9 Ways to Use Cannabis For Self-Care in High Stress Times
By Sophie Saint ThomasSelf-care *is* selfish—that’s the whole point. And furthermore, it’s important. If we don’t make time to care for ourselves, we deal with burnout, crankiness, and are more likely to get sick—and we definitely won’t have the energy to make an impact on all the important social and political matters currently at hand. Cannabis for self-care can help.
Because now, these roaring ’20s we find ourselves in mean self-care is more important than ever. Hoo boy, 2020 is intense! We're dealing with Covid-19, physical distancing, protests, and the beginnings of some much-needed changes to our social and political systems. 100 years ago, the ’20s meant alcohol prohibition and women’s voting rights; we fought against conservative restrictions and won. In 2020, with a monumental (and stressful as hell) presidential election upon us, it’s time to end the prohibition on another substance: cannabis.
With that in mind, here are nine ways to use cannabis for self-care to heal the mind, body, and spirit. Let’s continue to fight for cannabis in 2020. And let’s fight for ourselves—first and foremost by taking care of ourselves.
Meditate on marijuana
Most Americans grew up on myths about “marijuana.” Science shows you can’t overdose. While psychological dependence is something to personally monitor, to be sure, weed isn’t addictive. And a gateway drug? You’re much more likely to snort something you shouldn’t after tequila shots than a joint. In other cultures, for instance in Rastafarian culture in the Caribbean, cannabis is understood to be a sacred plant.
Even the most woke of us can benefit from toking up and doing some research on the racist history of cannabis. You may surprise yourself with all the things you didn't know about its past—but with a little awareness you can move past your own shame and take some action. It’s time to embrace weed consciously in all ways in 2020.
Experiment with dosing
Anytime I hear someone say that they don’t like cannabis because it makes them anxious, I wish I could hand them a nice edible dosed with 2.5mg of THC and 2.5mg of CBD and draw them a warm bath. THC is a drug. It’s safe, you can experiment all you want without overdosing, but it’s still a drug. So before 2020 goes into full roar, take the time to find a dose that’s comfortable for you.
Once you establish a baseline, you can take notes to learn the best dose for social anxiety, for a headache, and for when you want to see music and taste colors. Let us not forget that cannabis, in larger doses, is a psychedelic. While microdosing is very safe and trendy, sometimes we can all use an ego death, and you don’t need an ayahuasca ceremony to achieve it.
Use cannabis bath products
We have significant evidence that touts cannabis’ anti-inflammatory properties. It’s why CBD can treat forms of epilepsy and a CBD-infused topical can comfort sore feet. Have you ever wanted to just cover your entire body in weed? By adding cannabis oil, or a bath bomb to your already relaxing bath, you can soak your entire body in the plant’s pain-relieving and relaxing powers.
Playboy CBD Bath Bomb, $15Keep a topical at your desk
If you type all day long, you know about sore wrists. Tendonitis and carpal tunnel are both caused by swelling, which cannabis may help soothe. Keep a CBD (or CBD with THC if you are a medical patient or live in a legal state) topical at your desk. Take breaks every few hours to massage the salve into your wrists a mindfully medicated massage.
Wildflower CBD+ Healing StickUse cannabis as a nutritional supplement
First THC was the cool kid because, obviously, she gets you high. Currently chill and chic CBD is giving THC a run for her money, though. Together, in full-spectrum cannabis or hemp seed oils and seeds, they also act as a nutritional supplement. They contain protein, fatty acids, vitamin E, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, magnesium, sulfur, calcium, iron and zinc...shall I continue? Rethink what you know about what cannabis can do for you this year—and start by adding hemp milk or seeds to your smoothie.
Miss Grass Hemp + Herb Mini Pre-Roll Trio, $63
Explore different intake methods
Humans like routine. You have your THC vaporizer, or your CBD tincture, and you enjoy your ritual of packing a bowl each night. But have you ever used a vaginal suppository for period cramps? Expand your appreciation for the plant and your own cannabis for self-care regime by trying something new. There’s nothing like it for menstrual pain, we promise.
Foria Relief CBD Suppositories, $50
Add it to your sex life
*Takes a deep breath* A cannabis suppository used vaginally or anally can make sex more comfortable by potentially increasing blood flow to the region and reducing pain without numbing you out. Cannabis topicals can also enhance orgasm, and studies suggest that ingesting or inhaling cannabis with a partner can boost intimacy by reducing our negative bias, basically meaning we’re less uptight. (And if you’re into kink, apply a cannabis topical to bruises from spanking or other impact play afterwards.)
Miss Grass Fast Times Mini Pre-Rolls
Know your local laws
Consider this: you may qualify for a medical card in your state/country and not even know it. Or, you might be able to grow your own cannabis plants. What are your state’s possession laws? Knowing your local cannabis laws leads to less stress. And less stress means better vibes. It is an act of self-care and your duty as a cannabis-loving citizen to familiarize yourself with the local laws.
Miss Grass Hemp + Herb Mini Pre-Rolls for Balance, $26