Maximum Yield Cannabis USA March/April 2019 | Page 28

I
f you’re interested in a peaceful session in which you are
focused on your inner thoughts, indicas and hybrids are
the way to go. Recommended strains include Headband, Big
Sur Holy Bud, Ringo’s Gift, Hindu Kush, Jager, Baba Kush,
Blueberry Kush, OG Kush, Blue Dream, Girl Scout Cookie, and
Tangie. Sativas can leave you feeling jumpy, nervous, and
excited. They are primarily recommended for practitioners
who are leading a session and want an extra burst of energy.
If you are experiencing physical pain or discomfort due to
everyday activities or the prolonged sitting and movement
required for meditation and yoga, consider topicals and
tinctures. Edibles spread out a slow effect for extra-long
sessions of three to six hours.
Planning out the Session
Creating a relaxing, comfortable space with aromatherapy
oils like lavender and sage or incense is key. It is easy to
practice in a space where you cannot be disturbed. Put your
mobile phone into silent mode. You can use your phone to
play music, nature sounds, or vibrations to guide you through
the session. You can also use musical instruments like bells,
Tibetan singing bowls, or triangles.
It’s good to start the session by smoking cannabis. If you
are practicing with other people, consider holding a “smoke
circle” or “smoke session” to get in touch with your feelings
and create a community. Joints and vaping are ideal choices.
They allow the medicine to take effect quickly and in time for
the first meditation prompts.  
After five to 15 minutes of meditation, you can consider about
30 minutes of guided yoga movements. Avoid any moves that
are too strenuous or painful. Close with a final, shorter medi-
tation session that helps you return to reality. Some prac-
titioners recommend an additional smoke session to close
practice, both for reflection and to decrease pain experienced
in yoga or sitting. Many teachers say their typical cannabis,
yoga, and meditation session takes about an hour and a half.
“Some practitioners
recommend an additional
smoke session to close
practice, both for reflection
and to decrease pain
experienced in yoga or sitting.”
Teachers Share Their Wisdom
Figuring out how much cannabis to use and what
strain works for you is a process, says Eliza
Maroney, a cannabis yogi who teaches “Bend +
Blaze” classes in San Francisco and Venice Beach.  
“Micro-dosing every time unless you’re in
serious physical pain is a good idea. My goal is to
find the least amount necessary. You’re here to get
lifted, not to get high,” Maroney says.
Rachael Carlevale, a teacher of cannabis plant
SpiritYoga in Boulder, CO., recommends sitting
with the plant, introducing yourself to it, and
engaging in a mindful contemplation before start-
ing meditation and yoga.
“In a ceremony which takes about three hours,
I help students get to know the soil. (This is) the
most important part of the plant medicine, as the
soil feeds the plants. I will bring in soil, compost,
and worms. We’ll do a meditation holding the soil
on marma points on our hands. Then we may do a
mindfulness meditation holding a cannabis leaf, using
all five senses, including smelling, hearing, and tasting
it. We do this education to get to know the plant and our
intentions with her,” says Carlevale.
Sari Starr, a leader with Cannabliss Retreats who
practices at Yoga Nest in Venice Beach, notes practice is
all about quieting your mind.
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