Whether it’s for anxiety relief, better sleep, or to ease chronic pain, more and more consumers are turning to cannabis for self-care. According to a recent study by Oasis Intelligence, a cannabis data insights company, half of cannabis consumers rely on the plant for medical and wellness reasons, not just to get high.
For those who are new to cannabis, it might feel a bit daunting to understand how and where to begin, so we’ve put together a guide based on specific needs and uses to help you get started.
What is self-care?
The World Health Organization defines self-care as “the ability of individuals, families, and communities to promote health, prevent disease, and maintain health and to cope with illness and disability with or without the support of a health-care provider.”
Self-care comes in many forms. From treating yourself to coffee to binging your favorite show, cannabis can be an additional tool in your arsenal for prioritizing your health.
Overcoming stigma
Despite how wonderful and obvious this match may seem, cannabis and self-care each come with their own stigmas and it’s important to address and break down preconceived notions.
While we know that cannabis helps people heal, the stigma around cannabis still exists.
We all know someone who refuses to acknowledge the medicinal benefits of cannabis, who continues to hold onto the outdated regime, who calls cannabis consumers “druggies,” “stoners,” or worse, “criminals.”
There’s also inequality lurking behind health and wellness brands waving the diversity and inclusion flag. Assumptions about BIPOC womxn are typically perpetrated by majority opinions, i.e. the stigma that Black womxn don’t have the “right” body for yoga or should be ashamed for seeking therapy.
As a conscious consumer, it’s important to understand the real purpose of self-care and be willing to criticize the status quo in order to have a truly inclusive dialogue about wellness for all.
If you’re looking to relieve anxiety and depression
To relax:
Go for CBD-dominant strains to naturally relax the mind and body. The calming effect on your body can help you relax in stressful moments or after exhausting days at work.
SingleCare reports that 49% of users take CBD (cannabidiol) for anxiety and stress. CBD doesn’t have the intoxicating component that gets you “high” like THC, so people who are new to cannabis can start with CBD to test the waters. For Masie Timmons, a young mother still figuring out the whole adulting thing, cannabis is a way to relax. “I just enjoy life more, being able to separate myself from negative energies and goofing off.”
To cope with difficult emotions:
It’s helpful to set aside time and focus on why you’re feeling anxious. Whether it’s through therapy, meditation, breathwork, or journaling, oftentimes, it’s important to start the healing process at the root of the issue. Cannabis is best used as a tool that can help you unlock barriers and allow you to dive deeper into yourself. “When I feel my cortisol levels are high (or getting there), I’ll do a quick meditation followed by a CBD tincture,” says Lynae Cook, an actor and photographer in Los Angeles.
If you turn to writing, delve into your emotions and then note changes to the way you feel as the edible starts to take effect. This is a productive self-care exercise that helps you get out of your head and onto paper. Writing out your thoughts can be therapeutic. Try coming to your journal with cannabis next time you’re having a bad day. We love low-dose edibles for a gentle but longer-lasting high.
To uplift mood:
Take a couple of deep breaths and go for a walk outside. You might find that something as simple as changing your surroundings or incorporating movement can boost your mood. Cannabis helps you shift your perspective thanks to the way it interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid (ECS) system to activate “feel good” hormones like serotonin and dopamine.
Nature is also a source of therapy to turn to when you’re feeling edgy, so to take off the edge, try taking in the scenery.
If you’re looking for better rest and more regenerative sleep
Statistics from the CDC reveal that 25% of U.S. adults don’t get the sleep they need 15 out of every 30 days. Whether it’s related to stressors such as family, bills, or pain, the bottom line is that no self-care routine is complete without a decent night of sleep.
Perhaps one of the biggest medicinal benefits of cannabis is better and more regenerative sleep. That’s because cannabinoids are so compatible and seamlessly link with our ECS, which in turn help regulate our circadian rhythm or internal body clock. People with jet lag, young children, and PTSD can use cannabis to improve their sleep quality. Additionally, cannabis can be a good coping mechanism for nightmares, worry, and trauma. “I use cannabis primarily for anxiety and sleep, or when I want to unwind and get deep into a documentary,” says Aishwarya Tripathi, who works in mental health advocacy. “It helps me disconnect from any unnecessary thoughts and makes my body feel present.”
Try incorporating cannabis into your nightly routine. An hour before bed, push the ‘mute’ button on the day, turn on mood lighting, unplug from your devices, and sip on a cannabis tea to calm frantic thoughts about the next day. Intentional breathwork, yoga, or meditation can also work wonders. “I like to go to bed with a good indica cartridge that is going to knock me out, and [the] King Louis [strain] has currently been my favorite,”says Cheyenne Chandler, a dispensary employee and agriculture science student
“I use cannabis primarily for anxiety and sleep, or when I want to unwind and get deep into a documentary,” says Aishwarya Tripathi, who works in mental health advocacy.
To combat insomnia:
For newbies, we recommend strains high in THC, CBD, and CBN as well as terpenes like Linalool and Myrcene that can help lull you to sleep. However, according to scientist Carolina Vasquez Mitchell, “THC and CBD can reduce REM sleep and REM sleep is essential for memory, for learning, creating new synapsis, and simulating all the new memories and everything that you learned during that day.” Therefore, when selecting products to treat insomnia, it might be worth finding one that takes advantage of the entourage effect of multiple aids in addition to cannabis, such as melatonin or valerian root.
Good sleep hygiene and healthy bedtime habits are just as important. Establish a consistent routine in the evening to balance your circadian rhythm. In fact, treat it like a ritual, something you do every night regardless of what’s going on.
