Oneness or the understanding of the self to the fullest extent is the goal of yoga. As a cannabis enthusiast, this may not be what you have in mind initially. But recently, the rise of cannabis integration into yoga classes has been prominent.
One of the most common reasons for this is obvious, which is the added benefit that cannabis brings to the table. Both CBD and THC are two cannabinoids with properties that have been seen to battle against inflammation, nausea, insomnia, muscle tension, bone fractures, stroke, and other chronic diseases, including Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and rheumatoid arthritis. Most of which may be said to hinder the development of oneself to the path of wholeness. The only difference is the psychoactive properties that are seen as a result of THC-based products.
WEED YOGA CLASSES: THE DISCUSSION
As more countries and state in America legalize the use of cannabis both the medicinal and recreational use of CBD and THC-based cannabis products, the rise of weed yoga classes are seen more active and open with their rather “unusual” practice.
With this comes the debate on whether it is still right to integrate the use of these cannabinoids in yoga classes. Especially as most practitioners argue that it may be more counterproductive than conducive in achieving the end goal of yoga – the path to oneness.
One of the most popular yoga practitioners, Darrin Zeer who was the founder of 420 Retreats in the state of Colorado in the USA has said to offer ganja yoga and meditation. He’s advocated the innovation of cannabis into the world of yoga as he believes it helps achieve healing and pain relief.
Specifically, Zeer said, “Cannabis, for me, is a medicine for the physical, emotional, and spiritual body.” Furthermore, he argued that the use of marijuana or even CBD oils has been previously used in ancient rituals to open spirituality. Zeer believes that a mind-altering substance isn’t new to the practice.
Lastly, Zeer highlights the importance of cannabis to help people who are experiencing chronic pain in their joints and other body parts. This is because he believes that these physical boundaries could hinder someone from reaching a sense of self-awareness. While using cannabis can offer the user a chance to have a glimpse of their spiritual self, something that isn’t easily done, even with tenured yoga practitioners.
Another practitioner, Rachel Ginsberg, in Brooklyn agrees that cannabis, in particular marijuana, helps her integrate her spiritual and physical selves as one. She stated that using cannabinoids helps her open up and let go of the common mundane thoughts that she would normally have. Without these thoughts, Ginsberg believed that she can go deeper and more meditative state where she can provide the growth that her mind and body need.
However, Ayurveda, India’s 5,000-year-old medical science, and weed yoga don’t always see eye to eye. To develop clarity and purity of mind which is known to most as sattva. Ayurveda believes that cannabis, particularly THC, beer, wine, or any mind-altering substance is counterproductive with achieving sattva, one of the three gunas – modes of existence.
MARIJUANA AS VIEWED WITH THE AYURVEDIC PERSPECTIVE
It may be true that marijuana helps with physical pain and even emotional states of the mind. Ayurveda stands firm in believing that there are no shortcuts in developing a sense of oneness. They believe that for one to achieve this they must not rely on these substances, instead, they must be able to work through connecting their mind and body against all the complexities of human emotion. All of this to understand the different views of rajas and tamas by honing one’s asana, pranayama, and meditation practice.
No matter what works for you and what you believe in, it’s always important to develop self-growth and if cannabis helps provide that stepping toll for you then it should not be a problem.
Sativa Bliss acknowledges and respects all sides of the debate. So if you are one of the rising population of weed yoga practitioners who are looking for the best cannabis products, you can find a wide variety at our shop. Visit our website for more information and check out now!
Here’s to your journey to oneness!
