Crystal Clear: Here’s Why You Don’t Need Cannabis To Guide Your Meditation Practice

The Intention Behind Meditation

Meditation is all about cultivating internal awareness in the present moment; awareness of your body, your breath and your thoughts. It’s about observing these aspects of yourself from an objective state of mind without trying to do or change anything about your experience. Therefore, by altering the meditative experience through the use of cannabis, known to directly effect the body and stimulate the mind, the true intention behind meditation can be lost.

Altered Vs. Unaltered

A common objection to this unaltered meditation practice is that it feels impossible to sit or lay down and be still without the assistance of cannabis due to physical discomfort or some sort of mental anguish. Yet, this is where the practice begins. The goal is to be able to be with discomfort and unruly thoughts as they arise and subside, all while staying focused on the breath and the present moment. It is definitely easier to reach for something outside of yourself, like cannabis, to alter or “assist” the experience of pain in the body or to help calm the monkey mind. However, it requires skill and mastery to be able to use your own breath and awareness to create a sense of calm and spaciousness around challenging feelings. Meditation, just like any new skill requires practice so that you can get better at it, so don’t give up when it feels like the practice is too challenging or you’re not experiencing results fast enough. Be patient and kind to yourself as you constantly need to redirect your attention away from your thoughts and come back to your breath. Be relentless in your pursuit, after all, all good things come to those who practice. Know that the more you practice the more you’ll develop the ability to be unattached to your discomfort and anguish in meditation, a skill which will pour over into life’s daily trials and tribulations.

CBD or No?

Now, you might be wondering if CBD can be used to accompany your meditation. While CBD is non psychoactive, which does make this a better alternative than cannabis for meditation, there is still the idea that you are seeking something outside of yourself to alter your internal experience. You might be convinced that you are in so much discomfort and anguish that you feel you absolutely must use CBD to get you to a point of comfort in your meditation posture. In that case, do what you feel you need to, for you. Nonetheless, the more often you practice meditation, your need for something like CBD will undoubtedly shift and lessen.

Open Heart and Clear Mind

Consider opening your heart and mind to a meditation practice that is not altered by cannabis, where you can experience truth in a direct and authentic way and develop your powerful mental strengths of steadiness, of calm and crystal clear insight.

Please note: The information contained in this blog is not intended to serve as a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of a qualified health provider with any questions about your health and prior to starting any new regimen or treatment.

Jennifer Miles

Cannakula Founder & Director, Contributing Author