If you’re looking to support your reproductive health
To feel better throughout your cycle:
Are you ready to ditch mood swings? Restoring balance to our bodies is tied to our hormones. As womxn, we can constantly get knocked off course as we experience hormonal shifts during our menstrual cycle, before, and after pregnancy.
For raging cramps, try THC:CBD balanced edibles or strains to reduce pain and inflammation. The gradual body “high” is ideal for those days when you’re stuck in bed with PMS. Cannabis not only soothes the physical pain but subsides the emotional distress associated with inconsistent/heavy flows. It again goes back to our ECS which regulates everything, including our hormones.
We also love warm soaks in the tub with CBD bath bombs as they can mimic the effect of heat pads. Make it a vibe by indulging in scented bath salts, candles, and music.
To enjoy better sex:
If you’re in the mood, cannabis can help increase libido and sexual pleasure by quieting your busy mind as well as increasing blood flow to your erogenous zones. Cannabis-infused lubricants and oils for self-pleasure or enhanced partner play can stimulate blood cells and loosen you up (in more ways than one).
To relieve the effects of Endometriosis:
As a palliative treatment, cannabis eases pain and heals the mind and body. In a 2019 survey, researchers asked womxn with endometriosis how they manage their pain.
The results were a knockout. According to womxn, the most effective strategy for reducing pain related to endometriosis is cannabis. If you deal with endometriosis and struggle through painful periods along with discomfort during sex, cannabis may be something to try.
If you’re looking for pain relief
To combat chronic pain:
The CDC estimates that more than 20% of U.S. adults experience chronic pain. This problem consistently proves to be the most common reason adults seek medical care. Because managing chronic pain goes beyond regular self-care activities, we’ll suggest ways to self-medicate with cannabis.
CBD anti-inflammatory topicals are easy to use and have a more localized effect on muscles and nerves. Apply lotions and oils onto specific pain spots, then repeat as needed throughout the day. “CBD topicals are my to-go for stress release because usually, my internal stress manifests as muscle soreness,” says cannabis activist Elizabeth Gray of Bud Betty.
Ingesting cannabis may help reduce pain by taking your mind off of the physical symptoms of pain. Whether you prefer to smoke joints, flower, or vape, cannabis may at least encourage you to focus on healing your body and mind.
To have better pre- and post-workouts:
Before or after a workout, cannabis is great for staying ahead of muscle soreness (alongside daily stretching, of course). The best form of consumption is up to you and your needs, but as a general rule, look for strains with anti-inflammatory properties. Your self-care routine can be as simple as working out longer for that natural endorphin high. Cannabis definitely plays up the brain’s reward center, so that sense of bliss after your workout may feel even stronger.
If you’re looking to get those creative juices flowing
Try microdosing:
Need a boost of energy or focus? Try microdosing, a way to gently introduce THC into your body for health and healing without having to get “stoned.” Small puffs from a high-quality pen or a low-dose edible with only 2.5mg -to 5mg THC is a great way to test your tolerance and find the optimal dose for you as well.
Microdosing is a favorite among those who consume cannabis for enhanced creativity, focus, and concentration. Crafting, cooking, or any “hands-on” activity are therapeutic on their own, for some, adding cannabis allows them to tap into renewed creativity and inspiration.
To be a bit more social:
Recreational cannabis users generally enjoy the social aspect of smoking because it can make them more talkative, vulnerable, and willing to be in social situations. “Cannabis makes me feel more carefree! It makes me think about problems, situations, or creative projects in a different light,” says Eli Washington, a nonprofit development director for LGBTQ+ advocacy.
If you’re able to call a friend, cannabis is just as fun as a shared experience, so try planning a get-together with friends and incorporating cannabis into the group dynamic. They say laughter is the best medicine, and your friends play a necessary role in your self-care. You don’t have to take on everything by yourself!
If you’re looking to improve your clarity and focus
To finish tasks:
Chores, work assignments, and homework aren’t always the most enjoyable. But thankfully, weed can help us get it done. THC acts very similarly to our body’s own Anandamide molecule, an endocannabinoid, that boosts our feel-good sensations and extinguishes anxiety. Some cannabis users utilize a day-to-night cannabis routine to support them throughout the day. “I try to incorporate a CBD tincture in the morning to help get my day started, then a joint in the afternoon [be]cause it’s always needed, a high sativa with a good amount of THCV.” says Chandler, who uses cannabis throughout the day for focus and relaxation.
Strains and products with uplifting terpenes such as Limonene and Pinene have a knack for making you feel euphoric and energized, so microdosing a mood-lifting strain or product might be what you need to push through.
“I try to incorporate a CBD tincture in the morning to help get my day started, then a joint in the afternoon [be]cause it’s always needed, a high sativa with a good amount of THCV.” says Chandler
To avoid burnout:
Being on the grind is something we can relate to. Behind every success story, there are ups and downs. The people you look up to would probably tell you the same thing: you need a break.
In fact, it’s crucial to your mental health. Burnout happens when you don’t take time to recharge the batteries. Before you get to that point, you can use cannabis to recenter your attention on yourself.
Try getting outdoors if you’re feeling scatterbrained or stuck on a specific task. When you’re constantly in your head, you start to feel trapped within negative thinking, but cannabis has a way of refocusing a problem and providing a new perspective.
On my days off, I love a good “wake and bake.” I start my day with cannabis as a relaxing self-care exercise because it encourages me to take things a little slower and enjoy the moment.
We also encourage healthy escapism through reading, watching television, or playing games. These activities are more enjoyable with cannabis because you get a sense of hyper-focus.
Remember to be kind to yourself! Check in with yourself daily, in fact, make it a routine. That way, you remember who you are and what makes you special.
