7 Scientific Ways Marijuana is Similar to Meditation

Cannabis & Meditation Offer Similar Physiological Benefits

This might sound bonkers, especially if you still believe the reefer-madness, drug-war propaganda, but in many ways, marijuana and meditation are eerily similar.

I’m not saying marijuana can replace meditation, but I am suggesting it might significantly enhance it.

7 Ways Cannabis is Similar to Meditation

Reduces Activity in the Default Mode Network

You’re brain always has activity, it’s never completely off. And when you’re sitting around daydreaming, activity in your Default Mode Network (DMN) is high.

When we intensely focus on one thing, like during meditation, activity in our DMN decreases. Meditation is a sure-fire way to rest your mind. The physiological benefits of meditation correlate with a reduction in DMN activity.

• Meditation reduces DMN activity.
• Science is limited, but early research shows that cannabis also decreases activity in the DMN.

Read about my high experience on VICE’s Tonic: This is What Happens When You Combine Weed With Meditation

Targets the Amygdala

The amygdala is the “fight or flight” center of the brain. Anxiety and fear are associated with increased activity in the amygdala.

• Meditation is believed to shrink the amygdala.
• Early studies show that cannabis treatment also targets the amygdala.

Reduces Inflammation

Chronic inflammation is an extremely common and silent issue. It’s associated with a staggering number of disorders and illnesses like diabetes, cardiovascular disease, MS, Alzheimer’s disease, asthma, fibromyalgia, migraines, Chron’s disease, and more.

• Meditation reduces inflammation.
• Cannabis also reduces inflammation

Reduces Anxiety

Anxiety can be a serious issue and for many is difficult to control. Traditional pharmaceuticals might help but also come with a variety of side-effects and risk for addiction.

• Regular meditation can help control anxiety.
• Cannabis can help control anxiety.

Reduces Chronic Pain

Chronic pain is life-altering and opiates are addictive and deadly. Plus, for many, traditional medications doesn’t even stop their suffering.

• Meditation has shown to help reduce chronic pain.
• Cannabis also helps reduce chronic pain.

Eases Digestive Issues

Digestive issues like irritable bowel syndrome is one of the many issues associated with chronic inflammation. IBS, Chron’s disease, and ulcerative colitis are to be triggered by inflammation in the digestive tract.

• Meditation ease irritable bowel syndrome.
• Cannabis also eases digestive system issues.

Improved Outcome for Cancer Patients

Not only is the disease traumatic, but the treatments are as well. Cancer treatment comes with severe symptoms with patients have to live with, in addition to a deadly disease.

• Meditation has been associated with improved outcomes for cancer patients.
• Cannabis also improves outcomes for cancer patients.

Helps Fight Addiction

Addiction or substance use disorder is a debilitating and life-threatening issue that continues to claim lives around the world.

• Meditation can help fight addiction.
• Research suggests cannabis can also help fight addiction.

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