{"componentChunkName":"component---common-build-tags-template-js","path":"/tag/mindfulness/2","result":{"data":{"allArticle":{"edges":[{"node":{"id":"Article_3043-markdown","title":"CBD, Somatic Sexology & Holistic Health With Julianne Vaccaro","slug":"cbd-somatic-sexology-and-holistic-health-with-julianne-vaccaro","content":"Julianne Vaccaro is a holistic health and life coach, somatic sexologist and podcaster. For over seven years, she’s been helping women reach their goals by having them look within themselves. Her program dubbed [Goddess Reclamation](https://mailchi.mp/a2161a070457/goddessreclamation) is all about helping women realize their feminine power through self-reflection, mindfulness, healthy eating practices and pleasure. \n\n“Each male, each female has a struggle with body image and how we're supposed to be in the world. I think that females can struggle with it a little bit more,” she says.\n\n“There's more of an expectation of the way that we should look and the way that we should eat and the way that we should be that makes [overcoming] the negative self-talk even harder.”\n\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_us/?utm_medium=copy_link/)\n\nBy combining her background in integrative nutrition, somatic sexology and personal life experiences, Julianne helps her clients become more comfortable in their own skin. She uses lots of tools, including cannabidiol (CBD), to help women be the best versions of themselves—inside and out. \n\n### Let’s start out with the basics: Why did you get into holistic health coaching? \n\nI started my journey about seven years ago—almost eight now—and started out for a lot of negative reasons. I was really wanting to just fix myself and fix my body, because I felt very broken around my body image and in my self-confidence and just my whole relationship to myself.\n\nI started out being a holistic health coach. I went to a program for that, and I went super extreme and was raw vegan for about three years. I was eating super clean, super healthy, was really active. And I ended up getting adrenal fatigue super severely. \n\nSo that led me down a path to healing the adrenal fatigue and recognizing how important it is to really listen to a diet that works for you and following your own specific protocol. I introduced meat back into my diet and that really showed me how you can eat as healthy as you want, but if there are other pieces of your life that aren’t in alignment, you can come down with something like adrenal fatigue or have all these other symptoms. \n\nAt the time, I was in a relationship that wasn't for me and although everything looked seemingly healthy and happy and perfect, there were all these other things going on in the inside that led me down that path. \n\nAnd then I got into the physical side of things and started teaching yoga and started teaching boxing. I taught for about five or six years and with personal training throughout that whole time and was really focusing more so on the physical in addition to the health.\n\nThen I discovered bodybuilding and took a hard turn into the aesthetics and really destroyed my body from the inside out. I lost a lot of the holistic practices that I had and totally messed up my gut, my hormones, the relationship I had with food. I developed even more of a disordered eating pattern and habit—bingeing, emotional eating. \n\nAnd when I finally decided to stop competing, I had to heal my body from the inside out. I had to heal my amenorrhea—I had lost my period for almost a year. I balanced up my gut and really worked on the relationship that I had with food, myself and my body.\n\nThat led me down a path of spiritual and personal development. It led me into somatics and sexological work. And that was kind of like the glue that holds it all together, I'd say. \n\n### Let’s jump back to the holistic health coaching program that you went through. How did it impact your coaching style and philosophy? \n\nI went to the Institute for Integrative Nutrition. I'm not sure how much the program’s changed, [since I was in school], but back then it was very much based off of dietary theories. Really looking at every area of who you are and taking that holistic approach that I very much practice now. Looking at the mindset, looking at your emotional well-being and looking at your relationships and your passions and how they relate to your overall health and well-being. \n\nIn addition to that, [the school] encouraged a lot of “bio individuality”—so, following an eating routine that really works for you specifically. It was almost like we were given all of these different dietary theories and all of this education, and then it was like, OK, “now go figure it out for yourself.”\n\nI definitely practice not teaching all the dietary theories, but instead really giving an educational system to my clients so they're able to strengthen their own intuition and get in touch with themselves and their bodies.\n\n### What types of people normally undergo your coaching program? \n\nA lot of the women who come through the program are wanting to live out their purpose. I find that I attract a lot of leaders and women who are wanting to be at the forefront, but recognize that the way they view themselves and their relationship with food are really holding them back. \n\n### Why did you decide to get into health coaching as opposed to another health-oriented career? \n\nMy mom at the time when I enrolled in health coaching school had just been diagnosed with celiac disease, and she had been misdiagnosed for about two years. She was having really severe gut issues, and they couldn't figure out why. And all of the celiac testing and all of the food sensitivity tests were coming back negative. She wasn't getting an answer; she wasn't getting any clarity. \n\nI think at the time that was kind of helping me make the decision that health was where I wanted to go. But I was also enrolled in a dietetics program. I was going to go to the University of Tampa to become a registered dietitian and strongly decided against it, because I really wanted to be able to coach.\n\nAnd I really wanted to take that holistic approach and look at all of these other areas. Mindset, personal development and spirituality were really big passions of mine—even at that time, and I wanted [my work] to embody all of that.\n\n\n\n### Your coaching style seems to center a lot around food. Can you talk about why that is? \n\nI think that [food] ties into a lot of why I went the route that I did, because I always knew that it was never about the food. And I always recognized that all of my struggles, while food was the controlling variable for me, that wasn't the driving force.\n\nA lot of the women come [into my program] with a really negative mindset. They hate their relationship with their body and food. But it's never about the food. \n\nMy approach with food and anything else that's happening with the students that go through my programs is really getting to the root cause of it and giving them back their power. \n\nFood may be the catalyst and may be what you're going after, but there are usually some other things that are going on underneath the surface. If it's extreme cravings, there's multiple levels to it.\n\nHow is your gut health? What are your hormones like? If your gut health seems to really be suffering, then your cravings are going to be really strong. And if your hormones are out of balance, well then you might feel hungrier. So, it's all of these moving pieces.\n\n### Why do you think food is such a main sticking point for so many of your clients? \n\nI think that it's the most easily controlled—or perceived to be controlled. And so then we try to control food, but then food ends up controlling us. And then we end up in this awful cycle of restriction and bingeing and over-eating, and then it creates this negative self-talk.\n\nAnd I don't think it's only pertinent to women. Each male, each female has a struggle with body image and how we're supposed to be in the world. I think that females can struggle with it a little bit more. There's more of an expectation of the way that we should look and the way that we should eat and the way that we should be that makes the negative self-talk even harder.\n\nIn addition to that, I believe that the sexological component is really important. Another common theme [in my work] is the disconnect to our bodies and a lack of safety in our bodies. It's from whatever stories and traumas that we've had growing up, but also societal pressures. It creates this disconnect in our bodies, this lack of safety. And so, we're turning to food, because we're also extremely lacking pleasure and sensuality.\n\n### Let’s talk about your work in somatic sexology. Can you explain what that is and why you got into it? \n\nI'm in a program currently to be a practitioner of somatic sexological work. And I came across the work from my own journey, because I felt like I had done so much personal and spiritual development, but I still didn't feel like I was where I could be.\n\nI felt like my body was holding on to a lot of trauma and wounds and stories. It was like I was all the way over here, yet my body was kind of in the background holding on and being anchored down to the past.\n\nAnd so that led me into a somatic healing journey for myself to really release a lot of my own trauma and abuse. I also was involved in some abusive relationships that were traumatic on myself and my experience. \n\nMy journey was always very tied to the physical, my physical body. And so, it made sense that I needed bodywork to also clear that out.\n\nSomatic sexological work is a combination of somatics, so moving emotion and energy through the body. But then incorporating the sexological piece where you're bringing in pleasure and really healing the wounds that you've just opened through the somatic process with pleasure and connecting spirituality to that and bringing that into your body.\n\n### And what does somatic sexology look like in practice? \n\nI would say that it's very particular to the individual who’s interested in the program, because \neveryone's body responds differently. A typical session is three hours. You're on a table, there are two practitioners working with you the whole time. \n\nGenerally speaking, it's going to be a male and a female, because they're representing the masculine and the feminine. There'll be times throughout the session where you need to use both energies, and both energies are super important to complete that memory, whether it be the male practitioner coming in and holding space or acting as your father or a past partner. But then also the feminine coming in and doing that same thing or nurturing you and holding that space. \n\n[Sessions involve] really pressing into the body, looking for those trigger points where there's memory and energy stored. Using breath, sound and movement, you're able to move through those memories and move through those traumas.\n\nAnd those traumas look super different for everybody. It might look like screaming; it might look like shaking, like wailing, crying—whatever you need to really release and to clear that out.\n\n### What have you personally noticed after going through somatic sexology sessions? \n\nIt changed the way that I view and operate in every area of my life. I feel that I was led to this work, and this is where I'm supposed to be. It ignited my own deeper awakening and purpose. It really just shifted every piece of me. \n\nIt dissolved all of the noise in my head, the blocks that really held me back from being fully me. I feel extremely self-expressed and authentic in all of myself. \n\n### Do you see yourself incorporating what you’ve learned into your current health coaching practice? \n\nI feel that it's already a big part of the program that I have now. Again, the pleasure component is so important even when it comes to food and these struggles that we have in our body as women, and so I find it hard to separate the two.\n\nI have a couple of different programs that I run now, and I will be doing the somatic sexological work in person. I also teach a lot of my clients in my current program too, to go through the process on their own and learn how to somatically release for themselves as things come up and how to really use their body. \n\n’Cause that's the power of the feminine.