.png)
If you’re looking for a healthy way to release stress and increase mindfulness and focus, the combination of meditation and marijuana may be exactly what you’re looking for. With apps like Calm and Headspace, the practice of meditation is more accessible than ever. With the legalization of medical marijuana in Missouri, state residents are finding that cannabis is a welcome companion on their wellness journey.
Studies show that meditation can increase focus, calm, and productivity; and it can help fight insomnia and reduce your risk of heart disease as well. The effects of cannabis are a natural complement to the tenets of meditation.
What exactly IS meditation?
In a nutshell, the practice of meditation is a set of techniques used to develop mindfulness, increase a sense of calm, and promote overall relaxation.
There are several different types of meditation, but they all involve finding a position where you can be relaxed, but aware, and “focus your attention and eliminate the stream of jumbled thoughts that may be crowding your mind and causing stress.” The overall effect of this process often results in enhanced physical and emotional well-being.
The practice of meditation is growing in America, with some research suggesting up to 40 percent of U.S. adults engage in some form of meditation at least once per week. Studies are showing that meditation helps with a number of conditions. The practice can help decrease symptoms of anxiety, insomnia, PMS, back pain, PTSD, and more!
Which kind of meditation is right for me?
There are several different styles of meditation, and choosing which type is right for you can be a journey. Choosing the meditation practice that is right for you can require some patience and experimentation. We recommend trying different approaches until you find something that feels comfortable.
(H3) Here are just some of the different styles of meditation:
Mindfulness meditation focuses on observing your thought patterns without judgment, and is one of the most popular meditation styles.
Spiritual meditation has a focus on gaining a deeper connection with a higher power or force.
Focused meditation allows you to clear your mind by focusing on a specific sensation, usually associated with one of the five senses.
Body Scan meditation focuses on progressive relaxation as you observe your entire body, one section at a time.
Mantra meditation actually involves speaking aloud - a word or phrase, repeatedly. Practitioners of this often enjoy the vibration in their body that the repetition creates and report a heightened sense of awareness.
Loving Kindness Meditation focuses on sending kind thoughts and wishes to yourself and out to the world.
Movement meditation focuses on the mind/body connection and actually involves physical movement.
If you enjoy a group experience, it may be worth searching for a meditation center near you. But, you can also meditate at home, simply using your phone. There are an incredible array of meditation apps available, offering various levels of guidance for individuals of any experience level.
How can medical marijuana pair with meditation?
Both meditation and marijuana can be used to manage stress. Many individuals find one of the most challenging aspects of meditation is the difficulty of “dropping in” and focusing on the present moment. The natural effects of cannabis can help you “relax into the experience of meditation.”
The cannabinoids found in marijuana can cause the brain’s neurotransmitters to respond by regulating stress and anxiety, elevating focus, and providing an overall feeling of calm. All of these effects are natural companions to the goals of meditation.
For those experiencing chronic pain, the use of medical marijuana may make meditation a possibility for the first time ever, because the relief that cannabis provides actually allows them to focus and relax.
In his book, High Yoga, author and cannabis expert Darrin Zeer says, “The main benefit of using weed [while meditating] is becoming present with this moment...which is the ultimate goal for all meditators—the feeling of altered mindfulness.”
How should I combine marijuana with meditation?
It is important to know your limits when combining marijuana and meditation. Start small, then slowly increase until you find the right dosage, especially if you are meditating as part of a class environment.
Remember - meditation is about being present and observing your experience as it is happening. Don’t dab yourself into a state of unawareness. The idea is to allow marijuana to enhance your consciousness, not take you away from the moment.
Reduce stress naturally, and let medical marijuana enhance your meditation.
If you’re ready to experience the natural relief of cannabis, we’ve got you covered. Our physicians are standing by to take you through a quick and easy evaluation to see if you qualify for a Missouri medical marijuana card. Schedule an appointment with a marijuana doctor online by CLICKING HERE, or give us a call at (877) 303-3117 to talk to a patient support representative.
Doctors Who Care.
Relief You Can Trust.
At Missouri Marijuana Card, our mission is helping everyone achieve wellness safely and conveniently through increased access to medical marijuana. Our focus on education, inclusion, and acceptance will reduce the stigma for our patients by providing equal access to timely information and compassionate care.
Call us at (877) 303-3117, or simply book a medical marijuana evaluation to start getting relief you can trust today!
Check out Missouri Marijuana Card’s Blog to keep up to date on the latest medical marijuana news, tips, and information. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to join the medical marijuana conversation in Missouri