Weed and Yoga: A Duo for Deeper Relaxation?

The history of using cannabis as part of the practice of yoga goes back thousands of years. 

Today, some yoga enthusiasts self-report using the plant during practice to strengthen the connection between mind, body, and spirit. Others appreciate the relaxing and mind-soothing effects of a weed and yoga combination.

As with anything, it’s good to know the benefits (and cautions) of doing yoga while under the influence of cannabis. The plant may deepen relaxation and awareness during yoga, but experiences vary, especially depending on the dose and cultivar consumed.

What Are the Benefits of Yoga?

Yoga combines movement between positions or poses with intentional breathing for improved physical, emotional, and mental health. From reducing chronic stress to promoting flexibility and better sleep, yoga practice can provide an overall wellness boost.

Research confirms real benefits from yoga. Yoga promotes relaxation by calming the nervous system and reducing cortisol levels. Regular yoga practice improves balance, increases strength, and helps regulate breathing, a plus for people coping with anxiety or high stress levels.¹ Mindful movement practices, such as yoga, can enhance body awareness and improve mood.

Yoga may promote inner calm, heightened focus, and even lower blood pressure. Some students experience a yoga high, similar to a runner’s high, from the natural endocannabinoid response. When done with intention, yoga becomes more than exercise; it’s meditation in motion.

Why Combine Weed and Yoga?

People cite many reasons for doing yoga while consuming cannabis, but they all center on a mind-body-spirit connection. Most weed and yoga enthusiasts find the combination quiets the mind, and promotes present-moment awareness.

For the mind, yoga and cannabis might:

• Improve focus. For some, anecdotally, low doses of THC have been associated with enhanced attention. 
• Calm thoughts. Early research suggests CBD might help ease anxiety without producing a high, although it's not approved for anxiety as a condition yet.

For the body, coupling weed and yoga may:

• Promote deeper relaxation. If the user usually feels more calm with cannabis cannabis (this varies), they might find the combination creates a next level yoga experience. 
• Heighten body awareness. Some enthusiasts report that cannabis helps them settle into the intentional movement and regulated breathing of the practice with ease.

For the spirit, pairing cannabis with yoga practice may:

• Open connection and awareness. People who do yoga report feeling more mindful. Strong feelings of connection and heightened consciousness, described as “mystical experiences” are not uncommon.²
• Increase enjoyment. High yoga, alone or with others, could improve mood, raise dopamine, and elevate pleasure in exercising.³ 

More Complementary Benefits of Combining Yoga with Weed

Benefit	Yoga Feature	Cannabis Feature
Stress Reduction	Activates the parasympathetic nervous system and reduces cortisol.	THC and CBD may reduce stress response.
Anxiety Relief	Calms the mind through breathwork and mindfulness.	Low doses of THC or CBD may reduce anxiety symptoms.4
Improved Sleep	Promotes better sleep through relaxation techniques.	Helps some users fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer.
Mood Enhancement	Improves mood via endorphin release and mindful movement.	May elevate mood by affecting dopamine.
Physical Relaxation	Relieves muscle tension and supports flexibility.	Relaxes muscles and eases physical discomfort.
Emotional Regulation	Encourages emotional balance and introspection.	Might promote emotional openness and introspection.
Increased Body Awareness	Enhances connection between mind and body.	Enhances sensory awareness and bodily sensation.
Improved Focus	Improves concentration through meditative practices.	May aid focus at low doses, especially with CBD-dominant strains.

Cannabis yoga isn’t the only way to get your buzz and your fitness in one package. Reported modes of exercise most commonly enjoyed with weed include hiking (60%), aerobic machines (50%), with weed yoga coming in at 58% in popularity.⁵

What Are the Risks of Doing Yoga High?

Before you add cannabis to your yoga practice or any physical activity, it's a good idea to assess your overall health with your doctor. As beneficial as yoga can be, the addition of cannabis might create some unexpected challenges.

Impaired Coordination and Balance

THC can impair motor function and coordination needed for yoga poses that involve balance, stretching, or controlled movement.⁶  Overconsumption can lead to falls, injuries, or lightheadedness during practice.

Anxiety or Overwhelm

THC can increase anxiety, cause rapid heartbeat, or trigger racing thoughts, especially in sensitive users.⁷  The effects of being too high might make yoga feel stressful instead of relaxing.

Altered Perception

Cannabis can sometimes distort perception of time, space, or body position. This dreamy or disconnected feeling can be disorienting in physically demanding yoga poses. Stick with familiar poses rather than trying new or advanced yoga postures while using cannabis, at least until you see how your body responds. 

Changes in Concentration or Attention

A complicated or unfamiliar yoga flow may be difficult to focus on when high. Give yourself permission to pause in a comfortable asana or position until you feel ready to proceed.