\n\n\n\n### One of the programs that you offer is called Goddess Reclamation. Can you walk me through that program? What can a client expect going in? \n\nGoddess Reclamation is an extreme mind, body, soul approach. Because to make those big transformational shifts, you need to look at every level of who you are: mental, spiritual, emotional, physical, social—all of you matters. And all of you makes up how you show up into the world every single day. \n\nWe start out with phase one, which is called Foundations. And within Foundations, we’re getting really clear on what limiting beliefs are present: old stories, subconscious programming that's really keeping you in the cycle of where you're at, whether it be negative self-talk or feeling like you're not enough. And we dissolve those stories to really allow you to step into your authenticity, find your voice and move towards your absolute potential. \n\nYou're also learning how to start to understand how your body works, which leads into phase two, which is called Body Blueprint. Just like we did in phase one, which was shining a light on all of the old stuff to dissolve it, to create the new, we do the same thing on a physical level.\n\nAnd that’s all through gut health education. So, you're learning what foods work for you, what foods don't, what supplements might be beneficial for you, what supplements are not. \n\nAnd it's so important to have that education and awareness, because what worked for you a couple of years ago isn't going to work now, and what works now isn't going to work in a few years. The key is to open up communication with your body so that all you need is your body to help guide you and always bring you back into that alignment and that balance. \n\nPhase three is called Holistic Healing, where we're focusing on stress management. Stress is a really big piece that plays into the program, because so much of what we struggle with is a result of stress, and we don't even realize it. You learn how to support your body in the best way possible on every single level, whether it be food, medicinal mushrooms, adaptogens, daily detox practices, soul food practices, how to stay and be in alignment as life throws you curve balls. \n\nPhase four is called Intuitive Integration, where you become the master of intuitive eating for yourself. You're also learning to balance the internal masculine, feminine energies within and learning about seasonal eating, organic foods, organic vs. conventional, what's really most important for you.\n\nAnd then also more holistic supplementation, super foods, vitamins, things like that. And then, also disordered eating patterns, triggers and things of that nature.\n\nAnd then the last and final phase is called Creations, where you’re really connecting the mind and body and incorporating that sensuality, sexuality component. So, learning how to tap into your feminine powers, connect to your yoni, use your yoni to manifest and step into the life that you desire and dream of. \n\n### Throughout your coaching you advise your clients on a lot things—from coping strategies to food and supplements, including CBD. How have you seen people change once they started to add CBD to their daily regimen? \n\nIt's helped them with insomnia, with their sleep. It's helped them with inflammation in their joints. The top benefit I see is with anxiety and depression. A lot of my clients who come into the program perhaps are on antidepressants or antianxiety medications, and by the time they're done with the program, they're off it. A lot of them perhaps are transitioning off [those meds] using CBD or they've started CBD when they're on their medication and then transitioning off of it and are no longer needing it. \n\nRELATED: [WHY TAKING CBD DAILY CAN HELP REDUCE YOUR ANXIETY](https://hellomd.com/articles/why-taking-cbd-daily-can-help-reduce-your-anxiety/)\n\n### And how do you incorporate CBD into your own life? \n\nI really like to take it when I'm getting my period as well to help with things like that and just regulating. So I personally don't use any kind of over-the-counter medication. I don't use any kind of painkillers or anything like that.\n\nAnd so CBD is definitely my go-to if I'm ever having a headache or feeling just a little bit fatigued or I'm wanting to relax or something like that. I'll use different combinations for different things and experiment with it that way.\n\n### As someone who’s been in the wellness space for a long time, what do you make of the popularity of CBD products? \n\nI think it's really powerful, and I feel that it's important. Having [CBD] be more mainstream, I feel has brought awareness to a lot of more alternative natural remedies and cures for a lot of the ailments that are present in so many people's lives.\n\nCBD has just been this powerful product that's opened the eyes of so many in the public, and I feel that so many other alternative medicines are now being able to become more mainstream.\n\nWant to try CBD, but don’t know where to start? [Shop our selection of high-quality, lab-tested CBD products](https://www.hellolift.com/products) and have them shipped to your door. And if you have questions about CBD, [ask them](https://www.hellolift.com/answers) and our community will answer.","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.492537313432836,"src":"/static/9728963b64a3d09bde1a6d95de9e5533/14b42/17acfd629cf27cf801c2d637a24aa13f.jpg","srcSet":"/static/9728963b64a3d09bde1a6d95de9e5533/f836f/17acfd629cf27cf801c2d637a24aa13f.jpg 200w,\n/static/9728963b64a3d09bde1a6d95de9e5533/2244e/17acfd629cf27cf801c2d637a24aa13f.jpg 400w,\n/static/9728963b64a3d09bde1a6d95de9e5533/14b42/17acfd629cf27cf801c2d637a24aa13f.jpg 800w,\n/static/9728963b64a3d09bde1a6d95de9e5533/47498/17acfd629cf27cf801c2d637a24aa13f.jpg 1200w,\n/static/9728963b64a3d09bde1a6d95de9e5533/0e329/17acfd629cf27cf801c2d637a24aa13f.jpg 1600w,\n/static/9728963b64a3d09bde1a6d95de9e5533/2fb21/17acfd629cf27cf801c2d637a24aa13f.jpg 3020w","srcWebp":"/static/9728963b64a3d09bde1a6d95de9e5533/58556/17acfd629cf27cf801c2d637a24aa13f.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/9728963b64a3d09bde1a6d95de9e5533/61e93/17acfd629cf27cf801c2d637a24aa13f.webp 200w,\n/static/9728963b64a3d09bde1a6d95de9e5533/1f5c5/17acfd629cf27cf801c2d637a24aa13f.webp 400w,\n/static/9728963b64a3d09bde1a6d95de9e5533/58556/17acfd629cf27cf801c2d637a24aa13f.webp 800w,\n/static/9728963b64a3d09bde1a6d95de9e5533/99238/17acfd629cf27cf801c2d637a24aa13f.webp 1200w,\n/static/9728963b64a3d09bde1a6d95de9e5533/7c22d/17acfd629cf27cf801c2d637a24aa13f.webp 1600w,\n/static/9728963b64a3d09bde1a6d95de9e5533/03b46/17acfd629cf27cf801c2d637a24aa13f.webp 3020w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2853-markdown","title":"5 Cannabis Strains to Enhance Your Yoga Practice","slug":"5-cannabis-strains-to-enhance-your-yoga-practice","content":"here’s nothing quite like yoga after consuming cannabis to leave you feeling relaxed, balanced and synchronized. If you haven’t tried this growing trend, it’s pretty simple: You take cannabis before practicing yoga. Marijuana’s relaxing and pain-relieving properties can help improve your physical experience, calm your busy mind and allow you to sink deep into yoga’s meditative state. \n\nOf course, as simple as the idea is, the strain of cannabis you choose can have a big impact on your experience. Some strains may contribute calm and pain relief, while others may lead to unwanted effects like a muddled mind or feeling jittery. \n\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_com/?hl=en)\n\nHere are our picks of marijuana strains that may help you get the most out of your yoga session. \n\n### 1. Grape Ape Can Help You Relax & Quell Your Aches & Pains\n\n\n\nFor those looking to sink into a relaxing yoga session, the most common starting point is an indica marijuana strain with calming effects. Indicas tend to produce the most relaxing effects, which can be a big help during a yoga practice. \n\nAmong indicas, [Grape Ape](https://www.hellomd.com/strains/5a7ce671d520d60009f4f4c0) is one popular indica option to try. It’s known for its sweet, grape flavor and aroma, and for imparting:\n\n* Carefree relaxation\n* A clear mind\n* Pain relief \n\nGrape Ape can melt away the tension before you start to stretch, leaving you calm, uplifted and pain-free for your yoga session. \n\nBut be forewarned. Grape Ape is also well known for its sedative and hunger-inducing effects. If you’re sensitive to these effects, Grape Ape may be too much for you. Instead, opt for a hybrid like [GSC](https://www.hellomd.com/strains/5a7ce3c1d520d60009f4f4b6/gsc) or a sativa like [Super Lemon Haze](https://www.hellomd.com/strains/5a7ce2f6d520d60009f4f4b4/super-lemon-haze). \n\n### 2. Northern Lights Can Help Quiet Your Mind During Yoga\n\nAnother indica that works well for cannabis yoga is [Northern Lights](https://www.hellomd.com/strains/5a7ce57ed520d60009f4f4bb/northern-lights). \nThis popular indica marijuana strain has a sweet, earthy and spicy aroma with hints of pine, and is prized for the dreamy and relaxed euphoria that it imparts to consumers. \n\nLike Grape Ape, Northern Lights is known to:\n\n* Relax the body\n* Relieve pain\n* Uplift mood\n\nBut unlike Grape Ape, the high with Northern Lights can be very cerebral. If you need a little something to slow your mind down so that you can stay focused on the physical sensations of yoga, this is a great choice. \n\nNorthern Lights is also known to induce appetite and sleepiness, so like Grape Ape, it shouldn’t be consumed by those who are sensitive to these effects. The last thing you want is to feel too sleepy or hungry to stay present in your yoga practice. \n\n### 3. GSC Provides a Balanced, Uplifted High\n\n\n\nIf you’re one of those people who doesn’t do well with indicas because they make you too hungry or sleepy, there are other kinds of marijuana strains you can try. \n\nOne option is to go with a balanced hybrid strain like [GSC (formally known as Girl Scout Cookies)](https://www.hellomd.com/strains/5a7ce3c1d520d60009f4f4b6/gsc). This popular strain is sweet and earthy with hints of a cookie-like aroma. It’s beloved by many for its grounded high, which doesn’t energize or sedate, but leaves the consumer feeling energetically balanced, calm and uplifted. \n\nAnother benefit of GSC is the strain’s powerful body high, which can ease tension, pain and nausea. Its cerebral high is also powerful. And while most who take it remain fairly functional, it can lead to a feeling of time slowing down, which can really enhance a yoga experience. \n\nRELATED: [THE CONNECTION BETWEEN YOGA & CANNABIS](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/58a38cc01689ad0017e8493b/the-connection-between-yoga-and-cannabis)\n\n### 4. Super Lemon Haze Can Give You an Energy Boost Before or After Yoga\n\n\n\nIndicas and hybrids are usually recommended for new cannabis yoga practitioners. But if you’re familiar with cannabis strains and know that sativas work best for you, [Super Lemon Haze](https://www.hellomd.com/strains/5a7ce2f6d520d60009f4f4b4/super-lemon-haze) is a great sativa-dominant option for cannabis yoga. \n\nA vibrant and zesty strain, Super Lemon Haze is sweet, tart and lemony with strong citrus notes. \nIt’s a highly energetic strain, making it a great option for those who get tired during yoga and need an extra boost—either before or after the workout.\n\nIt’s also an incredibly uplifting, euphoric and relaxing strain (for those who can handle the energy). Super Lemon Haze also imparts a pain- relieving body high, and a clear, relaxed cerebral high that fits in great with any yoga practice. \n\nOn the other hand, for those sensitive to the energetic effects of sativas, this cannabis strain could cause negative effects like anxiety or headaches. If you find that you react this way to sativas, stick to a hybrid or indica strain for your cannabis yoga practice. \n\n### 5. High-CBD ACDC Will Help With Pain & Focus Without Psychoactive Effects\n\n\n\nAll of the options already mentioned are strains with a high tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) content.This works great for many, but isn’t right everyone. Some experience unwanted effects from THC such as:\n\n* A less than functional mind\n* Anxiety \n* A racing heart\n\nIf this has happened for you, or you’d like to ease into cannabis yoga with a more mild option that won’t leave you feeling too high, try a strain rich in cannabidiol (CBD) like [ACDC](https://www.hellomd.com/products?strainId=5a7cbe97d520d60009f4f4a5). \n\nACDC has an earthy and woody aroma with notes of pine. And with a 20:1 CBD-to-THC ratio, ACDC probably won’t impart any psychoactive effects.\n\nStill, ACDC can help with pain and tension, as well as reduce your overall anxiety. This can aid yoga by improving your ability to move and stretch without pain, and by calming your mind while leaving it clear and focused. Take ACDC before yoga to improve your experience, or afterwards to aid in recovery. \n\nPhoto credit: [Janet Orzechowski](https://unsplash.com/@rosalie2015)\n\nIf you’re new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our [Cannabis 101](https://hellomd.com/articles/cannabis-101-what-you-need-to-know-about-marijuana/) index of articles. [HelloMD](https://www.hellomd.com/) can help you get your medical marijuana recommendation; it's easy, private and 100% online.