Cannabis and Mindfulness: A Path to Intentional Healing
In a world full of noise—both internal and external—mindfulness offers a way to slow down, become present, and listen inward. When practiced with intention, cannabis can become a powerful partner in this journey.
What Is Mindfulness?
Mindfulness is the practice of bringing your attention to the present moment without judgment. It's about noticing your breath, your body, your emotions, and your environment with curiosity and compassion. Research shows that mindfulness supports psychological health, helping reduce anxiety, manage stress, and promote emotional regulation (Keng et al., 2011).
Where Cannabis Comes In
Cannabis, when used with awareness, can deepen the connection between mind and body. Certain cannabinoids, like THC and CBD, have been shown to help quiet the mental chatter and support relaxation—two conditions that allow for a more grounded and focused mindfulness practice.
Cannabis doesn’t create mindfulness—but it can support it.
THC may heighten sensory perception and increase awareness of internal and external states, which can enhance mindful presence (Green et al., 2003).
CBD has been studied for its anxiolytic effects, offering calming properties that can reduce barriers to mindfulness such as racing thoughts or physical restlessness (Blessing et al., 2015).
Tips for Mindful Cannabis Use
Mindful cannabis use is about relationship, not routine. It emphasizes the quality of your attention and your intention for using the plant (Sznitman et al., 2021).
Set an intention: Before consuming, ask yourself why you’re using cannabis. Is it to relax, to connect with yourself, to manage stress?
Start low, go slow: Especially when practicing mindfulness, you don’t need much. Choose a dose that supports awareness without overwhelming it.
Choose your setting wisely: Find a quiet space where you feel safe and undistracted.
Pair it with a practice: Meditation, breathwork, a body scan, gentle yoga, or even a mindful walk outside can enhance the experience.
Notice the effects: Observe how your body feels, how your thoughts move, and how your mood shifts. Don’t judge—just notice.
A Note on Responsibility
Mindful cannabis use also means being aware of risks. For individuals with a history of trauma or mental health conditions, it’s essential to approach cannabis with care, ideally under the guidance of a wellness provider. While some evidence supports cannabis use for symptoms like anxiety and PTSD, more research is needed, and individual responses vary (Walsh et al., 2017).
Try This: A Simple Grounding Practice
Inhale deeply, noticing the sensation of air filling your lungs.
Exhale slowly, releasing any tension.
Place your hand on your chest or belly and feel the rise and fall.
Tune in: What are you feeling right now—in your body, your mind, your heart?
If you've consumed cannabis, observe how it shifts your awareness. What has softened? What has come into focus?
Cannabis can’t replace mindfulness—but it can remind us how to be here now.
When used with reverence, it becomes more than a plant—it becomes a tool for presence, healing, and peace.
References
Blessing, E. M., Steenkamp, M. M., Manzanares, J., & Marmar, C. R. (2015).
Cannabidiol as a potential treatment for anxiety disorders. Neurotherapeutics, 12(4), 825–836. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13311-015-0387-1
Green, B., Kavanagh, D., & Young, R. (2003).
Being stoned: A review of self-reported cannabis effects. Drug and Alcohol Review, 22(4), 453–460. https://doi.org/10.1080/09595230310001613976
Keng, S. L., Smoski, M. J., & Robins, C. J. (2011).
Effects of mindfulness on psychological health: A review of empirical studies. Clinical Psychology Review, 31(6), 1041–1056. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cpr.2011.04.006
Sznitman, S. R., Bretteville-Jensen, A. L., & Lindholm, L. (2021).
Exploring mindful cannabis use: A novel approach to reducing cannabis-related harm. Drugs: Education, Prevention and Policy, 28(6), 526–534. https://doi.org/10.1080/09687637.2020.1798702
