Cannabis pairs well with many of life’s pleasures and fun activities.
Indulge in the appropriate strain, maintain discretion, uphold responsible consumption standards, and enjoy yourself a movie, an art museum, a concert, the best restaurant in town—you name it.
However, an offbeat topic many people don’t discuss is pairing cannabis with exercise.
We should clarify that athletes and generally active people using cannabis is very much a “thing.” Who doesn’t remember the infamous (if not somewhat preposterous) Michael Phelps scandal? Plus, Kevin Durant says almost all players use cannabis in the NBA.
So this isn’t so much a conversation about whether active people—those engaged in something like yoga—would consume cannabis.
Instead, it’s a matter of “when” active people should consume cannabis.
After all, the athletes we’ve already discussed might engage in cannabis consumption. Still, it’s typically to relax after they’ve put in the hard yards. At least, that’s the implication.
Michael Phelps would’ve struggled to find a convenient and discreet place to light up between races as he won his treasure trove of gold medals.
Also, while—years ago—there was a story once about the Cleveland Cavaliers dressing room smelling of cannabis, one would imagine most players aren’t toking up during games.
At the same time, there’s a world of difference between personal and recreational fitness endeavors like yoga and playing competitive sports.
There’s then the fact that yoga, while often an intense physical activity, revolves around relaxation and attuning one’s body and mind. Cannabis can (but doesn’t always) discombobulate users, but it also heightens sensory experiences, making its combination with yoga an enticing proposition.
Below, we’ll examine the notion of combining cannabis with yoga and the relationship between the two.
Should You Consume Cannabis Before A Yoga Session?
First and foremost, we aren’t a medical dispensary or medical professionals offering health or fitness advice. We’re providing information we’ve ascertained through research and our personal experiences.
Furthermore, please be mindful of the following caveat in this section and the rest of the blog: these answers apply to responsible usage. Trying to perform any rigorous physical activity when you’re too inebriated is unsafe and puts you—and potentially, those around you—at risk.
Nevertheless, safe and considerate cannabis usage has proven itself an interesting combo with working out.
More to the point, while the University of Colorado Boulder points out that cannabis is not a performance enhancer, the plant can increase motivation and boost the enjoyment of workouts.
Something else to consider is your fitness level and proficiency in a given activity. Provided you’re a long-time yoga practitioner who can perform challenging poses without much difficulty, you won’t suddenly lose the ability to do what you already do well after a single pull from a joint.
In the next section, we’ll discuss cannabis’s relationship with yoga and why the two are ideal partners.
Why Does Cannabis Pair Well With Yoga?
As mentioned in the introduction, cannabis heightens our tactile and body awareness. It does this through its relationship with the endocannabinoid system, which harnesses various central nervous system processes [1]. Yoga also relies on heightened sensory awareness.
Another reason cannabis pairs well with yoga is its pain-relieving properties [2]. Yoga requires flexibility and the ability to push through certain thresholds, and cannabis can help you get there (within reason—it won’t make you go too far).
Specific cannabis strains—and mindful consumption—can also offer calm and tranquility to those who suffer from pre-exercise anxiety. Freeing yourself from life stressors and self-consciousness can enable your mind to focus intensely on posture and breathing [3].
Harnessing The Power Of Mindful Cannabis Consumption
Consider this section as an extended disclaimer. Namely, yoga and cannabis as a combination isn’t a guaranteed success. We believe most responsible adult users can find the appropriate balance, but it requires thoughtfulness and care.
We suggest starting with minimal amounts to see how you respond and increasing your dosage until you optimize your dosage per yoga session.
Best Practices For Pairing Yoga And Cannabis
This section will offer helpful suggestions to optimize your yoga and cannabis experience.
Match The Strain With The Style Of Yoga
Generally speaking, combine yoga with cannabis strains that don’t weigh down your body or accelerate your thoughts.
However, different types of yoga match better with specific strains to maximize results.
For instance, energetic vinyasa yoga practices seemingly call for a sativa-dominant, low-myrcene, and limonene-rich hybrid.
On the other hand, more methodical, meditative, and restorative sessions might demand hybrids rich in myrcene and leaning toward indica.
Keep Drinking Water
Yoga dehydrates, and so does cannabis. Therefore, you must continually be swigging on a bottle of H2O as you go to prevent yourself from drying out. This suggestions applies to before, during, and after your yoga session.
Choose A Low Yoga “Dose”
Many cannabis users are comfortable enough with their doses that they can enjoy a full-throttled hot yoga workout after smoking half a joint of high-potency indica.
Remember, though, you’re reading this article for a reason. The cannabis users who can go “all out” with their yoga and dosing are highly experienced and have developed a tolerance and a method that keeps them safe.
Thus, on top of suggesting you start with a low dose of cannabis, we also recommend an equally low “dose” of yoga—dipping your toe in the water to ensure that you’re comfortable.
Selecting a slower form of yoga will ensure you don’t push too hard too fast when you first combine your session with cannabis.
Keep An Eye Open For Edible Legalization
Edibles aren’t legal in New Jersey—but micro-dosing edibles is a superior option to smoking before a yoga session. It’s easier on your lungs and less likely to hamper your performance.
So, keep your ears open for any changes in New Jersey’s cannabis laws—because edible legalization could prove a significant difference-maker for your cannabis and yoga pairings.
Conclusion: Enlighten Yourself With The Optimal Yoga And Cannabis Pairing
Want to learn more about pairing the optimal cannabis with your yoga sessions?
Contact Enlighten Dispensary today with your questions, and we’ll help guide you to your ideal yoga and cannabis pairing. Our team knows the ins and outs of our strains and can offer the bespoke instructions that suit your cannabis needs.