Dehydration

Although weed doesn’t cause dehydration, a dry mouth or nose during yoga can be uncomfortable during mindful breathing. Stay hydrated before, during, and after your session, especially in hot yoga classes. 

Irritated Lungs or Throat

For some, smoking cannabis can lead to short-term coughing, lung or throat irritation. Consider using an alternative form, such as an edible or tincture, to avoid inhaled irritants.

If You Plan on Combining Yoga and Cannabis, Be Safe!

Start Low and Go Slow

Begin with a low dose and only increase if necessary. Controlled use can help you ease into the experience without losing balance or focus.⁸

Choose the Right Strain

For best results, choose cultivars that promote calm, relaxation, and body awareness. Avoid stimulating varieties if you’re prone to anxiety. Strains like Harlequin, Granddaddy Purple, and Cannatonic are popular for this purpose.

Pick the Right Time and Place

Make sure your environment is calm, uncluttered, and free of tripping hazards. A yoga mat, soft lighting, and soothing music can help set the tone.

Yoga with friends may be even more beneficial. A recent Canadian research study found that using cannabis within a yoga class improves mindfulness and the quality of the experience for the group. This finding suggests that the set and setting of a like-minded group could positively impact the therapeutic benefits.¹

Stay Hydrated and Listen to Your Body

Cannabis may increase your heart rate or make you feel drowsy. Sip water before, during, and after your session. And remember: if something doesn’t feel right, skip it or take a break.

Where Can You Find Weed Yoga Classes?

Cannabis yoga classes, also known as ganja yoga, stoned yoga, or elevated yoga, are popular in states where cannabis is legal.

If you're curious about weed yoga, search for local cannabis wellness studios or events in your area. Online directories, social media groups,  dispensary event boards, and platforms like Meetup and Eventbrite may also list upcoming sessions.

Some classes incorporate cannabis before practice, while others build in time for mindful consumption breaks. 

Weed yoga classes typically feature poses that are more about relaxation and connection than athletic performance. 

If classes aren’t available near you, there are online guided sessions and videos that walk you through gentle yoga flows and meditation, some of which may be designed to pair with cannabis.

Some channels to check out include:

• Yoga With Adrienne
• Yoga With Tim
• Breathe and Flow
• Bright & Salted Yoga
• Yoga With Kassandra

References

1. Woodyard C. Exploring the therapeutic effects of yoga and its ability to increase quality of life. International Journal of Yoga. 2011;4(2):49-54. doi:https://doi.org/10.4103/0973-6131.85485 ↩︎
2. Elizabeth S. Cannabis under the influence of yoga : the impact of mindful movement on well-being outcomes after cannabis use. Libraryubcca. Published online November 26, 2024. doi:https://doi.org/10.14288/1.0435753 ↩︎
3. Gibson LP, Giordano GR, L. Cinnamon Bidwell, Hutchison KE, Bryan AD. Acute Effects of Ad Libitum Use of Commercially Available Cannabis Products on the Subjective Experience of Aerobic Exercise: A Crossover Study. Sports Medicine. Published online December 26, 2023. doi:https://doi.org/10.1007/s40279-023-01980-4 ↩︎
4. Peng J, Fan M, An C, Ni F, Huang W, Luo J. A narrative review of molecular mechanism and therapeutic effect of cannabidiol (CBD). Basic & Clinical Pharmacology & Toxicology. 2022;130(4):439-456. doi:https://doi.org/10.1111/bcpt.13710 ↩︎
5. Ogle WL, Gold GJ, Coppen LE, Copriviza C. How and why adults use cannabis during physical activity. Journal of Cannabis Research. 2022;4(1). doi:https://doi.org/10.1186/s42238-022-00134-z ↩︎
6. Kroon E, Kuhns L, Cousijn J. The short-term and long-term effects of cannabis on cognition: recent advances in the field. Current Opinion in Psychology. 2021;38:49-55. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.copsyc.2020.07.005 ↩︎
7. Sharpe L, Sinclair J, Kramer A, de Manincor M, Sarris J. Cannabis, a cause for anxiety? A critical appraisal of the anxiogenic and anxiolytic properties. Journal of Translational Medicine. 2020;18(1). doi:https://doi.org/10.1186/s12967-020-02518-2 ↩︎
8. MacCallum CA, Russo EB. Practical considerations in medical cannabis administration and dosing. European Journal of Internal Medicine. 2018;49(49):12-19. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejim.2018.01.004 ↩︎

The information in this article and any included images or charts are for educational purposes only. This information is neither a substitute for, nor does it replace, professional legal advice or medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have any concerns or questions about laws, regulations, or your health, you should always consult with an attorney, physician or other licensed professional.