Yoga While High: Can You Do It?

You’ve unrolled your yoga mat, ready to stretch, breathe, and find some peace. But then you wonder—what if a little cannabis could make this even better?

Maybe you’ve heard people say it helps them relax, focus, or feel more connected during yoga. At the same time, you’ve probably heard others argue that yoga is about pure awareness, not altering your mind.

If you’re curious about mixing yoga and cannabis but unsure if it’s for you, you’re in the right place. Let’s break down the facts, benefits, and risks so you can decide if this combination fits your practice.

Is It Okay to Do Yoga While High?

Yes, you can do yoga while high—and it’s not a new trend. In fact, the connection between yoga and cannabis goes back centuries, rooted in ancient spiritual practices in India.

Historically, yogis have used cannabis in various forms to enhance their meditation and yoga routines. They weren’t rolling joints back then but instead drank bhang—a traditional drink made from the flowers of the female cannabis plant—or used hashish as part of their daily rituals.

Fast forward to the 1960s, and the cannabis-yoga combo made its way to the West, where artists and free spirits openly explored yoga and meditation while high. For them, it was about pushing creative boundaries, finding mindfulness, and connecting with the body in new ways.

Today, blending cannabis with yoga is about enhancing relaxation, increasing focus, and deepening the mind-body connection.

While it’s not for everyone, the practice has a long history of being a tool for introspection and heightened awareness. If you’re considering trying it, make sure to approach it mindfully and know your limits—after all, the goal is to connect more deeply, not lose your balance mid-pose!

Pros and Cons of Mixing Yoga and Cannabis

Even though doing yoga while high has been around for centuries, it doesn’t mean it’s completely safe. We understand that you might have some concerns about trying this, which is why we’ve prepared this section to discuss its pros and cons.

Let’s break it down so you can make an informed decision.

Pros

It Helps You Get in the Zone

One of the biggest perks? Cannabis can enhance mindfulness. Research shows that pairing yoga with cannabis can boost body awareness and elevate feelings of connection and clarity. Plus, it’s been linked to “mysticality”—that sense of unity and transcendence that yoga strives to achieve.

For some, it’s like hitting a sweet spot where movement, breath, and mind sync up perfectly.

Relaxation Like Never Before

Ever struggle to really feel your body during yoga? Cannabis can help bridge that gap. By activating the endocannabinoid system, which regulates balance in the body, cannabis enhances sensory awareness.

It’s Great for Pain and Recovery

For anyone dealing with chronic pain or post-workout soreness, cannabis can be a game-changer. Its pain-relieving properties make poses more accessible and recovery quicker.

Whether it’s muscle cramps or the aches of a deep stretch, a little THC can make it manageable. Plus, it’s a good alternative to popping painkillers.

Tapping Into Creativity and Flow

Yoga is all about flow, and cannabis might just help you find your rhythm.

Some practitioners say being high makes their practice feel more intuitive and exploratory, encouraging them to try new poses or deepen familiar ones.

A Spiritual Edge

Cannabis and yoga have been paired for centuries in spiritual practices.

Ancient yogis consumed bhang (a cannabis-based drink) as part of their rituals, and today, practitioners often report moments of profound connection and mindfulness during high yoga sessions.

Think of it as blending tradition with modern vibes.

Stress Relief in Real Time

If life’s got your mind racing, weed can help calm the noise. Stoned yoga can make it easier to focus on your breath and let go of external stressors, leaving you more grounded in the present.

Cons

Wobbly Warrior Pose

Cannabis can mess with your coordination and balance, which might leave you teetering in poses that usually feel solid. It’s something to keep in mind, especially for beginners or anyone trying more advanced moves.

Pushing Too Far

Weed’s pain-relieving effects can be a double-edged sword. Sure, it helps you stretch deeper, but it can also mask discomfort and lead to overexertion. Listen to your body—pushing too hard isn’t worth the risk.

Unpredictable Effects

Here’s the wildcard: cannabis doesn’t affect everyone the same way. While some feel relaxed and focused, others might end up paranoid or distracted. Picking the right strain and dose is key, but there’s always a bit of unpredictability.

Smell and Social Settings

Not everyone loves the smell of weed, especially in shared yoga spaces. Plus, smoking cannabis before yoga could make breathing exercises (pranayama) harder, and the smell tends to stick around.

Not Everyone’s Cup of Tea

Traditionalists in the yoga world might argue that substances like cannabis go against the practice’s principles. Yoga is about purifying the body and mind, they say, and weed might interfere with that goal.

