explores sacred medicine, consciousness development, and philosophy. Here is a beginner’s guide to meditating with marijuana.

In her estimation, there is a world of difference between being stoned and using cannabis consciously. When we’re in the process of getting high, we use the plant with no regard or intention – we may even use it to escape ourselves. Using cannabis on purpose is the opposite. We choose to create greater awareness and consciousness through communication with the herb. We allow it to amplify our subconscious and our repressed emotions so we can learn more about ourselves, accept them and integrate them.

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She suggests simply giving thanks first before using the plant and using it with caution. It’s best to make sure you’re grounded and have eaten beforehand as it can be very activating to the crown chakra and if used too often (or by someone who is out of balance) can be overstimulating and off-ground. The idea is to create more harmony in our being instead of creating disharmony. The image of the spacey, forgetful stoner is basically just an extremely down-to-earth person.

Photo by Lua Valentia via Unsplash

Rose cautions that one must be careful not to become so dependent on cannabis as a relaxant that one cannot calm down without first consuming it. Because cannabis can be so stimulating to the crown and third eye, it is important not to become dependent on it for spirituality, for the plant is a teacher and a guide, but we are destined to integrate these teachings .

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For many, the ritual of smoking cannabis can enhance the overall experience. Others find that an edible can induce a feeling throughout the body that encourages meditation. Oftentimes a 1:1 hybrid strain can create the ideal spot where one can be in a state of relaxation but remain awake enough to enjoy the meditative experience without going to sleep. Keep experimenting with different strains and delivery methods until you find the right combination that suits your unique meditative experience.