\n","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3888888888888888,"src":"/static/598454c8e124de5dd0de77c36d365cb9/14b42/0350220af06c7eeff1a27cede8b16971.jpg","srcSet":"/static/598454c8e124de5dd0de77c36d365cb9/f836f/0350220af06c7eeff1a27cede8b16971.jpg 200w,\n/static/598454c8e124de5dd0de77c36d365cb9/2244e/0350220af06c7eeff1a27cede8b16971.jpg 400w,\n/static/598454c8e124de5dd0de77c36d365cb9/14b42/0350220af06c7eeff1a27cede8b16971.jpg 800w,\n/static/598454c8e124de5dd0de77c36d365cb9/47498/0350220af06c7eeff1a27cede8b16971.jpg 1200w,\n/static/598454c8e124de5dd0de77c36d365cb9/0e329/0350220af06c7eeff1a27cede8b16971.jpg 1600w,\n/static/598454c8e124de5dd0de77c36d365cb9/02768/0350220af06c7eeff1a27cede8b16971.jpg 3662w","srcWebp":"/static/598454c8e124de5dd0de77c36d365cb9/58556/0350220af06c7eeff1a27cede8b16971.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/598454c8e124de5dd0de77c36d365cb9/61e93/0350220af06c7eeff1a27cede8b16971.webp 200w,\n/static/598454c8e124de5dd0de77c36d365cb9/1f5c5/0350220af06c7eeff1a27cede8b16971.webp 400w,\n/static/598454c8e124de5dd0de77c36d365cb9/58556/0350220af06c7eeff1a27cede8b16971.webp 800w,\n/static/598454c8e124de5dd0de77c36d365cb9/99238/0350220af06c7eeff1a27cede8b16971.webp 1200w,\n/static/598454c8e124de5dd0de77c36d365cb9/7c22d/0350220af06c7eeff1a27cede8b16971.webp 1600w,\n/static/598454c8e124de5dd0de77c36d365cb9/83969/0350220af06c7eeff1a27cede8b16971.webp 3662w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2813-markdown","title":"Cannabis & Yoga: A Match Made in Heaven","slug":"cannabis-and-yoga-a-match-made-in-heaven","content":"At HelloMD, we often discuss the transformative power of cannabis and the healing aspects of combining cannabis with exercise. For professional or serious amateur athletes, cannabis is often used to intensify mental focus or to help aid sports recovery, due to its excellent anti-inflammatory properties.\n\nI’ve personally found that microdosing tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) will soothe my painful muscles riddled with lactic acid and ease overall inflammation. Microdosing has been a great addition to my yoga practice; it allows for a deepening of my practice and freedom from stressful thoughts that accumulate throughout the day.\n\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_com/?hl=en)\n\n### The Healing Power of Cannabis & Yoga\n\n\n[Register now and use code \"om_hellomd\" to save 10%](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-omrising-gathering-norcals-best-yoga-music-mindfulness-fest-tickets-45945706846).\n\nThe marriage of cannabis and yoga feels like a match made in heaven, as both have been incredibly healing forces in my own life. Since puberty, I experienced debilitating migraines, which traditional pharmaceuticals could not treat effectively. Over time, I found myself increasingly reliant on Vicodin, until a friend suggested I try medical marijuana. Within six months of starting a high CBD-low THC protocol, I had left my Vicodin behind and was preventing my migraines altogether. \n\nRELATED: [HOW ATHLETES GET A BOOST FROM THE ENDOCANNABINOID SYSTEM](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/5a442705100a820006562f3d/how-athletes-get-a-boost-from-the-endocannabinoid-system)\n\nDuring these years, where my health often felt like a struggle, yoga was my constant companion. An equalizing force, both mentally and physically, yoga always made me feel like a reset button was within my reach. Whether it’s been a life-threatening illness of someone close to me, a stressful health condition or a really bad day at work, yoga has been, and still is, my go-to solution. Maintaining a consistent practice hasn’t always been easy, but has felt like my insurance policy for overall physical and mental wellness, especially under times of extreme stress. \n\nLiving in the San Francisco Bay Area, I’ve had the luxury of choice when it comes to top-notch yoga studios and teachers. Through the years, my favorite studio has always been Yoga Tree, a multi-studio retreat founded by Tim and Tara Dale, featuring some of the country’s best yoga teachers. (Pictured below is Peter Walters, one of Yoga Tree's illustrious teachers.)\n\n\n\nYoga at this particular studio goes beyond a standard Vinyasa practice, often incorporating live music and a focus on the deeper meaning behind yoga and its overall effect on body, mind and soul. So much so that I often refer to going to class at Yoga Tree as attending my “church.”\n\n### Om Rising: The Premier Playful Yoga Retreat\n\nWith that said, it was extremely exciting to hear that Tim Dale is launching [Om Rising](https://www.omrising.org/), a new, weekend-long NorCal yoga + music festival, nestled in the woods of Mendocino County—where yoga luminaries like Peter Walters, Mark Morford, Christy Brown and Sonya Genel, among others, will be leading various yoga sessions. Musical artists such as Jai Uttal and Suzanne Sterling will be performing throughout the weekend as well. \n\nWhen HelloMD was asked to participate at the event, in conjunction with the women’s cannabis networking group Ellementa, I was ecstatic because as stated above, I think that yoga and cannabis go together about as well as chocolate and peanut butter—really, really well. \n\nTim Dale, founder of OM Rising, says, “We’re thrilled to open up the dialogue, reduce the stigma and start the conversation around the health and wellness benefits of cannabis and CBD at Om Rising as just one of many unique offerings for the first year of our gathering.” \n\n\n_Om Rising will take place on the beautiful grounds of Camp Navarro._\n\n### The Ellementa Playground at OM Rising\n\nOm Rising will offer a cannabis 101 class (for ages 21 and over) in a large, grassy, outdoor amphitheater, as well as a microdosing class for therapeutic purposes by Ellementa leaders Laurie Light and Tali Eisenberg. In addition, festival attendees will be able to experience The Ellementa Playground, powered by HelloMD, which will be a “magical, interactive space where you can get in touch with your inner child,\" says [Ellementa CEO and co-founder Aliza Sherman](https://www.hellomd.com/people/5a035b540e36d90757847313/alizasherman).\n\nShe adds, \"Play is the key word for the free-form activities where you can play joyfully, chill out, get creative and connect with cannabis and CBD experts who can feed your curiosity.” Aliza and I will also be speaking during the weekend, sharing our experiences about the transformative nature of both yoga and cannabis. \n\nJoin us for [Om Rising](https://www.hellomd.com/events/5b7a0a12f983c60007971fa3/the-om-rising-experience), NorCal’s new yoga + music festival on Oct. 5–8, 2018. Get your yoga on in the stunning redwoods with the Bay Area’s most beloved teachers on over 200 acres in Mendocino, CA. \n\n**Use promo code “om_hellomd\" to save 10% on your ticket.**\n\n**Note:** This is B.Y.O.C. Cannabis won't be provided during this event. \n\nPhoto credit: [Matthew Kane](https://unsplash.com/@matthewkane) (main image)\n\n","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3605442176870748,"src":"/static/3c92aac63c1fe3f8a6d0acbef5ac371f/14b42/b94f1e41cda6c49342319876a8a14369.jpg","srcSet":"/static/3c92aac63c1fe3f8a6d0acbef5ac371f/f836f/b94f1e41cda6c49342319876a8a14369.jpg 200w,\n/static/3c92aac63c1fe3f8a6d0acbef5ac371f/2244e/b94f1e41cda6c49342319876a8a14369.jpg 400w,\n/static/3c92aac63c1fe3f8a6d0acbef5ac371f/14b42/b94f1e41cda6c49342319876a8a14369.jpg 800w,\n/static/3c92aac63c1fe3f8a6d0acbef5ac371f/47498/b94f1e41cda6c49342319876a8a14369.jpg 1200w,\n/static/3c92aac63c1fe3f8a6d0acbef5ac371f/0e329/b94f1e41cda6c49342319876a8a14369.jpg 1600w,\n/static/3c92aac63c1fe3f8a6d0acbef5ac371f/00216/b94f1e41cda6c49342319876a8a14369.jpg 3639w","srcWebp":"/static/3c92aac63c1fe3f8a6d0acbef5ac371f/58556/b94f1e41cda6c49342319876a8a14369.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/3c92aac63c1fe3f8a6d0acbef5ac371f/61e93/b94f1e41cda6c49342319876a8a14369.webp 200w,\n/static/3c92aac63c1fe3f8a6d0acbef5ac371f/1f5c5/b94f1e41cda6c49342319876a8a14369.webp 400w,\n/static/3c92aac63c1fe3f8a6d0acbef5ac371f/58556/b94f1e41cda6c49342319876a8a14369.webp 800w,\n/static/3c92aac63c1fe3f8a6d0acbef5ac371f/99238/b94f1e41cda6c49342319876a8a14369.webp 1200w,\n/static/3c92aac63c1fe3f8a6d0acbef5ac371f/7c22d/b94f1e41cda6c49342319876a8a14369.webp 1600w,\n/static/3c92aac63c1fe3f8a6d0acbef5ac371f/15cef/b94f1e41cda6c49342319876a8a14369.webp 3639w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2758-markdown","title":"Create a Cannabis Plan to Get the Results You Want","slug":"create-a-cannabis-plan-to-get-the-results-you-want","content":"Cannabis has a wide variety of options that each come with different potential effects. While most cannabis consumers eventually figure out a few products that work well for them, the process requires quite a bit of time and effort. In this, our final installment of the Cannabis for Newbies guide, we show you how to bring together everything you’ve learned to create a cannabis plan that’s tailor-made for you. \n\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_com/?hl=en)\n\n### What’s a Cannabis Plan? \n\nA cannabis plan is pretty simple. It contains:\n\n* A description of what cannabis you consume\n* What you use it for\n* How you use it\n* When you use it\n* How much of it you use\n\nBy writing all of this down and organizing the information, you can create your own protocol for achieving your desired effects as well as plan ahead for what you’ll need—both in terms of finding the right strains when you need them as well as having the funds to pay for them. \n\nHaving a written cannabis plan can also help a great deal in discussions with doctors or others interested in knowing the particulars of how and why you use your cannabis. And you can use your plan to track any changes in habit, tolerance levels and how much you’re using.\n\n### Review Your Cannabis Journal\n\nIn our previous article, we gave tips on how to maintain a cannabis journal as a place to record the details of your cannabis experiences. Once you’ve done some experimenting and journaling, you’ll likely begin to notice some trends. To get started with your cannabis plan, look over your cannabis journal to notice what’s been working well and what hasn’t. Look for the marijuana strains that worked the best to manage your symptoms, without too many unpleasant side effects.\n\nIt may take some folks longer than others to find a strain that works. As well, you’ll likely refine your tastes as you continue to use cannabis. Still, when you feel like you have something that works better for you than nothing at all, you can start to create a cannabis plan. \n\n### Start a Cannabis Plan\n\nTo get started with your plan, find a blank page in your cannabis journal. Along the top of the page, write down these headings:\n\n* Desired Effect\n* Product\n* Method\n* Dose\n* Context\n* Average Times per Day\n* Daily Amount\n* Monthly Amount\n\nYour headlines should look something like this:\n\n\n\nThen, on the far left side of the page, under the heading Desired Effect, write down any effects you’re trying to achieve with cannabis. For example, I might write down:\n\n* Relieve nausea\n* Decrease anxiety\n* Alleviate chronic pain \n\nStarting with the effects is important, because it puts the focus on each person’s reasons for using cannabis. By breaking things down by individual effects, you can create a highly customized plan that takes into account the full spectrum of your cannabis experiences. \n\n### Fill Out the Details of Your Cannabis Plan\n\nNext, look at one desired effect at a time, filling in the details about how you can achieve those effects. Using my example above, the idea would be to start with the desired effect: relieve nausea. \n\nUse the contents of your cannabis journal to revisit your cannabis experiences. What products worked best for your first desired effect?\n\nIn my case, I’d look back at my records to find strains that were effective in relieving nausea. For me, the cannabis strain Afgoo works well, so in the Product column, I’d add, “Afgoo flower.”\n\nIn the Method column, write whatever method of using cannabis works best for the symptom or desired effect you’re looking at. Again using my example, I would write, “smoking joint,” because that’s the method that best relieves my nausea. \n\n\n\nOnce you’ve completed the first three columns, record the amount of your average dose. You may find that you require different doses for different applications and with different forms of cannabis. When it comes to relieving nausea, I find a quarter joint (or around .175 grams) is effective, so that’s what I’d write down. \n\nThen, in the Context column, give some details on the context for when you take cannabis to help with a desired effect. Do you use it at regular times every day, like smoking each night before bed. Or do you respond to symptoms by using cannabis as they arise? This also may differ depending on the desired effect.\n\nFor nausea, I’d go with, “Use whenever nausea arises.” In the Average Times per Day column, estimate how many times a day you need to consume cannabis for this purpose. For nausea, I I’d jot down: “3–4x.”