Tips for Practicing Yoga While High

If you’ve decided to try cannabis and yoga together, it’s a good idea to know a few things first. Whether you’re a longtime yogi or just starting out, here are some tips to help you make the most of the experience.

Choose the Right Strain

Not all cannabis strains are created equal, and picking the right one can make or break your session. Yoga is about aligning your mind and body, so you’ll want a strain that supports focus and relaxation.

Sativa-dominant hybrids with limonene might be great for more energetic practices like vinyasa, offering a mild, uplifting warmth without overwhelming your thoughts. On the other hand, indica-leaning hybrids rich in myrcene are perfect for slower, restorative sessions or meditation, helping your body and mind truly unwind.

Don’t worry about finding a “perfect” strain for specific poses—focusing on terpene profiles and THC-to-CBD ratios will help you find what suits you best.

Stick to Slower Yoga Practices

If you’re new to yoga, cannabis, or combining the two, slower-paced styles like Hatha or Yin yoga are the way to go. These practices give you time to settle into each pose and stay mindful of your body’s alignment.

THC can impair physical judgment, so moving at a relaxed pace reduces the risk of overextending yourself. Slower practices also allow you to fully experience the heightened sensory awareness that cannabis can provide, making every stretch and breath more meaningful.

Use a Lower Dose

When it comes to cannabis and yoga, less is definitely more. Even if you’re used to higher doses in other settings, a small amount is often all you need for yoga.

The natural focus and body awareness that yoga brings can amplify the effects of cannabis, so a little goes a long way. If you’re worried about feeling too high, try CBD or a strain with low THC—it’ll help you relax without the intense effects.

Go Smoke-Free

Breathwork is a core part of yoga, and smoking cannabis could make this more challenging. Instead of smoking, consider alternatives like vaporizing flower or concentrates, which are gentler on your lungs.

Edibles or tinctures are also excellent options, offering long-lasting effects that carry you through your session. The goal is to support your practice without compromising your ability to breathe deeply and fully engage with the poses.

Hydrate and Prepare

Staying hydrated is essential, especially since both yoga and cannabis can dehydrate your body. Drink plenty of water before, during, and after your session to keep your energy levels up and prevent fatigue.

It’s also helpful to set up your space with everything you need—water, a yoga mat, and any props you might use—so you can focus fully on your practice.

Focus on Breath Control

Cannabis can heighten your sensory awareness, making your breathing feel more profound and intentional. Take advantage of this by focusing on deep, controlled breaths throughout your session.

This will help anchor you in the moment and enhance the connection between your body and mind. Starting with a short breathing exercise before diving into poses can set the tone for a mindful, grounded practice.

Set an Intention

Before you light up or hit the mat, take a moment to think about what you want to get out of the session. Are you looking to relax, relieve pain, or explore a deeper sense of mindfulness?

Setting a clear intention can guide your practice and make the experience more meaningful. Cannabis can amplify your focus, so use it to align your practice with your goals.

Use Props and Modify Poses

If cannabis affects your balance or coordination, don’t hesitate to use props like blocks, straps, or bolsters for support.

These tools can make poses more accessible and help you maintain proper alignment. Remember, the goal is to connect with your body—not to push it to its limits.

Explore Topical Cannabis for Recovery

If the idea of practicing yoga while high doesn’t appeal to you, consider incorporating cannabis into your post-practice recovery instead.

Topical balms or creams infused with cannabinoids can help soothe sore muscles and reduce inflammation. It’s a great way to enjoy the benefits of cannabis without altering your state of mind during yoga.

Keep It Simple and Enjoy the Process

Yoga and cannabis are both about finding balance, so keep your approach simple and intentional. Start with small doses, stick to gentle practices, and listen to your body. Over time, you’ll figure out what works best for you and how to make cannabis a thoughtful part of your yoga journey.

Should You Do Yoga and Weed Together?

Alright, this might seem confusing since we’ve already talked about whether you can do yoga while high. Now, this question aims to answer if you should.

To answer the question, it honestly depends on your beliefs. There’s no right or wrong here since this topic applies to everything else. Use weed and do yoga if you enjoy it, and if it’s not your bread and butter, then you shouldn’t do it.

What you do for yourself that doesn’t impact other people should be up to you, in my opinion.

Do It If:

You See Cannabis as a Tool for Relaxation or Spiritual Connection

Historically, cannabis and yoga have crossed paths. Ancient yogis in India used bhang (a drink made from cannabis) and burned it as incense during rituals, believing it deepened their connection to the divine.

