Cannabis has had a horrible PR Agent for centuries. For as long as the cannabis plant has been used recreationally as well as for healing purposes, there has always been some force larger than itself that has deemed cannabis unsafe and unsavory. For centuries, all over the world, cannabis has been used for healing modalities, hemp used to make ropes, clothing and paper materials. When it comes to medicine, cannabis has been used to treat an array of diseases and ailments that had a reach as great as China, India, Egypt, Greece, Netherlands, and several Middle Eastern Countries.
Cannabis Consciousness is a term that came to me during an evening of one of my favorite new explorations of the healing modalities of this plant: Bend + Blaze. I sat down and rolled out my yoga mat and began stretching and moving while take moments in between child’s pose to light up a joint, relax, really feel the music, actually be conscious of my breath through the flow of ever movement and asana. For once I felt the openness and freedom from yoga and stretching, but also felt aligned, grounded, present. In that moment – although as trivial as it may sound to an experienced yogi – I truly understood the power this plant has, and the medicine it is able to provide not only on a mental and physical level, but within our spirit bodies and consciousness.
Working with Cannabis for Healing
Cannabis is a complex plant with over 400 chemical compounds of which more than 80+ of them are cannabinoid compounds. There are several studies over the past three years alone that have shown the healing properties of the cannabis plant. For many who understand the basic concept of disease, thanks to science we know that most chronic diseases are formed in extremely “acidic” and “inflammatory” environments. Both CBD and THC have been studied with results showing decrease in inflammation after consumption. Although there have been many tests and studies that have shown the healing properties of the cannabis plant, the two major cannabinoids (CBD and THC) were discovered just over fifty years ago. In 1963, the second cannabinoid that was isolated and studied was CBD.
Just like we have an Endocrine System which is a chemical messenger system consisting of hormones within the body, we also have an Endocannabinoid System. The Endocannabinoid System is basically cannabis-like substances that naturally occur inside our bodies. In 1992, the Endocannabinoid System was discovered by Raphael Mechoulam as well as NIMH researchers William Devane and Dr. Lumir Hanus. In Scientific terms, this is a fairly new system that has been tested and studied.
Cannabis has been shown for hundreds of years to aid in healing on all dimensions of the self from the mental, emotional, and spiritual / soul levels. Currently, there are many studies being done to find the healing properties and ailments cannabis provides.
Treatment Possibilities
Many believe that medical cannabis or medical marijuana has the ability to cure and control several different diseases such as cancer. Researchers found that marijuana could slow down Alzheimer’s disease and it could also help people with diabetes. Here are a few possible treatments that cannabis provides.
- Alzheimer’s Disease
- Neurological, neurodegenerative, neurodevelopmental, and psychiatric illnesses
- Chronic Pain Conditions
- Glaucoma
- Arthritis
- HIV
- Bone Deficiencies
- Acute AND Chronic Kidney Disease
- Cardiovascular Diseases
- Auto-Immune Diseases
- PTSD
Everlasting Words
Currently, the divide on cannabis seems to be the same divide we have for different political parties or whether eating a high carb high fat diet is better than a vegan, plant based diet is better for you. When speaking about Cannabis Consciousness, I always urge people to look beyond the criminalizing and fear-based opinions that are projected in the media and government. Carl Sagan was an American astronomer, cosmologist, astrophysicist, astrobiologist, author, science communicator in astronomy and other forms of natural sciences. in 1969, he wrote in his essay, “Cannabis brings us an awareness that we spend a lifetime being trained to overlook and forget and put out of our minds”.
This statement holds so true. When we use cannabis consciously, ethically, responsibly, and honor the plant for its divine wisdom and medicine it has to offer, everything begins to shift. I want to emphasize, for me and my own personal experience and use for cannabis medically, it has worked on so many levels for me. However, I walked into this journey working with this medicine with an open heart and open mind. For those who work with this plant for it’s healing properties and medicine- this is what Cannabis Consciousness is about. It’s for all my brothers and sisters who are looking to plants as their medicine and allies. By returning back to our ancestral roots, we look for healing solutions rather than covering wounds with temporary, pharmaceutical bandages. May you be well. May you heal. May you find peace and joy in the process and with this medicine.
Disclaimer:
Although I am speaking about my own personal experience, I am not a licensed therapist, doctor, or nutritionist. You should not rely on this information as a substitute for, nor does it replace, professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have any concerns or questions about your mental or physical health, you should always consult with a physician or other health-care professional.
