GANJA : Ayurveda + Cannabis

Gañjā

गञ्जा  

Also known as Cannabis, Hemp, Marijuana

DOSHIC ENERGETICS : VK - P+

Today is April 20th, 2020 and it is also the day of celebrating GANJA. This herb has a long history  of use by humans and has been praised for its healing capabilities but,  Ayurveda has a really unique take on this plant energetic and healing properties

With legalization taking place within the last 10 years, Cannabis in the West has gained immense popularity. For many, myself included, this plant serves as a tool for cultivating euphoric states of mind and for its relaxing effect on the body.

Ayurveda generally views Cannabis as a toxin due to its influence on the Gunas. It is hot, pungent, bitter and astringent in nature. Its got a drying, light, sharp and penetrating quality which when properly used can decrease Kapha and Vata, but increases Pitta because of its toxicity to the blood and liver. 

On a spiritual level, Ganja in Ayurveda has a big impact on the Gunas , the cosmic attributes of consciousness and matter.  Rajas and Tamas are the two Gunas that are affected. Rajas being the energetic force that drives motion, energy and activity. Tamas being the quality of inertia, darkness, dullness. You can learn more about the Gunas here . But why this is important is because the effects of improper use of cannabis on one’s consciousness can have Doshic repercussions. Meaning, you can expose yourself to imbalances from the elements. The rajas state of ‘munchies’ and the tamasic state of ‘brain fog’ or being ‘stoned’ make Ganja’s integration for well-being difficult at times. If one can utilize this tool with intention and mindfulness, one can avoid the negative side effects due to improper use (both improper administration of herb and frequency of use).

Now, there are times this medicine is called in and it is used in various ways. Ayurveda does not recommend burning and smoking this herb, but rather to cook it to purify its toxic qualities. Cannabis is also never isolated in Ayurvedic herbal formulas and undergoes a purification process while being combined with antagonistic herbs and Anupanas (carriers such as ghee, sugar or honey) due to its fat solubility. These modifications highlight its healing properties, allowing it to work better with the body’s healing mechanisms. Medicated Ghees are a great example of this herb being used with an Anupana. But what is truly considered proper use? Balancing the qualities present in Cannabis , which are light , dry and mobile with oppositional qualities such as heavy, moist and stable in herbal formulas is the first place to start

A couple conditions Ayurveda recognizes cannabis useful for is Glaucoma, Earaches, loss of appetite, and Crohn’s disease because of its Analgesic qualities. In particular with Glaucoma, cannabiniods also called CBD’s, help relieve intraocular pressure and impart neuroprotective effects upon the optic nerve. Classical texts generally recommend avoiding using Cannabis mainly because of its secondary effects on rajas and tamas. Many have also praised ganja’s influence on supporting meditation practices by relaxing the body and creating more awareness to sensations. Due to its tamasic qualities - which is dulling -  it can act as a mild sedative for an overactive nervous system, aka excess Vata. Here our antagonistic herbs counteract the Rajasic and Tamasic effects of cannabis on the body and mind by bringing in oppositional quality herbs.. 

The main concern of the Ayurvedic Practitioner when working with cannabis and cannabis users is that its regular use can encourage the failure of our intellect, also known as Prajnaparadha, one of the three fold causes of disease in Ayurveda. Ayurveda and Yoga share this core value.

uPrajnaparadha invites dis-ease and lessons back to the remembrance of your true nature as spirit.

In Hinduism, ganja is deeply intertwined with Lord Shiva because he is viewed as the divine destroyer. Ganja is considered an intoxicant in Ayurveda, and its Tamasic effect on the human body & mind from long term use can be reflected within the destructive nature of Lord Shiva. For spiritual purposes, this was given as an offering to Lord Shiva and it is said he was able to transmute the plants toxic qualities and turn its poison into healing nectar. 

One thing I can say as a practitioner and consumer of both cooked and vaporized ganja, is that the principles and Pillars of life in Ayurveda are the components in which one can set a sound structure to not be rocked by the Rajas waves of cannabis. When we interact with psycho-active plants, the Ojas we contain is a huge factor. Ojas is our subtle energy field of protection that is behind the mind’s resiliency and our body’s homeostatic & immune system function. 

When using depleting herbs, one must counteract its negative effects by incorporating the Ayurvedic rule of Thumb : like attracts like which creates imbalance. Opposites create balance because of the dynamic tension found within the polarity present and we do this with antagonistic herbs & proper herbal purification processes. 

Ojas serves as the container for one to experience themselves soundly and be held in that inherent knowing. When we have low Ojas, our experiences in the etheric realm are more difficult to integrate because the earth element that grounds the mind and body is being challenged with an excess of light mobile qualities of cannabis. If you have a Vata or Pitta imbalance this may be further aggravated with Ganja use. 

Many curanderas (folk medicine workers) have said Santa Maria is a jealous herb and always likes to be with you! This can explain the energetic pull the plant exudes in the cravings and desire to frequently relive the euphoric experience of consuming or using cannabis.

SO my recommendation if you are a habitual user, is to make sure your daily rhythms are intact, that meals ARE happening regularly and mindfully without overeating, and also staying hydrated and not over indulging. But also - that you take periodic breaks to be able to FEEL the space this plant’s holds and provides for you. Cannabis is a beautiful expansive herb, but we can take some note from the precautions of the Sages before us that advise we utilize this plant as a tool for spiritual healing and prepare it properly for our Dosha type. 

In terms of the Doshas and recreational use of Cannabis, Vatas will typically use this for a calming sensation, Pittas for a ‘mellowing out’ and Kaphas to further cloud their deep-seated emotions. Vatas are better off using cannabis topically for pain relief or ingesting it to stoke Agni (be super mindful here to use SMALL amounts if using Ganja to stoke Agni. Best in Ghee.). Pittas benefit from very little use of cannabis but respond well to topical use for skin & muscle ailments and herbal infusion administration which hold the water element needed to cool Pitta. Kaphas do best with vaporization or Dhuma (Ayurvedic herbal smoke inhalation treatment used to treat Kapha in the head and eyes.) due to its light, drying qualities in contrast the moist and dense qualities of Kapha. Ayurveda recognizes though, above all else, what is medicine for one, can be poison for another.

Herbs I recommend combining IF smoking or making an Ganja infusion : Rose, Lavender, Sage, Skullcap, Mullen, Mugwort, and Damiana. Each of these herbs work really well together by containing powerful properties that nourish the nervous system and all three Doshas. Next week tune into my IG or my classes page for the Ayurvedic Herbalism workshop I’ll be doing live on ZOOM, April 30th. Here we’ll discuss more on the ratios and combinations of DIY Ayurvedic herb preparations & remedies.

Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions on this topic!

Happy 420 my Veda friends!