CBD for Meditation: The Perfect Combo for Calm

Meditation and CBD are both lauded for their abilities to support soundness of mind and inner calm. So what happens when you use CBD for meditation? Let's find out.

The History of CBD for Meditation

Meditation is a practice that can be dated back to 1500BC. People in cultures throughout the East relied on meditation to bring about focus, calm and balance, but there might be evidence that they were unknowingly using CBD too!

Both hemp and cannabis have been used across the globe for thousands and thousands of years. Cannabis is even included as a part of meditation in The Vedas, the sacred texts of India. In modern-day India, you're likely to find several sadhus (holy people) relying on the calming properties of hemp and cannabis. For example, bhang, a milk drink made out of hemp, is the drink of choice during several Hindu festivals and holidays. This is because of the role bhang plays in helping one reach a spiritual, meditative state.

CBD Can Help You Meditate

Today, the hardest part about meditation is actually getting in the groove. When we're surrounded by so many devices constantly notifying us about contact from the outside world, how is one supposed to connect with themselves? Some say it’s hard to sit still for a long time, while others believe that they will be unable to quiet their thoughts for long enough.

The buzz of modern life has made it an effort to even begin the meditative process, but that's where CBD can help. With CBD, you can help your mind ease its way into a focused, calm and meditative space.

True Meditation

If you're someone who has tried meditation and gave up because it 'wasn't for you', you aren't alone. Several people find it hard to stick to the habit, for reasons like 'I'm not the focused type', 'I can't sit still', 'I didn't find it relaxing'. But think back to when you gave it up. You're likely to discover that it's because you never really meditated. Sure, you might have sat down and tried, but you never really cleared your mind and felt all that meditation had to offer.

Remember: if your mind is still thinking a thousand thoughts—or even just one—you aren’t really meditating. You’re sitting down and thinking.

The tricky thing is the mind abides by a Murphy’s Law of its own. It’s almost as though the more you try to empty your mind of thoughts, the more it fills up. Part of meditation is learning to let go of thoughts, but not trying to force it. While this can be a tricky thing to do on your own, CBD oil may be able to help.

How Can CBD Help?

CBD supports the endocannabinoid system which in turn strives for homeostasis. Balanced chemicals and hormones of the brain are a necessary component for homeostasis. The body produces high levels of stress hormones when you're mentally or physically tense. If the endocannabinoid system is well-nourished—something that CBD may be able to help with—then these stress levels may reduce too.

A balanced endocannabinoid system can help your meditation practice in 2 ways: the first is supporting healthier stress responses overall. This means that as your endocannabinoid system becomes healthier, it can promote healthy neurotransmitter levels in the brain, and day-to-day stresses won’t feel as overwhelming. When you have less big-picture worries, it’s easier to sit down with yourself for a while without anxious thoughts interrupting.And in the short term - for instance, taking CBD drops an hour before sitting down to meditate - could make it easier for you to still your body and mind and get into a zen state of mind faster. 

When to take CBD for Meditation

When taking CBD for meditation, it’s important to know how quickly each delivery system works within the body. CBD vape is the fastest, taking effect within as little as ten minutes. This makes it a great choice if you are specifically looking for a productive meditation session. Remember, when you vape CBD, the effects tend to last an hour or two.

However, you can also take a form of CBD with long-lasting effects that will support calm while you meditate throughout the day. After all, those moments in an elevator, or any other glimpse of quiet can turn into a micro-meditation session if you can attain focus. CBD drops, for example, tend to take effect after 2 hours but last for 4-6 hours. Read the CBD Tincture Guide to learn more. CBD capsules may take even longer to take effect but could last through the day.

CBD Strength for Meditation

When taking any new compound, it’s good to start low and work your way up. When taking drops or capsules you may not feel the effects immediately; it may take a week or two for you to notice a difference. If you start with 1/2 dropper CBD and feel the same after two weeks, then try increasing your dose to 1 dropper CBD. If you're taking capsules, you might want to take one in the morning, and one at night.

CBD for Meditation: it’s not a Quick Fix

If you have trouble reaching a meditative state, CBD may help, but remember it’s not a shortcut. In order to reap the benefits of meditation, you still have to be dedicated to your practice. It may take a few tries before you actually feel like you’re truly meditating but keep at it.  Eventually, you’ll reap the benefits.

Here are some simple tips to help you meditate more effectively:

• Find a quiet spot. Ideally, one devoid of things that will trigger you to think about your daily problems. You may have to go outside of your home to a park or meditation center. If you can’t do this, try to create one space within your home that acts as a small sanctuary away from negativity and busy-ness. No screens, no work.
• Sit and close your eyes. Concentrate on your breathing. Feel every breath and appreciate it. Acknowledge your existence on a cellular level.
• Continue to sit for 20 minutes, even if it feels difficult. Your mind may wander from time to time; that’s okay, particularly when starting out. Don't get frustrated with yourself. If you find that your mind has drifted, gently bring it back to your breathing.
• Try nature. If you can, sit outside in a quiet place where you can hear the background sounds offered by Mother Nature. Alternately, some people enjoy meditating with soothing sounds like natural water (in real life or on a DVD) or even Buddhist chants. This is entirely up to you; there is no right or wrong. The point is that the environment and the sounds that you hear should promote a state of calm.

Armed with these pro-tips and some CBD, you'll soon be on your way to meditative bliss!