\n\n\n\nUsing a calculator, multiply the number in the Dose column with the number in the Average Times per Day column; record the resulting number in the Daily Amount column. This is the amount you use for that desired effect each day.\n\nTo relieve nausea, I’d write, “.525-.7 grams (3/4–1 joint).” I would then take this number and multiply it by 30 to find the average amount I’d need each month. That amount would be “15.75–21 grams (22–30 joints)” in my example.\n\n\n\n### Complete Your Cannabis Plan\n\nWhen you’ve filled in all of the details for your first desired effect, do the same with each desired effect you’ve listed.\n\nYou may want to add up the monthly amount for each effect to get an idea of the total amount of cannabis you need each month. You can record the total at the bottom of your page. Your finished plan will look something like this:\n\n\n\nHaving this information will help you effectively budget for and plan around your cannabis needs. Sometimes, folks are surprised by how much they’re using or how much they have spent on cannabis. Most get cannabis as they need it, usually in small amounts, and don’t always track the spending. By figuring out exactly what you need—and learning to budget around that, you can quickly learn if you’re spending more than you can afford, so you can rework your strategy.\n\nWhen you finish your planning process, you’ll have a really good idea of your cannabis needs, and what it’ll cost to obtain it. You’ll have created a monthly shopping list for cannabis as well as a procedure for using cannabis to treat each desired effect.\n\nThis exercise may seem really basic, but it can give you a huge advantage. Focusing on what products work best and creating a plan around that is incredibly empowering. It can keep you on track and help you optimize your experiences with cannabis, using the best products for you. \n\nNo matter how you use it, you’ll reap a ton of benefits when you really get to know the ins and outs of your cannabis use. Make your cannabis plan, stick with it, and watch your cannabis experiences transform. \n\nPhoto credit: [Hannah Olinger](https://unsplash.com/@hannaholinger)\n\nNeed a doctor’s recommendation? [You can consult with one of HelloMD’s knowledgeable doctors](https://www.hellomd.com/); it's easy, private and 100% online. \n","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3605442176870748,"src":"/static/1ee26bcb9dd6aaf426c39c7d561de2b7/14b42/18370f37eed8143739c4baffcad29a1b.jpg","srcSet":"/static/1ee26bcb9dd6aaf426c39c7d561de2b7/f836f/18370f37eed8143739c4baffcad29a1b.jpg 200w,\n/static/1ee26bcb9dd6aaf426c39c7d561de2b7/2244e/18370f37eed8143739c4baffcad29a1b.jpg 400w,\n/static/1ee26bcb9dd6aaf426c39c7d561de2b7/14b42/18370f37eed8143739c4baffcad29a1b.jpg 800w,\n/static/1ee26bcb9dd6aaf426c39c7d561de2b7/47498/18370f37eed8143739c4baffcad29a1b.jpg 1200w,\n/static/1ee26bcb9dd6aaf426c39c7d561de2b7/0e329/18370f37eed8143739c4baffcad29a1b.jpg 1600w,\n/static/1ee26bcb9dd6aaf426c39c7d561de2b7/bf0d8/18370f37eed8143739c4baffcad29a1b.jpg 2407w","srcWebp":"/static/1ee26bcb9dd6aaf426c39c7d561de2b7/58556/18370f37eed8143739c4baffcad29a1b.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/1ee26bcb9dd6aaf426c39c7d561de2b7/61e93/18370f37eed8143739c4baffcad29a1b.webp 200w,\n/static/1ee26bcb9dd6aaf426c39c7d561de2b7/1f5c5/18370f37eed8143739c4baffcad29a1b.webp 400w,\n/static/1ee26bcb9dd6aaf426c39c7d561de2b7/58556/18370f37eed8143739c4baffcad29a1b.webp 800w,\n/static/1ee26bcb9dd6aaf426c39c7d561de2b7/99238/18370f37eed8143739c4baffcad29a1b.webp 1200w,\n/static/1ee26bcb9dd6aaf426c39c7d561de2b7/7c22d/18370f37eed8143739c4baffcad29a1b.webp 1600w,\n/static/1ee26bcb9dd6aaf426c39c7d561de2b7/d8eb3/18370f37eed8143739c4baffcad29a1b.webp 2407w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2757-markdown","title":"Journaling Your Way to the Best Cannabis Experience","slug":"journaling-your-way-to-the-best-cannabis-experience","content":"Cannabis has a wide variety of options that each come with different potential effects. Most cannabis consumers eventually figure out a few products that work really well for them. But not everyone has found their ideal cannabis product—or if they have, they may not remember what it was called.\n\nIf having consistently positive cannabis experiences has been a challenge for you, cannabis journaling is something you should consider doing. The simple practice of recording your experiences with marijuana can greatly improve your ability to find your favorites and repeat only your best experiences. \n\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_com/?hl=en)\n\n### Why Keep a Cannabis Journal? \n\nStarting and keeping a cannabis journal may sound like an unnecessary hassle to some, but it can make all the difference in terms of having consistently positive experiences with the plant. Even if you’re incredibly self-aware, if you don’t record your experience, you’re likely to forget it or at least recall it in less detail.\n\nPeople tend to overestimate their ability to remember experiences and events, and can even create false memories without realizing it. This problem can be compounded by the [short-term memory issues that sometimes accompany cannabis experiences](https://www.hellomd.com/answers/5938cd59be4f6d4929985726/cannabis-and-its-effects-on-memory-retention). By cataloging your experiences, you’ll be able to have an accurate record to draw from as you fine-tune your cannabis plan. \n\nBefore you get started with your cannabis journaling experience, gather the materials you need:\n\n* A journal\n* A pen\n* Any cannabis product you’d like to try \n\nRELATED: [FINDING THE IDEAL CANNABIS STRAIN TO SUIT YOUR NEEDS](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/5a77e254f24d1300077ccb2e/finding-the-ideal-cannabis-strain-to-suit-your-needs)\n\n### Step 1: Tune In & Record Your Baseline State\n\nIn the previous Cannabis for Newbies article, we discussed [how to use mindful awareness to tune in to what you want from cannabis](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/5b4646438904b90007731ad0/mindful-exercises-to-enhance-your-cannabis-experience) and how different cannabis products affect you. If you haven’t performed these mindful exercises yet, consider trying them prior to starting a journal. They’re an easy way to pick up on what’s happening, giving you some material to write down. \n\nThe first step in cannabis journaling is to observe your physical sensations before you use any cannabis. Notice how you feel. Is anything particularly painful, pleasant or uncomfortable? Is there anything you’d like cannabis to help with specifically? \n\nWhile you’re assessing your physical sensations, take the time to record all of the details. How were you feeling before cannabis? What kind of effects are you hoping for? Be as specific as you’d like. The more detail, the better.\n\n### Step 2: Medicate With Cannabis & Wait \n\nOnce you’ve recorded your baseline state—that is, how you’re feeling before consuming cannabis, you can move onto medicating with marijuana.\n\nConsume your cannabis product, and record any details about the experience. What was the product you’re using? Was it flower, an edible, oil or topical? How did it taste and smell? What was your dose? Note the brand and where you obtained the product. If it’s strain-specific, note the strain. \n\nYou should also pay attention to the method of consumption. For example, you may find that a strain works well when you vape it, but not when you smoke it. Be sure to note these differences so you can look for methods that deliver the effects that meet your needs.\n\nAnother factor you may want to take note of is the way your cannabis was grown: Was it grown indoors, outdoors or greenhouse? Was it organic or grown with synthetic nutrients? Any details you can provide will help you on your journey to finding your ideal cannabis product. \n\nWhen you’ve finished medicating and recording the product details, set a timer. If you’re using a quick-acting method like smoking, vaping or taking sublinguals, set it to go off in 20–30 minutes. If you’re using edibles, the timer should be set to ring in 90 minutes or so.\n\n### Step 3: Record the Effects of Cannabis\n\nWith the effects of cannabis starting to set in, the ringing of your timer is meant to remind you to tune back into your physical sensations. How do you feel now? Record any painful, pleasant or uncomfortable sensations. \n\nWhat are the positive and negative effects that you’re experiencing? Feel free to look at the notes you made describing how you felt before you medicated. What has changed? Be specific. If you notice an effect or relief from a symptom, write it down. It will be helpful later on. \n\n### Making a Cannabis Plan\n\nWhen you’ve collected journal entries on a variety of different cannabis products, you can look back through these records and note common trends. It can be helpful when recalling how a particular strain affected you. What strains help you with your particular symptoms? Which ones cause unpleasant side effects? Now that you have a record to look back on, and are discovering these factors, you can hone in on your ideal cannabis strains, methods of consumptions and product lines. \n\nIn our final installment of the Cannabis for Newbies guide, we show you how to create your own customized cannabis plan. With everything you’ve learned through this series, you now have the tools you need to create a plan that makes sense for your specific needs and individual biochemistry. \n\nPhoto credit: [Sandis Helvigs](https://unsplash.com/@sandishelvigs)\n\nNeed a doctor’s recommendation? [You can consult with one of HelloMD’s knowledgeable doctors](https://www.hellomd.com/); it's easy, private and 100% online.","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3605442176870748,"src":"/static/06bae1b1f073483c7ea2f3bb4652d9c2/14b42/66b6e728a7600236190c78fa3ce1e89d.jpg","srcSet":"/static/06bae1b1f073483c7ea2f3bb4652d9c2/f836f/66b6e728a7600236190c78fa3ce1e89d.jpg 200w,\n/static/06bae1b1f073483c7ea2f3bb4652d9c2/2244e/66b6e728a7600236190c78fa3ce1e89d.jpg 400w,\n/static/06bae1b1f073483c7ea2f3bb4652d9c2/14b42/66b6e728a7600236190c78fa3ce1e89d.jpg 800w,\n/static/06bae1b1f073483c7ea2f3bb4652d9c2/47498/66b6e728a7600236190c78fa3ce1e89d.jpg 1200w,\n/static/06bae1b1f073483c7ea2f3bb4652d9c2/0e329/66b6e728a7600236190c78fa3ce1e89d.jpg 1600w,\n/static/06bae1b1f073483c7ea2f3bb4652d9c2/de132/66b6e728a7600236190c78fa3ce1e89d.jpg 3638w","srcWebp":"/static/06bae1b1f073483c7ea2f3bb4652d9c2/58556/66b6e728a7600236190c78fa3ce1e89d.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/06bae1b1f073483c7ea2f3bb4652d9c2/61e93/66b6e728a7600236190c78fa3ce1e89d.webp 200w,\n/static/06bae1b1f073483c7ea2f3bb4652d9c2/1f5c5/66b6e728a7600236190c78fa3ce1e89d.webp 400w,\n/static/06bae1b1f073483c7ea2f3bb4652d9c2/58556/66b6e728a7600236190c78fa3ce1e89d.webp 800w,\n/static/06bae1b1f073483c7ea2f3bb4652d9c2/99238/66b6e728a7600236190c78fa3ce1e89d.webp 1200w,\n/static/06bae1b1f073483c7ea2f3bb4652d9c2/7c22d/66b6e728a7600236190c78fa3ce1e89d.webp 1600w,\n/static/06bae1b1f073483c7ea2f3bb4652d9c2/833d2/66b6e728a7600236190c78fa3ce1e89d.webp 3638w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2756-markdown","title":"Mindful Exercises to Enhance Your Cannabis Experience","slug":"mindful-exercises-to-enhance-your-cannabis-experience","content":"In the previous installment of our series for cannabis newcomers, we explained how you can [practice mindful awareness to help improve your cannabis experience](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/5b45454e8904b90007731acb/how-mindful-awareness-can-give-you-a-better-cannabis-high). In this article, we explore the intersection between mindful awareness and cannabis more deeply by going over some easy mindfulness practices you can use in conjunction with cannabis. Trying these simple exercises can help you get the most out of your cannabis experience.\n\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_com/?hl=en)\n\n### Exercise #1 to Enhance Your Cannabis Experience: Body Scan \n\nOur first exercise is an adaptation of a basic mindfulness technique called a body scan. To perform a body scan, rest all of your attention and awareness on your body. Starting at one end of the body, say the feet, slowly move your attention through each area of the body, noticing all of the physical sensations happening in each area of the body. \n\nWithout the use of cannabis, this is a helpful practice that allows you to tune into your body and its needs. The [regular use of mindfulness practices](http://greatergood.berkeley.edu/topic/mindfulness/definition) has been shown to:\n\n* Reduce chronic pain\n* Boost the immune system\n* Decrease stress and depression\n* Improve memory and attention skills\n* Improve your abilities as a spouse and as a parent\n\nOften, just the simple act of paying attention can help ease chronic pain, tension and other conditions, but it also gives you valuable insight into your internal state. \n\nWhen you add cannabis to the equation, a body scan can help you better understand what your needs are before consuming the plant. It can also help you gauge your response to different cannabis products. By comparing your body scan experiences before and after cannabis, you can begin to understand which products are helping, and which might be making things worse.