You know that pleasant, almost meditative state you sometimes find yourself in after a few good puffs of a joint or a big slice of space cake? It’s just one of the many effects of cannabis, but these subtle—and sometimes less subtle—changes in the body are used by some people to achieve a true state of mindfulness. But what’s the deal with that? Can cannabis really help you become more aware and mindful? Let’s take a look…

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Mindful-what?

Here at Dutch-Smart, we’ve covered mindfulness before. Last year, for example, we told you that psilocybin and mindfulness go together really well, but it seems that cannabis might also be a useful tool. But what exactly is mindfulness? According to experts, this state of consciousness is described as a “mental state in which all attention is focused on the present moment.” In this state, you’re aware of what’s happening around you and temporarily set aside all the problems in, say, the rest of the world.

According to these experts, the benefits of mindfulness are incredible, and you really don’t have to be a yoga guru or meditation expert to practice it. Various studies suggest that this “mindful” state is linked to reduced stress levels, less depression, and improved overall health. In short: nothing but positivity. Because let’s be honest: 2020 hasn’t exactly gotten off to a great start, and we could all use a little positivity. So a little mindfulness course might not be a luxury after all.

Every day, countless people wake up and are completely consumed by stress and thoughts from that moment on until they fall asleep again. Many of us rush from one obligation to the next, whether it’s work, school, taking care of our family, or one of the millions of other things demanding our attention. We’re more distracted than ever by our smartphones, and now we also have to be much more mindful of our health (and that of others).

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Cannabis and mindfulness

In short: peace of mind is good for us. Very good for us. According to users, one of the reasons why cannabis sales have surged in recent months is precisely to escape these stressful times. But while cannabis and mindfulness might be a good combination, this doesn’t mean you’re instantly “mindful” after lighting a joint. But what if you could use that altered state of mind while smoking to focus your attention on the “now”?

What if you could harness your marijuana mindset and focus your attention on exactly what’s happening while you go about your daily activities? People who are already trying this say that this stoned or “high” state is perfect for becoming mindful. For example, marijuana has also been used for centuries to facilitate meditation, and meditation is, in turn, very closely linked to mindfulness. Your mind is focused, you block out negative external influences, and you are purely aware of what is happening right now and what you are doing.

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Give it a try

So can marijuana really help you achieve a mindful state of mind? Those with firsthand experience say it can, but ultimately, that’s up to you to decide. Try it the next time you’re high and see if you can keep that marijuana-infused mind of yours focused on the here and now. And if not, you can always try a dose of magic mushrooms...