Today, some people feel that cannabis helps them get out of their heads and sink more deeply into their bodies. It’s been shown to enhance mindfulness and mystical experiences, which might bring a new dimension to your practice.

If you struggle to relax or feel present during yoga, cannabis could be a helpful addition. It might make you more attuned to your breath, your body, and the flow of the practice—especially in slower styles like Hatha or Yin yoga.

You Need Support with Pain or Stress

For those dealing with chronic pain, stress, or tension, cannabis can provide relief that makes yoga more enjoyable and accessible. The calming effects of THC or CBD can help reduce physical discomfort, making it easier to move and stretch. If relaxation is your main goal, this pairing might work well for you.

You Approach It Mindfully

The key to doing yoga while high is intention. If you’re thoughtful about your cannabis use—choosing the right strain, using a low dose, and focusing on the practice—it can complement your yoga without taking over. This approach lets cannabis enhance your experience without making it the centerpiece.

Don’t Do It If:

You See Yoga as a Path to Pure Awareness

For many, yoga is about clearing the mind, not clouding it. Traditional teachings emphasize pure awareness and mental clarity—something cannabis might disrupt. While cannabis can relax you, it also alters your mental state, which might feel counterproductive if your goal is true mindfulness or spiritual growth.

You Follow Traditional Yogic Principles

Traditional yoga often involves practices like abstaining from intoxicants to keep the body and mind pure. From this perspective, cannabis might not align with the discipline and focus yoga requires. If you’re practicing yoga as a spiritual path, you might feel that cannabis takes away from its deeper purpose.

It Could Lead to Over-Reliance or Physical Risk

Cannabis can dull your awareness, which might make it easier to push yourself too hard in poses or overlook proper alignment. If you find yourself relying on cannabis to relax or get into the flow, it could become a crutch rather than a tool. Yoga is about self-reliance and inner strength, and for some, cannabis could undermine that.

You Have Health or Social Concerns

Yoga is rooted in breathwork, and if you’re smoking cannabis, it might interfere with your ability to breathe deeply. Plus, in some spaces, cannabis use might not be accepted or could even be illegal, which can create tension or distractions.

Conclusion

Yoga is deeply personal, and so is your choice to incorporate cannabis. For some, cannabis adds a layer of relaxation and mindfulness that complements their practice. For others, it feels like a distraction from the true purpose of yoga.

If you want to read more topics like this one, be sure to check out our blog, where we’ve covered topics such as Drawing While High, Does Hash Go Bad?, and more.

Our ‘Things to Do While High’ guide might pique your interest. In it, we’ve explored other activities you can enjoy besides yoga—like studying, masturbating, drawing, swimming, showering, watching documentaries or videos, reading books, meditating, listening to music, and so much more.

In conclusion, if you decide to try yoga while high, do it with intention and care. Start slow, be mindful of your body, and always respect the practice. Whether cannabis enhances or hinders your yoga journey depends on what you want to get out of it—and only you can answer that.

We hope this has helped you with the topic. If you have any questions, feel free to drop them in the comments below, and we’ll make sure to answer each one. Take care!

FAQs About Yoga and Weed

Can beginners try yoga while high?

Yes, beginners can try yoga while high, but it’s important to approach it cautiously. Start with a very low dose of cannabis and stick to simple, slower-paced practices like Hatha or Yin yoga. Focus on learning the basics of yoga first, ensuring your alignment and breathing are correct, as cannabis can sometimes impair coordination or awareness.

How much weed should you consume when doing yoga?

Start small, especially if it’s your first time combining cannabis with yoga. A low dose can help you relax and connect with your body without overwhelming your senses. The goal is to enhance your practice, not distract from it.

When is the best time to consume cannabis for yoga?

It depends on how you’re consuming it. If smoking or vaping, consume 10–15 minutes before starting; for edibles, allow 30–60 minutes for the effects to kick in. Timing it right ensures the cannabis aligns with your session.

Can yoga give you a natural high?

Yes! Yoga stimulates the release of endorphins and increases oxygen flow, creating a euphoric feeling often described as a “natural high.” This sensation comes from the mind-body connection yoga promotes.

Can I use cannabis for yoga if I don’t want to get high?

Yes, CBD-dominant strains or products with low THC content can offer benefits like relaxation, pain relief, and reduced anxiety without the psychoactive effects of THC. This is a great option for those who want the therapeutic effects of cannabis without feeling high.