\n\nHere are some simple instructions to guide you through a cannabis body scan.\n\n* **Step 1:** Before consuming any cannabis, start with a normal body scan to establish your baseline. Take note of how you’re feeling, paying special attention to anything painful or challenging. Does your back ache? Are you feeling tired? \n\n* **Step 2:** After you complete the body scan, take notes on what you experienced, whether painful or positive. \n\n* **Step 3:** Once you’ve established and recorded your baseline, test out a cannabis product. Wait until the effects have set in. \n\n* **Step 4:** When you’re feeling the effects of the cannabis, perform a second body scan. In this second body scan, take note of what’s changed. Does your back ache less? Are you less tired? Or maybe you feel more fatigued or have a headache you didn’t have before consuming marijuana. \n\n* **Step 5:** Record what’s happening in your body with this second body scan, then compare your notes to the ones you took in Step 2. How did the cannabis change your experience? Comparing your experiences before and after cannabis consumption can be a powerful tool for honing in on options that work best for you.\n\nRELATED: [HELLOMD MINDFUL HAVEN EVENT: CANNABIS, YOGA & SOUND BATHING](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/596002c4756dcd0ac7daad67/hellomd-mindful-haven-event-cannabis-yoga-and-sound-bathing)\n\n### Exercise #2 to Enhance Your Cannabis Experience: Body Mapping \n\nOnce you’ve had some time to practice performing body scans, you may want to try body mapping. This practice takes body scans to the next level by creating a representation of what you’re experiencing.\n\nIn body mapping, first take an outline of the human body, then color in visual representations of the physical sensations you experience in a body scan. This practice can help bring out aspects of your experience that you never noticed before.\n\n* **Step 1:** To get started, gather your supplies. You’ll need a cannabis product to consume, some paper along with pens, pencils or crayons in a variety of colors. \n\n* **Step 2:** Draw two outlines of the human body on a piece of paper. Label them “before” and “after.”\n\n* **Step 3:** Using a body scan as your guide, color in the body outline labeled “before” with representations of what you’re feeling. Use color and texture to add depth and meaning. For example, if I feel a sharp pain in my shoulder, I might draw a jagged red line across the shoulder of the body outline. If I feel queasy, I might draw a yellow spiral on the stomach area. If I feel loving and happy, I might draw a pink heart in the center of my chest with lines radiating out from the center. Make up your own symbols and associations as you record the state your body is in. Ask yourself questions like: What’s the shape, color or texture of this feeling? You may be surprised with the answers you give.\n\n* **Step 4:** Medicate using your cannabis product and wait until it begins to affect you. \n\n* **Step 5:** When you’re feeling the effects of the cannabis, color in the outline of your body labeled “after” with the same methods used in Step 3. Take note of what’s changed in your two pictures. \n\n* **Step 6:** You can also extend the body mapping practice, making drawings multiple times during your cannabis experience. Your sensations may change completely between the first half hour of being medicated versus two hours in. Try setting a timer every hour to see how your sensations shift at each of these points. It will give you a whole new perspective on how different cannabis products affect you. \n\n### Recording Your Cannabis Experiences\n\nThese mindful exercises are a great way to start tuning into your cannabis experiences—and to learn more about how different cannabis options affect you.\n\nThis is just the beginning though. In the next installment of the Cannabis for Newbies guide, we'll get into the merits of cannabis journaling. By recording your experiences with different products, you can better remember which products helped you the most and which produced effects you’d rather not repeat.\n\nPhoto credit: [Lara Westrich](https://unsplash.com/@larasophie996)\n\nNeed a doctor’s recommendation? [You can consult with one of HelloMD’s knowledgeable doctors](https://www.hellomd.com/); it's easy, private and 100% online. \n","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3605442176870748,"src":"/static/32d1952bf8fcd94939806646cfe0233f/14b42/514e7fef2954109713d28baa37d2f7d1.jpg","srcSet":"/static/32d1952bf8fcd94939806646cfe0233f/f836f/514e7fef2954109713d28baa37d2f7d1.jpg 200w,\n/static/32d1952bf8fcd94939806646cfe0233f/2244e/514e7fef2954109713d28baa37d2f7d1.jpg 400w,\n/static/32d1952bf8fcd94939806646cfe0233f/14b42/514e7fef2954109713d28baa37d2f7d1.jpg 800w,\n/static/32d1952bf8fcd94939806646cfe0233f/47498/514e7fef2954109713d28baa37d2f7d1.jpg 1200w,\n/static/32d1952bf8fcd94939806646cfe0233f/0e329/514e7fef2954109713d28baa37d2f7d1.jpg 1600w,\n/static/32d1952bf8fcd94939806646cfe0233f/1dbfa/514e7fef2954109713d28baa37d2f7d1.jpg 2347w","srcWebp":"/static/32d1952bf8fcd94939806646cfe0233f/58556/514e7fef2954109713d28baa37d2f7d1.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/32d1952bf8fcd94939806646cfe0233f/61e93/514e7fef2954109713d28baa37d2f7d1.webp 200w,\n/static/32d1952bf8fcd94939806646cfe0233f/1f5c5/514e7fef2954109713d28baa37d2f7d1.webp 400w,\n/static/32d1952bf8fcd94939806646cfe0233f/58556/514e7fef2954109713d28baa37d2f7d1.webp 800w,\n/static/32d1952bf8fcd94939806646cfe0233f/99238/514e7fef2954109713d28baa37d2f7d1.webp 1200w,\n/static/32d1952bf8fcd94939806646cfe0233f/7c22d/514e7fef2954109713d28baa37d2f7d1.webp 1600w,\n/static/32d1952bf8fcd94939806646cfe0233f/3c57d/514e7fef2954109713d28baa37d2f7d1.webp 2347w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2753-markdown","title":"How Mindful Awareness Can Give You a Better Cannabis High","slug":"how-mindful-awareness-can-give-you-a-better-cannabis-high","content":"In the last two articles of our cannabis for newbies series, we got into the nitty gritty of cannabis tolerance and how to manage it, whether you want to [maintain a low tolerance](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/5abec477f24d1300077ccbb5/3-ways-to-keep-your-cannabis-tolerance-under-control)—or a [high one](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/5b4536628904b90007731aca/the-benefits-of-building-up-your-cannabis-tolerance). Now, we shift gears to talk about mindful awareness. This powerful practice, which has a wide range of health and well-being benefits, can also be used to help improve your cannabis experience. Could mindfulness be the key to finding your best cannabis options?\n\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_com/?hl=en)\n\n### What Is Mindfulness?\n\nA popular buzzword these days, mindfulness is also a powerful practice. To be mindful is to maintain a present, moment-to-moment awareness of your thoughts, feelings, sensations and perceptions. The practice also involves taking an open, loving attitude towards everything you’re experiencing. \n\nWhile our instincts are to distract ourselves from pain, pushing negative experiences away, mindful practices encourage us to pull those experiences closer and turn our full attention towards them. When we stop fighting these sensations and embrace them, they often lose their hold on us, diminishing in intensity or vanishing altogether. \n\nMindfulness has its roots in Buddhist meditation practices, but over the last few decades, scientists and medical professionals have begun to study its usefulness in modern medicine. Now, [studies showing the many benefits of mindfulness are pouring in](http://greatergood.berkeley.edu/topic/mindfulness/definition). The regular use of mindfulness practices has been shown to:\n\n* Reduce chronic pain\n* Boost the immune system\n* Decrease stress and depression\n* Improve memory and attention skills\n* Improve your abilities as a spouse/partner and as a parent\n\n### Mindfulness to Better Understand Cannabis’s Effects on You\n\nMindfulness can also be invaluable in understanding and refining your personal cannabis use. It can help you get more in touch with your physical sensations; this can be the key to finding products that are particularly suited to you.\n\nCannabis’s active ingredients can offer a wide range of potential medical and recreational effects. When you take into account the many different strains, chemical components and various methods of taking cannabis, it’s clear that cannabis is a extremely complex plant. \n\nTo add to that complexity, people can react quite differently to the various cannabis options. A strain that makes one person feel energized and relaxed may make another individual feel anxious and lethargic. Research shows that [87% of cannabis consumers ultimately choose only one to three cannabis products that they use regularly](https://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/hellomd-news/HelloMD_Medical_Marijuana_Patient_Survey.pdf). If you’re just getting started, a crucial step is to find out which products, strains or methods of using cannabis work best for you.\n\nBy paying more attention to the subtle signs that your body is giving you, you’ll be better able to distinguish what cannabis options are working—and which are making things worse. \n\nRELATED: [HELLOMD MINDFUL HAVEN EVENT: CANNABIS, YOGA & SOUND BATHING](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/596002c4756dcd0ac7daad67/hellomd-mindful-haven-event-cannabis-yoga-and-sound-bathing)\n\n### Noticing the Warning Signs When Trying a New Marijuana Strain\n\nTo give an example, I recently tried a strain of cannabis I’d never used before. At first, the strain gave me some energy and a little bit of a euphoric sensation. But after a few minutes I began to notice a few warning signs. My jaw felt clenched. My heart rate was accelerating. I could feel a slight bit of tension in my forehead.\n\nFor me, these are all signs of increased anxiety, which I can easily get from marijuana strains that are too energetic for me. As soon as I noticed these effects, I stopped using that strain and haven’t had more since. \n\nIn the past, I may not have noticed these effects from the cannabis. I may have noticed the energy and the euphoria that came with the first few inhalations, and then thought I needed more when the anxiety started to hit.\n\nOr more likely, I wouldn’t have thought about it either way, because I wasn’t paying attention. I would've continued to use the cannabis strain until the really uncomfortable side effects had truly set in. Then, intense headache, anxiety and muscle tension would overwhelm me. When it was too late, I would’ve realized my mistake.\n\nBut with regular mindfulness practices, my ability to notice these signs has increased. Now, it’s very rare that I get unwanted effects from cannabis. When I notice early signs, I can switch to something else and avoid a negative experience. I can also take notice of the strains that work especially well for me.\n\n### Harnessing the Power of Your Own Awareness \n\nMindfulness practices can help bring about a greater understanding of:\n\n* How cannabis is affecting you\n* What cannabis product is working best\n* How different types of cannabis interact with your individual needs and biochemistry\n\nIn fact, one of the most important and overlooked factors in cannabis use is your own awareness. To get the right effects, you need to know what to ask for. To know what to ask for, you need to know how you feel, both to begin with and after you’ve used cannabis. This requires a lot of self-awareness.\n\nThis is a crucial step in the process of finding the best cannabis strains and methods for you. By harnessing the power of mindful awareness, you can better hone in on the cannabis options that work best, and tackle each step in your cannabis journey with grace and ease.\n\n### Cultivating Your Own Mindful Practice\n \nIf you’d like to cultivate your own mindfulness practice, you can do so in a number of ways. You can:\n\n* [Start a sitting meditation practice](https://www.mindful.org/mindfulness-how-to-do-it/).\n* [Go to a course on mindfulness-based stress reduction](https://www.webmd.com/balance/tc/mindfulness-based-stress-reduction-topic-overview).\n* [Take up a mindful physical practice such as yoga](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/597798584ce06012ff1d1641/cannabis-yoga-and-relaxation-an-interview-with-dee-dussault).