Can CBD Enhance Meditation?

As society has developed, more people are experiencing high levels of pressure. When these feelings are left unmanaged, they may turn into mental illnesses that hugely impact your life. Fortunately, self-care is having a moment and people across the world are leaning into restorative activities to care for their well-being! Meditation and CBD are among the favoured ways to supplement a positive lifestyle.

Why Do So Many People Meditate?

Meditation has a long history and roots in many religious practises. It is a practice that aims to increase your self-awareness to accept your current situation and feelings. While it may have started as a spiritual journey, many non-spiritual people use meditation as a way to care for their mental health — it has even made a huge impact on the corporate world.

There are many ways to meditate, so it may look different for everyone. Most people start with a simple breathing exercise by closing their eyes and focusing on their breath. The aim is to concentrate on the present moment, including all five senses. 

According to research, meditation may promote an overall sense of wellness as it takes a holistic approach to health. Regular practice may reduce feelings of overwhelm and stress while promoting better rest, kindness, concentration and emotional well-being.

What is CBD?

CBD (stands for Cannabidiol) is one of over a hundred compounds found in the hemp flower plant. Famously known as a well-being supplement, CBD has penetrated various industries, from skincare to healthcare.  

Cannabidiol originates from a strain of Cannabis Sativa called hemp. The hemp plant is naturally low in tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and high in CBD, making it ideal for extracting CBD for production. Unlike THC, CBD is a non-euphoric compound meaning it won’t cause a “high” when someone consumes it. In the UK, the law requires CBD products to contain no more than 0.2% THC.

Aside from low strength options like 10% CBD oil and high strength products (60+%), CBD is available in various forms, including:

• CBD Gummies;
• CBD Capsules;
• CBD Oil;
• Topical CBD Creams.

What’s more, before diving into the world of CBD, there are three varieties of extract to choose from.

• Full-Spectrum CBD: This extract utilises the entire spectrum of cannabinoids and compounds found in hemp. This includes THC, CBG, flavonoids and terpenes. It’s also worth noting that these products will only have a very small amount of THC and this won’t be enough to cause a “high”.
• Broad-Spectrum CBD: Similarly to full-spectrum CBD, the broad-spectrum variety contains a wide range of hemp compounds, except THC. This type of extract is typically weaker in colour and taste.
• CBD Isolate: The purest form of CBD is an isolate extract that only consists of cannabidiol – an ideal selection for athletes or anyone sensitive to cannabinoids.

How Might CBD Interact with the Body?

Everyone has a cell-signalling system called an endocannabinoid system — ECS for short. Researchers are still trying to determine the entire role of the ECS, but they believe it may play a role in digestion, immunity, fertility, the central nervous system, discomfort, rest, and mood. What this means is the ECS may influence the body’s ability to remain in homeostasis – the process of stabilising the body’s unique environment. 

Some experts believe a person can have an endocannabinoid deficiency which would result in the ECS not functioning optimally. CBD may work by supplementing the ECS and promoting better functioning.

How Might CBD Enhance a Meditation Practice?

Using CBD alongside mindfulness may help ease barriers stopping you from getting the most from your practice.

For many people, pain, discomfort, mental anguish and poor rest can make a meditation practice difficult – whether you’re a seasoned pro or still new to mindful moments. Anecdotal evidence suggests CBD and meditation have similar benefits and may complement each other. 

A regular meditation practice may boost endocannabinoid levels, contributing to a strong ECS. Anandamide is a neurotransmitter and endocannabinoid, nicknamed the bliss molecule — it is responsible for happiness, motivation and pleasure. According to a 2020 study published by Hindawi Publishing Corporation, anandamide levels increased after someone took part in a meditation practice. 

CBD may also play a role in increasing anandamide levels by inhibiting an enzyme called fatty-acid amide hydrolase (FAAH), which breaks down anandamide. CBD may indirectly affect the amount of anandamide in the body. 

Together meditation and CBD may become a revolutionary tool for cultivating calm. At least many people use CBD to enhance their practice by taking it an hour before they meditate, to get a head start on anandamide production. Anecdotal evidence suggests CBD may ease anxious thoughts, slow a racing mind and provide physical ease.

What to Know Before Taking CBD for Meditation

It’s worth noting with both meditation and CBD, people have different experiences and results. While some swear by using CBD, others don’t notice the effect. This could be down to various reasons, including taking a low-strength dose or it could simply be that it doesn’t work for your biology.

It takes time for CBD to work; however, that time also depends on what type of product you take. Taking CBD oil under the tongue and holding it for 60 seconds may be the most efficient and effective method. In this way, CBD should enter your bloodstream and start taking effect after 15-20 minutes. In comparison, CBD gummies and capsules must travel through the digestive system and liver before taking effect; this means it can take approximately an hour to notice any calming sensations. 

As we know, it may not work for everyone; some people suggest that CBD may benefit those struggling to start meditating the most. If there are significant barriers stopping you from meditating, you may like to try CBD alongside various meditations. That said, it’s always best to visit your doctor before incorporating CBD into your routine.

Key Takeaways

Meditation isn’t a “fix-all” solution and neither is CBD. However, they may work well as a self-care tool to maintain positive mental health and increase self-awareness. Using CBD within your mindfulness practices may help people who struggle to meditate and form a routine, whether that’s because of physical discomfort, racing thoughts or an inability to focus on the present moment.

The research shows us that CBD may work cohesively with the body’s response to meditation as it may increase happiness and contentment. In all, CBD and meditation may promote relaxation, ease racing thoughts and allow you to focus on the breath rather than letting your mind run wild.