As a functional dependent, I use cannabis frequently to say the least. Over time, it’s become a tool for me that I tailor to my needs, based on the time of day. We all have our favorites, and many are soothed by the familiar and sticking to what we know. I get it, BUT there’s a beauty in unlocking a framework to fitting cannabis into your revolving rituals.
The best gurus tell us to find our rituals: our morning rituals, our night rituals...even our self-care rituals. The rituals that have seemed to stick for me are the ones involving sweet mary jane.
☀ Morning and Day-Time Rituals
Now, this would be easier if every day was the same, but often each day is nuanced and strict routines are becoming harder and harder to come by. As a result, I cater my canna-usage to both the time of day and the venture(s) that lie ahead. I’m very intentional with what I consume for what activity…always with an eye on boosting the euphoria that adds excitement to the ordinary, finding balance in physical + mental wellness, and/or a treat to help unwind and destress from the never-ending adulting.
For Creative Use
When I’m looking to unleash my creativity, I reach for a head buzzing flower, like amnesia haze, that’ll get me in the zone without overdoing it. Depending on your tolerance level, I recommend anything from 12%-25% THC to get you “there” without accidentally inducing anxiety or making your thoughts race in the not so fun, unproductive way. For edibles, a micro dose of 5mg or less will do the trick without couch locking you or potentially canceling your day.
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Suggested Terpenes - pinene, limonene, beta-caryophyllene, terpinolene, eucalyptol, and puegone. Ocimene, <.5% Myrcene Suggested Strains - Jack Herer, Amnesia Haze, Durban Poison, Green Crack, Blue Dream, Chemdawg, Maui Wowie |
For Social Use
On a day off, when I’m in full social butterfly mode, I’m reaching for that fruity, flavorful sweet Sativa. My all-time favorite social strain is Tangie … I call it the squirrel effect, my attention is everywhere and I love it. Both attentive and present, but with a boost. Though the squirrels are on high alert to protect themselves, Tangie gives me the confidence to make the first move and socialize with ease.
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Suggested Terpenes - pinene, limonene, beta-caryophyllene, terpinolene, eucalyptol, and puegone. Ocimene, <.5% Myrcene Suggested Strain - Tangie, Durban |
For An Adventure
If a social venture turns into an adventure, I’m most likely packing a cerebral, uplifting hybrid flower and some infused drinks to share.
Protip: Microdosed, THC + CBD ratio drinks like Wunder are the perfect addition to passing the joint around with friends - and don’t forget, left is law.
| Suggested Terpenes - caryophyllene, limonene, myrcene, pinene, ocimene, terpinolene |
As a sufferer of daily anxiety, I make it a priority to protect my well-being by creating space for Self Love. That can mean taking a 1:1 CBD tincture in the morning for clarity through anxiety as well as nausea relief.
☽ Night-Time Rituals
For Relaxing
When it’s time to switch into comfy clothes (or a comfier version of the WFH life), it’s time to unwind and restore the mind. If I’ve finished early enough, I’ll treat myself to an edible - I mean, will there ever not be an endless supply of new edibles to try?
Most often, though, I’m letting the boyfriend know I’m wrapping up and it’s time for a nice joint that’s relaxing for both the mind and body. What I consume also depends on how fast I need it to set in, and how early I have to wake up. chocolates and capsules tend to feel a lot stronger on the body. If you struggle with getting up, try these on a weekend night for your first try. For me, and many others, these categories can make things harder for the first hour or two of your day.
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Suggested Terpenes - caryophyllene, limonene, myrcene >.5%, linalool
Suggested Strains - Cakes (LPC, Wedding Cake, Lava Cake), GG4, Medellin |
For Sleep
The twilight hours also bring out the self-lover in me. After a day that’s particularly taxing on my mind and body, I like treating myself to an infused bath bomb, candles, and a yummy dab. Anything that’s euphoric, reduces stress and aches, and heightens happiness, I’d say is essential.
☽ Bed-Time Rituals
Sleeping isn’t always just about the aid. You also need to prep. The last thing you want to do is get yourself all tucked in only to realize you still have unfinished business in your head or forgot to lock the door.
You’d be amazed how much of an impact jotting down a quick to-do list for the next day makes. I also try to make sure there’s water by the bed, my phone’s plugged in, and I have my music + diffuser queued up. Partaking in cannabis is often much less overwhelming if you’ve taken care of any pressing responsibilities or details. For smokers, the suggested unwind(er) strains and terpenes will also help lull you to sleep.
Pro-tip: if you have flower that’s a little older, break it out for bedtime. When flower oxidizes over time, the THCa cannabinoids convert to CBN, which is less psychoactive than THC and is more sedative.
For sublingual/edibles, Papa & Barkley Sleep tinctures and gummies are my go-to, as they’re mild and don’t leave me feeling groggy in the morning.
Though cannabis affects us all differently and those effects are subject to so very many variables, these are good rules to live by. Above all, I suggest that everyone dabbles. You’re tried and trusty go-to’s will always be there, but if you experiment, you’ll quickly find more and more go-to’s as well as the rituals they best fit.