\n\nWhat’s key is taking regular opportunities to immerse yourself fully in the sensations of the present moment. \n\nIn the next installment of our Cannabis for Newbies guide, we’ll share some mindfulness exercises that include cannabis. You can use these any time to increase your mindful awareness as well as improve your cannabis experience. \n\nPhoto credit: [Mikita Karasiou](https://unsplash.com/@starpollen)\n\nNeed a doctor’s recommendation? [You can consult with one of HelloMD’s knowledgeable doctors](https://www.hellomd.com/); it's easy, private and 100% online. ","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3605442176870748,"src":"/static/f59a396e00088cb786f4da1589e10a60/14b42/0901f39991a9795c74efc2bfedb0b883.jpg","srcSet":"/static/f59a396e00088cb786f4da1589e10a60/f836f/0901f39991a9795c74efc2bfedb0b883.jpg 200w,\n/static/f59a396e00088cb786f4da1589e10a60/2244e/0901f39991a9795c74efc2bfedb0b883.jpg 400w,\n/static/f59a396e00088cb786f4da1589e10a60/14b42/0901f39991a9795c74efc2bfedb0b883.jpg 800w,\n/static/f59a396e00088cb786f4da1589e10a60/47498/0901f39991a9795c74efc2bfedb0b883.jpg 1200w,\n/static/f59a396e00088cb786f4da1589e10a60/0e329/0901f39991a9795c74efc2bfedb0b883.jpg 1600w,\n/static/f59a396e00088cb786f4da1589e10a60/de132/0901f39991a9795c74efc2bfedb0b883.jpg 3638w","srcWebp":"/static/f59a396e00088cb786f4da1589e10a60/58556/0901f39991a9795c74efc2bfedb0b883.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/f59a396e00088cb786f4da1589e10a60/61e93/0901f39991a9795c74efc2bfedb0b883.webp 200w,\n/static/f59a396e00088cb786f4da1589e10a60/1f5c5/0901f39991a9795c74efc2bfedb0b883.webp 400w,\n/static/f59a396e00088cb786f4da1589e10a60/58556/0901f39991a9795c74efc2bfedb0b883.webp 800w,\n/static/f59a396e00088cb786f4da1589e10a60/99238/0901f39991a9795c74efc2bfedb0b883.webp 1200w,\n/static/f59a396e00088cb786f4da1589e10a60/7c22d/0901f39991a9795c74efc2bfedb0b883.webp 1600w,\n/static/f59a396e00088cb786f4da1589e10a60/833d2/0901f39991a9795c74efc2bfedb0b883.webp 3638w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2684-markdown","title":"Can Marijuana Make You a Better Mom?","slug":"can-marijuana-make-you-a-better-mom","content":"I’m an older mom. I had my daughter at 41. She’s now 11, and our adopted son is 14. Navigating motherhood is intense at any age, but I find being a menopausal woman and a mom of a teen and preteen has its own set of challenges. My hormones are wacky, my moods can be all over the place, and stress really wears me down. \n\nWhen I was consuming cannabis medicinally for insomnia and chronic pain relief, I found it made me mellow—even days after a small nighttime dose. The fact that I was a more relaxed and less stressed overall made me feel like I could be a better mother. \n\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_com/?hl=en)\n\nI contacted several other moms to get their take on cannabis and motherhood. The answers varied, but showed the importance of finding healthy ways to be well-rested, present and creative—all hallmarks of a great parent. \n\n### Some Moms Give Their Take on Marijuana & Motherhood\n\nJessie Gill, a cannabis nurse and blogger at Marijuana Mommy feels cannabis is a positive in her role as a mom. “My pain levels and anxiety are far better managed with cannabis. Cannabis also greatly enhances my patience, creativity and spirit of adventure, which significantly benefits my kids,” she says.\n\nLeah Maurer, co-owner and editorial lead for The Weed Blog takes a slightly different view. “I don't think any substance can make you a better mom. I think that drive, love and dedication need to come from within,” she says. “That being said, mothers who are suffering from chronic pain, migraines, nervous system conditions and a variety of other mental-health or medical issues can definitely be better moms if they are able to use cannabis as medicine, rather than opioids or other medicines with more severe or harsh side effects.”\n\nJenn Lauder, co-founder and content director of Splimm: The Pot and Parenting newsletter, agrees with Leah’s stance that cannabis doesn’t necessarily make you a better mom, but adds, “I do believe it's the most versatile and effective tool I have at my disposal, as a mother and as a human.”\n\nJenn says she includes cannabis as part of her everyday wellness routine, turning to it to deal with PMS, migraines and stress management. She also consumes marijuana for creativity and focus, as well as to enhance her meditation and yoga practices. \n\n“Cannabis helps me prioritize my wellness in ways that don't detract from my ability to parent,” Jenn says. “And it's a safe and relatively benign way to relax, unwind or recreate. I also find that I'm more easygoing, more patient, more present with my daughter, and more able to interrupt my often-frenetic multitasking in order to follow her lead or be there in the way that she needs,” she says.\n\nWriter Aimee Altman doesn’t hesitate when she says, “Yes, cannabis definitely makes me a better mom.” Before marijuana, Aimee recalls being prescribed medications—for her anxiety and insomnia—that caused her to become “apathetic or completely shut … down.” She knew she needed to be able to wake up in the middle of the night if her boys needed her.\n\nToday, Aimee says cannabis helps her connect with her kids, inspiring her to get down on the floor with them to play games, go for bike rides, bake cookies or make art. “Cannabis also helps me maintain an opiate-free lifestyle. As a long-term survivor of opioid addiction, I welcome all the tools I can to keep me on a recovery path because remaining opioid-free definitely makes me the best mom I can be,” she says.\n\n### Cannabis Safety at Home\n\nKeeping kids safe is at the top of mom’s list. So, what are some challenges—and potential dangers—of consuming marijuana at home?\n\n“Depending on how cannabis is consumed, secondhand smoke can result in lung and heart problems,” says Dr. Shivani Amin of Green Health Docs. “I always advise my patients to consume cannabis away from children if possible to avoid any complications.”\n\nRELATED: [SECONDHAND CANNABIS SMOKE & CHILDREN]( https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/58741204c67d2c000b8f5ffc/secondhand-cannabis-smoke-and-children)\n\nDr. Amin advises trying sublingual marijuana drops or capsules. If permitted where you live, cannabis topicals and edibles are also smoke-free ways to consume the plant when kids are in the home. \n\nFor Jenn, safety also means “keeping cannabis and associated products out of reach from wandering hands as well as using cannabis with intention.” \n\nJenn points out that there are many new products and secure storage options out there that make it easy to consume discreetly and to keep your cannabis away from children and pets. \n\nAimee leans toward marijuana edibles when kids are around. “[Cannabis edibles] make consumption easy and the long-lasting effects are helpful for activities such as bike rides to the park for the afternoon,” she explains. “It's all about knowing our bodies and the appropriate dose. Too much cannabis usually means a late afternoon nap for me, and my kids are past the napping stage, so that doesn't work.” \n\nLeah thinks cannabis gets a bit of an unfair rap. “There is this completely normalized idea of ‘mommy needs her coffee’ or ‘mommy needs her wine’ type of mentality—in the U.S. in particular,” Leah says. “Yet mothers who choose to consume cannabis regularly to unwind or deal with the inevitable stresses of parenting are shunned and looked down. This is because of the stigma that surrounds this plant due to decades of conjecture and propaganda that have been fed to us by our federal government.”\n\n### Marijuana Safety Tips From Cannabis-Consuming Moms \n\n* **Don’t smoke cannabis around kids** because of the dangers of secondhand smoke. Consider other forms of consumption that can provide the desired effect without producing potentially harmful byproducts.\n\n* **Treat cannabis as you would any prescription drug**, alcohol, cleaning product or other substance that can be toxic to children and pets. Keep cannabis out of reach of small hands and paws.\n\n* **Invest in a lockable storage bag** or box for extra security and peace of mind when keeping cannabis in the home.\n\n* **Consume responsibly**, knowing how your body and brain react to the plant, including your appropriate dosages. You want to be able to respond to your children’s needs at all times.\n\n### The Main Objective Is Being a Healthy, Mindful Mom\n\n“I do believe in the power of this plant,” says Dr. Amin. “It treats a host of chronic medical conditions including pain, anxiety and depression. If these conditions are being treated with cannabis, then yes, it could make women more attentive, mindful of their surroundings and, hence, great moms.”\n\nJenn emphasizes that education is key for her family. “We have honest and open conversations around cannabis, which both destigmatizes and demystifies this medicine in the minds of our kids.”\n\nWhatever your opinion may be about moms consuming cannabis, I think we can all agree that being a healthier mom can help make you a better mom. Getting enough rest, eating well, exercising and engaging in regular self-care provides you with more resources—and stamina—for the rigors of motherhood and parenting. If cannabis is part of a mom’s wellness routine, it could be one of the many valuable options in her mom toolkit to help her thrive.\n\nPhoto credit: [Bruno Nascimento](https://unsplash.com/@bruno_nascimento)\n \nIf you’re new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our [Cannabis 101](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/56201c206430320006bb0000/cannabis-101-your-quick-guide-to-medical-marijuana) post. [HelloMD](https://www.hellomd.com/) can help you get your medical marijuana recommendation; it's easy, private and 100% online. \n","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3888888888888888,"src":"/static/b820d86b527f846ed6b8ff33525dd042/14b42/5bf1180e02f43739f42aca875a8c30ea.jpg","srcSet":"/static/b820d86b527f846ed6b8ff33525dd042/f836f/5bf1180e02f43739f42aca875a8c30ea.jpg 200w,\n/static/b820d86b527f846ed6b8ff33525dd042/2244e/5bf1180e02f43739f42aca875a8c30ea.jpg 400w,\n/static/b820d86b527f846ed6b8ff33525dd042/14b42/5bf1180e02f43739f42aca875a8c30ea.jpg 800w,\n/static/b820d86b527f846ed6b8ff33525dd042/47498/5bf1180e02f43739f42aca875a8c30ea.jpg 1200w,\n/static/b820d86b527f846ed6b8ff33525dd042/0e329/5bf1180e02f43739f42aca875a8c30ea.jpg 1600w,\n/static/b820d86b527f846ed6b8ff33525dd042/db420/5bf1180e02f43739f42aca875a8c30ea.jpg 3626w","srcWebp":"/static/b820d86b527f846ed6b8ff33525dd042/58556/5bf1180e02f43739f42aca875a8c30ea.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/b820d86b527f846ed6b8ff33525dd042/61e93/5bf1180e02f43739f42aca875a8c30ea.webp 200w,\n/static/b820d86b527f846ed6b8ff33525dd042/1f5c5/5bf1180e02f43739f42aca875a8c30ea.webp 400w,\n/static/b820d86b527f846ed6b8ff33525dd042/58556/5bf1180e02f43739f42aca875a8c30ea.webp 800w,\n/static/b820d86b527f846ed6b8ff33525dd042/99238/5bf1180e02f43739f42aca875a8c30ea.webp 1200w,\n/static/b820d86b527f846ed6b8ff33525dd042/7c22d/5bf1180e02f43739f42aca875a8c30ea.webp 1600w,\n/static/b820d86b527f846ed6b8ff33525dd042/3a1a1/5bf1180e02f43739f42aca875a8c30ea.webp 3626w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2372-markdown","title":"Elevate + Flow: A Cannabis & Yoga Retreat","slug":"elevate-flow-a-cannabis-and-yoga-retreat","content":"On Sept. 30, HelloMD was pleased to attend Elevate + Flow, a yoga and cannabis retreat hosted by [Geyser Peak Ranch](https://www.geyserpeakranch.com/home). Susan Hauser, renowned instructor at [New Om World Yoga](https://newomworld.com/), led the yoga portion of the event and Ona.Life helped curate the participation of top marijuana brands in the day-long health and wellness event. \n\nGeyser Peak Ranch is a spectacular four-generation family-owned property of 1,200 acres overlooking the Alexander Valley. Nielma Hock, co-owner of the ranch and the Elevate + Flow organizer, regularly hosts high-end cannabis experiences, inviting members of the cannabis industry to help normalize the conversation around marijuana. Her events are perfect for the “canna-curious” as well as those already well-versed in cannabis knowledge.\n\nNielma’s passion for shattering old stigmas about marijuana and introducing guests to a different side of cannabis comes from her personal experience of witnessing a cancer-stricken loved one refuse cannabis as medicine, despite its potential to help.\n\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_com/?hl=en)\n\n\nRuby LaGranduer of LaGranduer sparkling beverages.\n\n### Cancer Battle Inspires Marijuana-Infused Events\n\nA few years ago, Nielma’s mother battled cancer. During the process, she was given multiple pharmaceuticals to deal with the pain associated with the disease as well as for the side effects from chemotherapy. But due to the stigma she felt for the plant, she refused cannabis and [Marinol, an FDA-approved pharmaceutical made with synthetic THC](http://www.marinol.com/patient/about-marinol). \n\nNielma reflects, “To this day, I think about how much better my mom’s quality of life would have been had she just opted to reach for cannabis instead of the pharmaceutical drugs. Cannabis may not have extended her life, but it may have allowed her to have the presence of mind to have more lucid hours spent with me and the people she loved. When someone is at their deathbed, every minute counts. I often think about how the stigma of cannabis robbed me of precious time with my mom.” \n\n### Cannabis Education at Elevate + Flow\n\nThe day began with [Pamela Hadfield, co-founder of HelloMD](https://www.hellomd.com/people/pamelahadfield), addressing the largely new-to-cannabis crowd on the health and wellness aspects of the plant. She began with her personal story of crippling migraines and [how she solved her own health crisis and got off opioids with the help of medical marijuana](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/5595d75d3264380006170000/migraines-how-i-got-off-pain-meds-and-found-relief-with-cannabis). \n\nDuring her talk, she educated people on the [science of cannabis](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/55da2ff26430380006690000/cannabinoids-chemical-compounds-with-huge-therapeutic-potential) and how it affects the [CB1 and CB2 receptors](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/56ba6fd0023cd900080000b3/is-your-endocannabinoid-system-in-balance) in the body. Pamela also spoke about [the concept of microdosing](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/59c1b07e93afe720b53117a1/microdosing-a-better-way-to-take-cannabis) and the need to go “low and slow.”\n\n### Yoga & Top Cannabis Brands Close the Retreat\n\n`embed: https://www.instagram.com/p/BZ1bW81Dmij/`
