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Whether you’re a seasoned marijuana user or a novice looking to find a conscious connection to your body and mind through the use of the plant, you’ll find an array of mindful cannabis ceremonies, meditations, and yoga classes taking place across the Front Range. These events were created to bring like-minded individuals together to create a safe space to explore the benefits of marijuana under the guidance of a qualified instructor.
“Cannabis can soften the flight-or-flight response that triggers anxiety in many people so they can open and relax in order to optimize their inner experience and exploration,” says longtime cannabis activist and clinical nutritionist, Becca Williams, who hosts several cannabis healing events in the Denver area.
According to a 2017 poll by Yahoo News/Marist, 29 percent of marijuana users said that the substance reduces their anxiety or stress, while 37 percent said they use it to relax. Additionally, cannabidiol (CBD), which an active ingredient of marijuana, has been shown in studies to calm the central nervous system—exactly what you may need to take your yoga or meditation practice to another level.
Before you attend any of these events, check with the organizers to determine what you need to bring and if a designated driver is required. Marijuana use is optional, but you must be over 21 years old to participate.
A Cosmic Pause: Cannabis Yoga Ceremony – Summer Solstice
When: June 8, 7–9 p.m.
Where: Earth Yoga Boulder, 3000 Folsom St., Boulder
Welcome the summer solstice and awaken your body with a spiritual gathering hosted by Ganjasana (a yoga program run by Rachael Carlevale that combines cannabis and yoga) and Earth Yoga Boulder. The celebration incorporates Ayurvedic practices, which means a “whole-body” healing system, and combines a yoga asana, meditation, and a cannabis ceremony to celebrate the summer solstice. The Summer Solstice celebration is $30. Although A Cosmic Pause is an annual event, Ganjasana offers other cannabis-friendly ceremonies throughout the year.
Cannabis Healing Meditations by Medicinal Mindfulness
When: June 16, 1–4 p.m.
Where: Location provided to participants
If you’re new to intentional cannabis use, the Cannabis Healing Meditations by Medicinal Mindfulness, a psychedelic therapy clinic located in Boulder, is a great way get started. The event provides participants with the tools to work through stress, pain, and suffering, with the goal of leading you on the road to healing. It is a bring-your-own-cannabis event, however, organizers recommend particular strains from a local dispensary, and people are invited to share with others. Medicinal Mindfulness offers other weed-friendly events, as well, including Community Breathwork and Cannabis Yoga & Sound Healing experiences. The Cannabis Healing Meditations are $49/$39 (scholarships are available for students and veterans).
Clearing Out What’s Upsetting You with Becca Williams
When: June 15, 7 p.m.
Where: Location provided to participants
Clearing Out What’s Upsetting You is just one of several cannabis healing events led by Becca Williams, a speaker, mentor, and a registered dietitian/nutritionist. The focus of this weed-friendly ceremony is to “release and relief from negative emotions” by using Kundalini, a breath-meditation-movement practice. The ceremony is $30 per person.
The Coffee Joint’s Meditation Mondays
When: June 17, 6:30–7 p.m.
Where: 1130 Yuma Ct.
Start the week off with a little bit of cannabis and cultivation of inner peace. The Coffee Joint’s Meditation Mondays includes a mindful exercise, a discussion about dealing with everyday life, and a meditation. The meditation is led by Terry Sidhu, a life coach and tarot card reader. The series is biweekly, so if you miss out on the June 3rd event, look for the next on Coffee Joint’s calendar.
Twisted Sister’s Friday Night Ganja Yoga Classes
When: Every Friday night, 7–8:30 p.m.
Where: Urban Sanctuary, 2754 Welton St.
Twisted Sister’s Ganja Yoga Class is female-led and fuses Hatha yoga and a “special curated strain” of cannabis from Dank Dispensary. Since these classes take place every Friday night, it can be your routine for transitioning from a stressful work-week into a relaxing weekend. You must be invited to attend, so register at TwistedSister.Yoga.