Most of us know that Marijuana is an herb that has been around for centuries. In traditional Ayurvedic medicine, bhanga has a long history of use, but, despite this, it is seldom used alone. The reasoning for this is that it’s qualities are “extreme” and anything that has potent, concentrated qualities has more potential to create an imbalance. This is especially true when we begin to use habitually instead of intentionally. It is akin to a surgeon’s sharp blade. It’s extreme qualities are capable of great healing, but also great harm.

Ayurveda identifies herbs and foods by their inherent energetic nature, and based on these qualities we can observe the affect these substances have on the human body. Bhanga is extremely heating and drying. This can be observed by the body’s desire to consume creamy, oily, and unctuous foods following consumption. This will be especially true after smoking, because of the inherent drying qualities of the smoke.

Heat-aggravation from cannabis use will present itself as aggravation, annoyance, and heat-related physical conditions such as rashes, acne, and burning indigestion. If one is experiences heat related symptoms we can benefit from cooling, soothing foods such as milk, butter, cucumber, fresh (sweet) fruits, and juices of pomegranates and grapes.

Probably the most common side-effect of imbalanced cannabis use would be classified as excess “vata” imbalance. Vata can be defined as “movement” or “air” inside the physical body. This can be observed in anxious or obsessive thoughts, which move so quickly that we are more prone to falling into the thought-pattern rather than observing them from a more detached perspective. Vata is greatly aggravated by coldness, movement, and dryness. If you ever get dizzy, anxious, or paranoid after smoking; you suffer from a vata imbalance.

Ayurveda treats through application of opposites. If vata aggravation is due to excessive movement and dryness, we can observe a variety of activities and substances that would promote opposite qualities in the system.

We can lessen physical movement by resting in bed or taking a warm bath. We can reduce movement in the mind by listening to relaxing music or meditating.

We can consume foods that are grounding, warming and nourishing. Warm, spiced milk with ashwaghanda and maple syrup would be the perfect remedy to marijuana-induced anxiety (can skip the ashwaghanda if you don’t have any on hand. Poppy seeds and nutmeg would work also). A warm, ghee-filled porridge would be another great option. Anything that is slightly sweet, warm, unctuous, and “mushy” is going to be a perfect antidote. Another fantastic antidote to vata imbalance is “abhyanga” or a warm oil massage (we view sesame oil as being ideal).

If you are suffering from a cannabis-induced brain fog, you may really find it beneficial to incorporate brahmi and calamus into your life. These herbs can even be smoked with the cannabis and are said to reduce the cravings to smoke. Calamus is known to be, potentially, one of the only herbs that removes residual cannabis from the brain.

It is said that upon smoking, cannabis initially has a sattvic effect that lasts for approximately the first 30 minutes. This is usually the most enjoyable part of the experience and the feeling induced in this period is usually what drives people to desire smoking. The sattvic state is when you have intuitive flashes and an upliftment of your mind, accompanied by increased clarity.

The second phase is the rajasic phase. This phase is when you get the munchies as the rajasic heat stimulates your appetite.

The third phase, is the phase that lingers once the cannabis starts to wear off. It imparts a slight feeling of fogginess. Chronic smokers will usually get the desire to smoke again once they are in this phase of the experience.

It cannot be denied that there are many people who have observed incredible, healing effects of cannabis consumption- just as there have been people who have observed detrimental effects. Cannabis, as all other herbs, can be medicinal or poisonous depending on how it is consumed. We are always going to do ourselves a favor by ensuring that we consume substances, especially STRONG substances like cannabis- in balance.