\n\nFollowing the educational discussion and audience Q&A, the group adjourned to a ridge overlooking the Alexander Valley. Here Susan Hauser led a music-filled, open-air vinyasa yoga session. The breathtaking scenery combined with Susan’s yoga expertise created a unique experience that left participants invigorated and smiling. \n\nRELATED: [THE CONNECTION BETWEEN YOGA & CANNABIS](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/58a38cc01689ad0017e8493b/the-connection-between-yoga-and-cannabis)\n\nWalking down the ridge and back into the ranch, guests were then able to engage with brand ambassadors from some of California’s top marijuana lines. The brands present represented the movement in artisanal, microdosed consumption such as [La Grandeur](https://www.lagrandeur.co/), a sparkling cranberry beverage; [Atlas Edibles](http://atlasedibles.com/), which offers incredibly scrumptious granola treats; [HMBLDT vaporizers](https://hmbldt.com/); [Ona.Life delivery](https://www.ona.life), which offered a wide array of cannabis brands; and [Garden Society](http://www.thegardensociety.com/), a wildly popular gourmet confection edible.\n\n`embed: https://www.instagram.com/p/BZr3Cx-gGNq/`
\n\nNurit Raphael, co-founder of Ona.Life delivery, and one of the event coordinators, commented on the day saying, “I’m thrilled that we were able to bring together the network of cannabis industry leaders and brands with the community at large to make this elegant collaboration happen, and push the conversation around cannabis forward.”\n\nPhoto credit: [La Grandeur](https://www.lagrandeur.com)\n\nIf you’re new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our [Cannabis 101](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/cannabis-101-your-quick-guide-to-medical-marijuana) post. [HelloMD](https://www.hellomd.com/) can help you get your medical marijuana recommendation; it's easy, private and 100% online. ","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3513513513513513,"src":"/static/bed6f8d0535e079c161dcca468c4c78a/14b42/a4b027cd54e29e2d66ee3ab5f2aaaf59.jpg","srcSet":"/static/bed6f8d0535e079c161dcca468c4c78a/f836f/a4b027cd54e29e2d66ee3ab5f2aaaf59.jpg 200w,\n/static/bed6f8d0535e079c161dcca468c4c78a/2244e/a4b027cd54e29e2d66ee3ab5f2aaaf59.jpg 400w,\n/static/bed6f8d0535e079c161dcca468c4c78a/14b42/a4b027cd54e29e2d66ee3ab5f2aaaf59.jpg 800w,\n/static/bed6f8d0535e079c161dcca468c4c78a/1d643/a4b027cd54e29e2d66ee3ab5f2aaaf59.jpg 1115w","srcWebp":"/static/bed6f8d0535e079c161dcca468c4c78a/58556/a4b027cd54e29e2d66ee3ab5f2aaaf59.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/bed6f8d0535e079c161dcca468c4c78a/61e93/a4b027cd54e29e2d66ee3ab5f2aaaf59.webp 200w,\n/static/bed6f8d0535e079c161dcca468c4c78a/1f5c5/a4b027cd54e29e2d66ee3ab5f2aaaf59.webp 400w,\n/static/bed6f8d0535e079c161dcca468c4c78a/58556/a4b027cd54e29e2d66ee3ab5f2aaaf59.webp 800w,\n/static/bed6f8d0535e079c161dcca468c4c78a/ac735/a4b027cd54e29e2d66ee3ab5f2aaaf59.webp 1115w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2273-markdown","title":"Top Ten Health Benefits of Laughter","slug":"top-ten-health-benefits-of-laughter","content":"One of the most well known side effects of using cannabis is experiencing bouts of endless giggles. While some may perceive the giggles as pure silliness, it turns out that laughing is not only fun—it’s great for our health too. [Dr. Lee Berk](http://www.dr-lee-berk.com/index.html) has spent three decades studying how laughter affects the body and mind, and he has discovered a myriad of both short and long-term health benefits. He considers regular laughter a healthy lifestyle activity right along with a good night’s sleep, healthy diet and regular exercise. \n\nAt HelloMD, we believe that laughter truly is the best medicine. It’s one of the reasons we decided to host [Laughter Haven: An Evening of Cannabis and Comedy](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/59c1930593afe713363117a3/hellomds-laughter-haven-an-evening-of-cannabis-and-comedy) on October 5th in San Francisco. Come and join us with newly minted Netflix star Mike Winfield and top cannabis brands.\n\n`embed: https://www.instagram.com/p/BZPQgYiAQ3D/`\n\nLaughing can relax your whole body and mind, create social connections and foster uplifting feelings that require no explanation. While many people find inspiration for laughter from a funny movie or comedy show, some explore the path of [Laughter Yoga](https://laughteryoga.org/), which offers guided techniques to encourage more laughter in your life with the goal to build and grow happiness, health and peace for yourself and those around you.\n\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_com/?hl=en)\n\n### Reduce Stress and Increase Happiness\n\n[According to Berk](http://time.com/3592134/laughing-health-benefits/), our mind, hormone system and immune system are in constant communication, which means our mood and mindset have a real impact on our ability to fight off disease. In their 2009 [research study](https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/04/090417084115.htm) at Loma Linda University, researchers Dr. Lee Berk and Dr. Stanley Tan found significant health benefits that stem from laughter, including lower stress levels, lower inflammatory response and increased “good” cholesterol levels, all of which point to increased cardiovascular health and immune system response. \n\nRELATED: [HELLOMD’S LAUGHTER HAVEN: AN EVENING OF CANNABIS & COMEDY](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/59c1930593afe713363117a3/hellomds-laughter-haven-an-evening-of-cannabis-and-comedy)\n\n### Top Ten Health Benefits of Laughter\n\n**1. Lowers blood pressure** \n\nLaughing gets our blood pumping, which improves blood flow and works the cardiovascular muscles, reducing the risk of stroke and heart attack.\n\n**2. Reduces stress** \n\nDr. Berk found laughter shuts down the release of stress hormone cortisol and triggers the release of feel-good chemical dopamine. The contraction and release of muscles during laughter also soothes tension and helps your body relax and de-stress. \n\n**3. Boosts the immune system** \n\nExperiencing lower levels of stress and anxiety naturally boosts our immune system by taking us out of the fight-or-flight response and activating the parasympathetic nervous system. Laughter also [boosts our T-cell levels](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2686627/), special immune system cells that help fight illness. \n\n**4. Relieves pain** \n\nLaughter releases endorphins, our body’s natural painkillers, easing chronic pain while lowering stress and anxiety. Endorphins can also be released by other fun activities like cardiovascular exercise, listening to music, eating chocolate and having sex!\n\n**5. Stimulates organs and oxygenates brain** \n\nWhen we laugh, we expand and contract our ab muscles (toned abs are another side bonus!) and stimulate our heart and lungs. With every snort and guffaw, our deep breaths are sending extra oxygen to our brain, muscles and organs. The extra stimulation of blood and oxygen circulation helps aid muscle relaxation and eases stress. \n\n**6. Induces a meditative brain state** \n\nLaughter induces gamma brain wave frequencies, the fastest frequency, usually seen among experienced meditators and associated with “feelings of blessings” among monks. Berk says these gamma waves bolster recall and memory by improving the ‘synchronization’ of your neuronal activity.\n\n**7. Improves your mood** \n\nIncreasing positive thoughts and decreasing stress helps fight depression and anxiety, resulting in happy vibes and good moods. \n\n**8. Enhances overall well-being** \n\nHaving a positive outlook increases overall health and makes it easier to deal with difficult challenges and situations. Basically laughter creates a positive, upward spiral to health. \n\n**9. Creates social connection and joy in life** \n\nNeed we say more?\n\nIf you are new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our [Cannabis 101](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/cannabis-101-your-quick-guide-to-medical-marijuana) post. [HelloMD](https://www.hellomd.com/) can help you get your medical marijuana recommendation; it's 100% online, private and efficient. \n\nPhoto credit: [Flickr](https://www.flickr.com/photos/cascadelight/33490507856/in/photolist-T2rBcf-mJUgDx-KRZMB-3bnN1e-5YBqeM-4y2GhX-aJLmPP-4KAbbq-gapQdP-bZVU4Y-WuXvnU-fBPc1N-51Q7Dj-7NZwDt-eauNcx-duNACP-4urGHB-51st3g-f9hVs2-rPFerg-9m9TUH-o47Eo8-yBt3zd-4y75A3-eeheUj-6wiuin-4GoXxu-dxdTJP-6h1Pro-8ewiuG-cPo43b-5h7WLW-7TtjTj-4KBYeG-nP7ToW-2VnX3W-6UgpuS-fjvnAT-oqddRS-8qdpgE-X5eFQL-Dt3pH-Uu45uy-ia3wHd-98EiCV-e2X3Ph-bkMv5s-r73BVd-8Jr4Xs-f4GrLG)","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.5037593984962405,"src":"/static/18723d25d6d4c976eedca8d0b5336c7c/14b42/0cf0f6bb671ad11dc18e91417ba3e00e.jpg","srcSet":"/static/18723d25d6d4c976eedca8d0b5336c7c/f836f/0cf0f6bb671ad11dc18e91417ba3e00e.jpg 200w,\n/static/18723d25d6d4c976eedca8d0b5336c7c/2244e/0cf0f6bb671ad11dc18e91417ba3e00e.jpg 400w,\n/static/18723d25d6d4c976eedca8d0b5336c7c/14b42/0cf0f6bb671ad11dc18e91417ba3e00e.jpg 800w,\n/static/18723d25d6d4c976eedca8d0b5336c7c/10d63/0cf0f6bb671ad11dc18e91417ba3e00e.jpg 1080w","srcWebp":"/static/18723d25d6d4c976eedca8d0b5336c7c/58556/0cf0f6bb671ad11dc18e91417ba3e00e.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/18723d25d6d4c976eedca8d0b5336c7c/61e93/0cf0f6bb671ad11dc18e91417ba3e00e.webp 200w,\n/static/18723d25d6d4c976eedca8d0b5336c7c/1f5c5/0cf0f6bb671ad11dc18e91417ba3e00e.webp 400w,\n/static/18723d25d6d4c976eedca8d0b5336c7c/58556/0cf0f6bb671ad11dc18e91417ba3e00e.webp 800w,\n/static/18723d25d6d4c976eedca8d0b5336c7c/54d25/0cf0f6bb671ad11dc18e91417ba3e00e.webp 1080w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2325-markdown","title":"Cannabis, Yoga & Relaxation: An Interview with Dee Dussault","slug":"cannabis-yoga-and-relaxation-an-interview-with-dee-dussault","content":"HelloMD interviewed Dee Dussault, the founder of Ganja Yoga, to learn more about her cannabis enhanced yoga classes, as well as her new book, also entitled ‘Ganja Yoga’. Helping people find bliss through relaxation, mindfulness, and sensuality, she has practiced yoga for twenty-two years. Now with the help of cannabis, Dee teaches private and public classes in San Fransisco that combine meditative yoga appropriate for every age and all levels.\n\nDee will be teaching at [HelloMD’s Mindful Haven](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/hellomd-mindful-haven-an-afternoon-of-yoga-sound-bathing-cannabis-tickets-35982261914) event on Sunday July 30, 2017 which will feature cannabis, yoga, and an immersive sound bath.\n\n \n\n[PURCHASE TICKETS TO MINDFUL HAVEN & GANJA YOGA](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/hellomd-mindful-haven-an-afternoon-of-yoga-sound-bathing-cannabis-tickets-35982261914)\n\n### Q: What’s Ganja Yoga?\n\nA: Ganja Yoga yoga enhanced with cannabis. In my permutation of it, it is yoga specifically designed to help people relax.\n\n### Q: Were you the first person to offer Ganja Yoga?