What Ayurveda Can Teach Us About Cannabis Consumption

 Cannabis is a highly valuable plant that offers therapeutic, medicinal, and recreational benefits to enhance the human experience. With a vast selection of unique strains available, consumers now have the opportunity to choose strains that cater to their specific needs and preferences. However, with the ever-growing number of strains, there is a growing demand for understanding and making sense of the vast selection. In recent years, the study of terpenes has taken the understanding of cannabis strains to a new level. By learning about terpenes and their impact on the different experiences of cannabis, individuals can gain insight into their personal preferences and explore the therapeutic and medicinal potential of the plant. One approach to this exploration is through Ayurveda, a traditional Indian medical system that is gaining popularity in the United States. Ayurveda, which translates to “the science of life” in Sanskrit, is a holistic medicine practice that considers all aspects of a person’s life, including their physical body, medical history, lifestyle choices, and mental health. In an interview with Cannabis Now, certified Ayurveda doctor Leviyah Kern explained that the basis of this practice is to find balance and imbalance within the body and choose the best treatment. Ayurveda understands balance through the relationship between the five elements – Water, Fire, Earth, Air, and Ether – which are combined into three regulatory principles called “Doshas.” These Doshas are used to diagnose and understand imbalances within the body and can also reveal insights into an individual’s lifestyle choices, including their approach to cannabis consumption. The three Doshas – Vata, Pitta, and Kapha – are composed of different combinations of the five elements and can help identify a person’s dominant nature. By understanding their Dosha, individuals can make lifestyle choices that support balance in their lives, including their cannabis preferences. For example, someone with a high Vata Dosha may benefit from strains that promote relaxation and calmness, while someone with a high Pitta Dosha may prefer strains that provide energy and focus. By incorporating Ayurveda into the study of cannabis, individuals can gain a deeper understanding of their personal preferences and how to use cannabis to support their overall well-being.