5 Ways to Decompress with Cannabis

Cannabis-infused catnaps are pure bliss, for sure, but other relaxing activities like yoga turn tranquil and daily chores become cheerful when you unwind with weed.

Since cannabis truly does have the ability to transform some of life's more trivial tasks into magical moments, legalization of marijuana has opened doors to a whole new way of relaxing for Canadians from coast to coast and for many Americans as well.

Contrary to popular belief, lit is not necessarily synonymous with lazy (or crazy), but maybe somewhere in between. Since it’s easy to cross the line from a relaxing amount of marijuana to too much, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the term “dosing.” Research suggests a few hits of a joint — enough to consume between 5-10 mg of THC — provides a nice light buzz, a sensation similar to drinking your first glass of wine in the evening except it lasts for hours. This amount is perfect for R&R-related activities.

Read also: Cannabis Strains to Avoid if You Need Sleep

Cannabis strains also matter. High-CBD strains like Harlequin, ACDC, and Stephen Hawking Kush help mitigate the psychoactive effects of THC found in most weed. For a deep body relaxation, you’re best to start off with an indica or an indica-heavy hybrid. Try this before your next massage therapy appointment for total euphoria. Sativa strains tend to offer a more energizing experience, although still soothing at a low dose.

Sure, it’s nice to kick back and binge on Netflix, high or otherwise, after work, but cannabis is also a great way to elevate all kinds of other relaxing experiences, whether you choose to stay at home and get creative in the kitchen or head to the nearest beach for a quiet dip (because, really, what it more Zen than earth, water, air, and weed all in one place?).

If you’re into improving your downtime with a bit of bud, keep your red eyes open and read on for five free ways to decompress with marijuana.

1. Hang Out in Your Head

Meditation helps you pore through your thoughts in deep and contemplative ways. Toss some cannabis into the mix and watch yourself drift off in a completely new way. Since our sense of time is often stretched while under Mary Jane’s spell, this can make it much easier to really think about what’s on your mind, or perhaps think about nothing at all. Just take a few deep breaths, visualize every part of your body relaxing, piece-by-piece, and see where your newly unfettered mind will take you.

2. Enjoy the Glow of Good Health

If you find yoga relaxing, then try enhancing your routine with a hit of weed for a whole new state of mind/body connection. A little toke goes a long way with yoga's gentle stretching exercises. Similarly, some also find running (and even mountain biking) to be relaxing after a puff. Since both of these activities require patience and mental flexibility, a nice cannabis buzz can help you concentrate less on the struggle and more on the incredible rush that comes from a good workout.

Read also: Expanding Consciousness with Cannabis, Meditation, and Yoga

3. Fuel for Your Creative Process

When it comes to things like interior design and landscaping, cannabis helps to release all kinds of new and innovative ideas that often struggle to surface. The acts of creative writing and visual arts are also better pursued with a more relaxed state of mind. So, grab your vape pen, paper, paints, brushes, and make some magic. The marijuana will not only help you let go of your inhibitions to explore new, outside-the-box possibilities but it will also help you focus on your work in progress.

4. Sunshine, Freedom, and a Little Flower

Whether you’re one to skinny dip or stroll quietly in a forest, being in nature is always a beautiful thing. Golden sunsets, spring flowers, fall leaves — these visuals are all heightened when you add some jolly green. You'll see Mother Nature in a new light, in all her life-giving glory. Every day is different and everything has a purpose. Explore, get up close and personal with that tree in the park you've only barely glanced at a million times, breath the air, and then go home and read some Henry David Thoreau for a deeper understanding of the Earth we walk on.

5. You are What You Eat

Have you tried cooking with cannabis? If you’ve yet to discover the joy of cooking, it’s time to get comfortable in the kitchen. Not only is cooking at home healthier for you but it’s actually kind of fun, especially when you have a stick of canna butter on hand. There are billions of recipes out there catering to all appetites, and most of them can easily be infused with a low dose of cannabis. What could be more satisfying than, say, gnocchi in ganga butter for dinner followed up with a slice of homemade bakedlava? One word: nothing.

Is Toke Up Tuesday the new Wine Down Wednesday? Yes, it is! I’ll have an ounce of your finest sativa, please.