Yoga and Cannabis

In her dissertation Ph.D. candidate at the University of British Columbia (2023) S. Daniels wanted to know what happens to measurable well-being outcomes (i.e., mindfulness and sense of the mystical) when you practice Yoga after consuming cannabis. In this human trial, 47 participants self-administered cannabis via the Naturalistic Cannabis Administration Protocol (NCAP). Resulting data revealed a significant and positive correlation between the use of cannabis and an individual’s experience of a deeper level of mindfulness, allowing them to be more present and focused during their practice. Additionally, some practitioners have described a deeper sense of the mystical, feeling a more profound connection to themselves and the universe while under the influence of cannabis during their Yoga practice.

The context of these findings are further supported by another trial (2020) that discovered that a 4-day yoga retreat resulted in a marked decrease in depression and anxiety scores, while focus, happiness, and positive well-being scores increased. Blood samples were taken from 142 participants. Blood levels of AEA and 2-AG, two endocannabinoids, significantly increased (>70%) after meditation thus suggesting mind-body practices such as Yoga modulate components of the ECS with therapeutic effects to body, mind, and emotion.