\n\nA: Yes! I googled cannabis yoga in 2009 and I didn’t see any other listings online. Interestingly, I later found that Berkeley Patients Group had offered yoga classes at their dispensary, but you had to consume before coming to the class. That was in the nineties, so technically there was one class before me. I think a key differentiator is that the class was not getting high together as a social process before yoga. My Ganja Yoga class was the first to really offer this kind of experience and open it to the public, instead of just dispensary members. \n\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_com/?hl=en)\n\n\nDee helping one of her students, courtesy @Ganjayoga \n\n### Q: What inspired you to start teaching Ganja Yoga?\n\nA: It was based on my personal experience. When it came to cannabis, I was a late bloomer. Not until my late twenties did I discover it because I felt that it made me really anxious and paranoid. Avoiding it all through college, I tried it again in my late twenties, and immediately I found that I just wanted to get on the floor and start stretching. My yoga practice had been active for about twelve years and I suddenly found that cannabis just naturally enhanced my experience. It made me want to explore poses in new ways and I found a new sense of curiosity and fascination. I believe cannabis and yoga go together like chocolate and peanut butter!\n\n### Q: What's a typical experience within your class?\n\nThe first half an hour is what I might call a ‘stoner social’. Classes have joints, vape pens, or edibles and the first half an hour of class is about consuming with the community. You are free to come as you wish and socialize with your fellow ganja yogis. Then there is a ninety minute practice that is focused on relaxation. Some yoga that is popular nowadays is about cultivating fitness or getting a “yoga body”, but this is really for all levels, anyone can do it. This type of yoga goes back to basics and uses cannabis to help you move more deeply into basic postures.\n\n[PURCHASE TICKETS TO MINDFUL HAVEN & GANJA YOGA](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/hellomd-mindful-haven-an-afternoon-of-yoga-sound-bathing-cannabis-tickets-35982261914) \n\n\nDee on her book tour, courtesy @Ganjayoga \n\n### Q: Why did you write your book Ganja Yoga?\n\nA: I’d been thinking about writing a book for a while, but it was one of those things that I had always put on the back-burner. The publisher, Harper Collins, actually approached me, which was such a blessing. They had decided it was time for a book about cannabis and wellness and they thought of me, so that was really cool. We worked together and wrote it faster than most books are written because we wanted to have it released for 4/20 this year.\n\nIn the book, I tell people about my journey, so that people who have trepidations about the plant understand there are many ways to work through the anxiety. It may be about changing the strain you consume or changing the dose or looking at how you feel. It is also about the history of cannabis and yoga. Cannabis was used throughout Asia and India and many other parts of the world for spiritual and medicinal purposes, so the practice is not new per-say, but what is new is having it in this modern context that includes socializing. People have been using cannabis for religious and spiritual reasons for thousands of years.\n\n### Q: What are common misconceptions about GY? \n\nWhen I tell people I teach Ganja Yoga or cannabis infused yoga their response is usually, “Oh my gosh, that sounds like the perfect pairing!” Equally so, the other response I get is “Oh, is that safe?”. So, people have this idea that cannabis makes you immediately intoxicated and unable to do yoga. \n\nRELATED: [THE CONNECTION BETWEEN YOGA AND CANNABIS](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/5a5e5b8d8425e40008273a29/the-connection-between-yoga-and-cannabis)\n\nI would like to rewrite the script of cannabis consumption to show that it is not always used to get super messed up. It can be used that way and that can be fun and there is nothing wrong with that, but there is also the idea of a sophisticated or more mature cannabis use where you are micro or moderate dosing and you are not getting very intoxicated before the practice. \n\nReally, it’s is about rewriting the stoner stereotype. When people ask if Ganja Yoga is safe, to me it is more about if yoga is safe? If your yoga practice is slow moving and focused on proper alignment, then it is going to be safe. If you are doing a crazy vinyasa drill sergeant type practice then it might not be safe, so it is about rewriting both scripts, the yoga script and the stoner script. \n\n\nA Ganja Yoga student, courtesy @Ganjayoga \n\n### Q: Besides Ganja Yoga, what else do you do?\n\nA: I am also a sexuality coach, which could be cannabis enhanced or not, it is up to the clients. I help singles and couples deepen intimacy and find ways to make time for a more mindful and sensual engagement in the world. Sensual as opposed to sexual, but of course they’re on a spectrum, so when you are more sensually engaged your sex life will be more rewarding as well. I help people slow down and connect with their partner in new ways.\n\n### Q: Where can people find your book?\n\nA: You can purchase it by going to [theganjayogabook.com](https://www.theganjayoga.com/), which displays all of the retailers including Amazon and Barnes & Noble. I will also be going to book stores to do readings and teach yoga classes during a nationwide book tour. \n\n[PURCHASE TICKETS TO MINDFUL HAVEN & GANJA YOGA](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/hellomd-mindful-haven-an-afternoon-of-/asound-bathing-cannabis-tickets-35982261914)\n\nIf you are new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our [Cannabis 101](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/cannabis-101-your-quick-guide-to-medical-marijuana) post. [HelloMD](https://www.hellomd.com/) can help you get your medical marijuana recommendation; it's 100% online, private and efficient. ","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/800631ca57fcdfb4e15a3d21cb4c5a57/14b42/cef14197450e66b21e8449f25bfccd6c.jpg","srcSet":"/static/800631ca57fcdfb4e15a3d21cb4c5a57/f836f/cef14197450e66b21e8449f25bfccd6c.jpg 200w,\n/static/800631ca57fcdfb4e15a3d21cb4c5a57/2244e/cef14197450e66b21e8449f25bfccd6c.jpg 400w,\n/static/800631ca57fcdfb4e15a3d21cb4c5a57/14b42/cef14197450e66b21e8449f25bfccd6c.jpg 800w,\n/static/800631ca57fcdfb4e15a3d21cb4c5a57/47498/cef14197450e66b21e8449f25bfccd6c.jpg 1200w,\n/static/800631ca57fcdfb4e15a3d21cb4c5a57/54ac5/cef14197450e66b21e8449f25bfccd6c.jpg 1365w","srcWebp":"/static/800631ca57fcdfb4e15a3d21cb4c5a57/58556/cef14197450e66b21e8449f25bfccd6c.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/800631ca57fcdfb4e15a3d21cb4c5a57/61e93/cef14197450e66b21e8449f25bfccd6c.webp 200w,\n/static/800631ca57fcdfb4e15a3d21cb4c5a57/1f5c5/cef14197450e66b21e8449f25bfccd6c.webp 400w,\n/static/800631ca57fcdfb4e15a3d21cb4c5a57/58556/cef14197450e66b21e8449f25bfccd6c.webp 800w,\n/static/800631ca57fcdfb4e15a3d21cb4c5a57/99238/cef14197450e66b21e8449f25bfccd6c.webp 1200w,\n/static/800631ca57fcdfb4e15a3d21cb4c5a57/5e0b8/cef14197450e66b21e8449f25bfccd6c.webp 1365w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2171-markdown","title":"Try an Immersive Sound Bath & Hike in Muir Woods with Cannabis ","slug":"try-an-immersive-sound-bath-and-hike-in-muir-woods-with-cannabis","content":"Recently, I was invited to a cannabis consumption event hosted by [Dosist](https://www.hellomd.com/brands/57d844ad2174ba10009ff73f/dosist) which included a hike and an immersive sound bath in Muir Woods. If you are not familiar, Muir Woods is the iconic state park full of redwoods, set aside by the nature conservationist John Muir, and is located in Marin County, CA. Even better, it’s on my back doorstep. \n\n \n_The new formula dose pens by Dosist_\n\nAs the fog cleared, the Sunday afternoon event started with a long hike into the redwoods, which sadly I missed due to my jet lag after a 24-hour journey home from a family holiday in Europe. After shaking off my grogginess, I ended up meeting the group of hikers upon their return at a Muir Woods clubhouse, seemingly perched on top of the world. Dosist graciously offered refreshments, lunch and an assortment of their formulated dose pens for people to consume prior to the sound bath.\n\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_com/?hl=en)\n\n \n_Danny Goldberg led the sound bath. Photo by Dosist_\n\nThis past year, Dosist (formerly called HMBLDT) won [Time Innovation Design of the Year](http://time.com/4572079/best-inventions-2016/) for their dose pens which include formulations bliss, calm, sleep, relief and now arouse and passion.\n\nAccording to the company, \"We developed innovative technology to create the dosist dose pen, ensuring that it delivers over 200 precise doses, guaranteed.\" I noticed that overwhelmingly, people seemed drawn to the [Dosist calm pen](https://www.hellomd.com/products/58068e8323698800071d25a7/calm), which also happens to be my favorite. \n\n \n_Singing bowls beneath the gongs. Photo by Dosist_\n\nThe sound bath, a practice of sound therapy, a trend on the rise throughout California, was led by [Danny Goldberg](http://www.dannygoldberg.org/DannyGoldberg.org/Sound_Therapy.html). Danny has been doing sound immersion for Stanford University’s Health Improvement Program as well as many yoga, wellness & spiritual centers throughout the SF Bay Area and Santa Cruz.\n\nDanny explains, “The physiological impact of sound on the body, emotions & cognition is apparent. Through the vibrations of these instruments we experience an inner calm & deep relaxation that enables us to journey within & center.” His sound immersive experience included large gongs and singing bowls.\n\n\n_Ryan and Brittnie of Dosist_\n\nAfter a period of socializing and trying various Dosist products, people were asked to settle onto yoga mats with their heads facing towards the center of the room. Laying down on our mats with plush pillows, Danny started a group meditation through the use of sound immersion that reverberated through every inch the body. At one point he placed a metal singing bowl upon my chest and the sound vibrated to my fingertips. \n\nAfter an hour of this incredible journey I felt both relaxed but also mentally alert. The cannabis sound bathing experience was a first for me and the pairing seemed so natural and obvious.\n\nDosist’s event coordinator Brittnie says, “We're regularly hosting events such as these throughout California to raise awareness of dosist and to give patients unique experiences, such as a sound bath.”\n\n \n_Hikers socializing pre sound bath. Photo by Dosist_\n\nHelloMD also has an upcoming event, Mindful Haven, on Sunday, July 30, in San Francisco. We will offer Ganja Yoga with Dee Dussault, guided meditation with Jaene Leonard and a sound bath experience with Rachel Dugas. This will be a cannabis consumption event with tastings from eight different cannabis sponsors. Please register on [HelloMD](https://www.hellomd.com/) and buy your tickets on Eventbrite. Space will be limited.\n\nIf you're new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our [Cannabis 101](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/cannabis-101-your-quick-guide-to-medical-marijuana) post. [HelloMD](https://www.hellomd.com/) can help you get your medical marijuana recommendation; it's easy, private and 100% online. ","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/7af2b5908cc1aebcfd9d87ff24034bff/14b42/78b25c2f3c63c7b08615e9dadb53c9bf.jpg","srcSet":"/static/7af2b5908cc1aebcfd9d87ff24034bff/f836f/78b25c2f3c63c7b08615e9dadb53c9bf.jpg 200w,\n/static/7af2b5908cc1aebcfd9d87ff24034bff/2244e/78b25c2f3c63c7b08615e9dadb53c9bf.jpg 400w,\n/static/7af2b5908cc1aebcfd9d87ff24034bff/14b42/78b25c2f3c63c7b08615e9dadb53c9bf.jpg 800w,\n/static/7af2b5908cc1aebcfd9d87ff24034bff/47498/78b25c2f3c63c7b08615e9dadb53c9bf.jpg 1200w,\n/static/7af2b5908cc1aebcfd9d87ff24034bff/54ac5/78b25c2f3c63c7b08615e9dadb53c9bf.jpg 1365w","srcWebp":"/static/7af2b5908cc1aebcfd9d87ff24034bff/58556/78b25c2f3c63c7b08615e9dadb53c9bf.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/7af2b5908cc1aebcfd9d87ff24034bff/61e93/78b25c2f3c63c7b08615e9dadb53c9bf.webp 200w,\n/static/7af2b5908cc1aebcfd9d87ff24034bff/1f5c5/78b25c2f3c63c7b08615e9dadb53c9bf.webp 400w,\n/static/7af2b5908cc1aebcfd9d87ff24034bff/58556/78b25c2f3c63c7b08615e9dadb53c9bf.webp 800w,\n/static/7af2b5908cc1aebcfd9d87ff24034bff/99238/78b25c2f3c63c7b08615e9dadb53c9bf.webp 1200w,\n/static/7af2b5908cc1aebcfd9d87ff24034bff/5e0b8/78b25c2f3c63c7b08615e9dadb53c9bf.webp 1365w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}}]}},"pageContext":{"limit":12,"skip":12,"numPages":3,"currentPage":2,"id":5516,"name":"Mindfulness","slug":"mindfulness","country":"US"}},"staticQueryHashes":["3949754563","4179947113","4202924991"]}