Achieving Bliss: Creating Nighttime Cannabis Rituals

For many people, a nighttime ritual is a perfect way to unwind after a long day and prepare for a good night’s sleep. This can mean taking a relaxing bath, reading a favorite book, or writing in a journal to reflect on the day. Expanding on traditional nighttime rituals, more and more people find that adding cannabis to their routine can help them relax and drift off to sleep more easily. ^[1]Edwards, D. Filbey, F. M. (2021). Are sweet dreams made of these? Understanding the relationship between sleep and cannabis use. Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research, 6 (6), 462-473. … Continue reading

As cannabis becomes more mainstream for legal consumption, there are many ways to consume it that can fit seamlessly into your evening routine. If you’re new to using cannabis or are looking to create a more intentional and relaxing experience at night, follow these steps to create a nighttime cannabis ritual.

Consider Your Intentions Before Using Cannabis

As with any ritual, it can be helpful to set an intention before using cannabis. This can help you focus on what you hope to achieve from the experience.

Some intentions to consider setting before using cannabis for a nighttime ritual include:

Remember, the key to any successful ritual is intention and focus. By setting an intention before using cannabis and taking the time to create a comfortable environment, you can create a nighttime ritual that will revolutionize your sleep routine. With a little practice, you’ll be on your way to achieving blissful relaxation and restful sleep in no time.

Understand Cannabis Strains

When it comes to choosing the right product for your nightly cannabis routines, understanding a little bit about strains can be helpful. Different strains of cannabis offer different effects, and some are more likely to promote relaxation over others. For example, indica strains are known for their relaxing and soothing effects, while sativa strains are known for their uplifting and energizing effects. If you’re looking to relax and wind down at night, choosing an indica-dominant strain can be a good option.

Some relaxing and helpful nighttime ritual strains include:

Granddaddy Purple

This indica-dominant strain is known for its deep purple color and its sweet, grape-like flavor.

Blueberry Kush

This indica-dominant strain is known for its sweet blueberry flavor and its ability to produce a deep feeling of relaxation.

Northern Lights

This indica-dominant strain is known for its sweet and earthy flavor, as well as its deep relaxation effects.

If you’re unsure which strain of cannabis to choose for your nighttime ritual, try taking the marijuana strain quiz to narrow down the best options for your most desired effects. This will help you create your new nighttime pot habits with a strain that amplifies your relaxation efforts.

Select Your Method of Consumption

Cannabis can be consumed in a variety of ways, and the method you choose will likely depend on your preferences and desired effects. The evolution of cannabis consumption methods means that there are now more options than ever before, increasing the likelihood you can find a method that suits your needs.

Some popular methods of consuming cannabis include:

No matter which method you choose, taking the time to consume cannabis mindfully can help you maximize the relaxation benefits of your nighttime ritual. Pay attention to the effects that cannabis is having on your body and mind and let go of any thoughts or troubles that are keeping you from relaxing. This is your time to relax and rejuvenate, so make the most of it.

Make Your Environment Comfortable and Cozy

In addition to choosing the right cannabis strain, setting the stage for a relaxing environment can help create a successful nighttime ritual. This means ensuring your space is clean and clutter-free, dimming the lights, and adding any other elements that will help you relax. This could include diffusing essential oils, playing soft music, or lighting candles. Taking the time to create a calming and comfortable space can help you relax and more easily drift off to sleep.

Throw on Something Comfy and Fuzzy

It’s time to get cozy! Putting on comfortable clothing can help you relax and get ready for bed. If you tend to get cold at night, consider adding a fuzzy blanket or pair of socks to your nighttime ritual. There’s nothing like slipping into something cozy to help you relax and drift off to sleep. The bottom line is that you should do whatever makes you feel comfortable and relaxed.

Stay Hydrated

Cannabis can cause dehydration. This is because THC, the main psychoactive compound in cannabis, interacts with CB receptors in the brain that regulate thirst. ^[3]Breijyeh, Z., Jubeh, B., Bufo, S. A., Karaman, R., & Scrano, L. (2021). Cannabis: A Toxin-Producing Plant with Potential Therapeutic Uses. Toxins 13, 117. https://doi.org/10.3390/toxins13020117 For this reason, it’s important to drink plenty of water before, during, and after using cannabis.

Staying hydrated will not only help offset the potential dehydration effects of cannabis but can also help you feel more relaxed. A nice glass of water helps you wind down at the end of the day. Keep one by your bedside so you can drink it before turning in for the night without having to leave your comfort zone.

Have Snacks on Hand

Just like staying hydrated, having snacks on hand can help you offset the potential effects of cannabis. Cannabis can cause an increase in appetite, so having snacks on hand can help you avoid getting too hungry. ^[4]Farokhnia, M., McDiarmid, G. R., Newmeyer, M. N., Munjal, V., Abulseoud, O. A., Huestis, M. A., Leggio, L. (2020). Effects of oral, smoked, and vaporized cannabis on endocrine pathways related to … Continue reading Choose snacks that are high in protein and healthy fats, such as nuts or seeds. These snacks will help you feel fuller and can also promote relaxation.

Hit Play on an Awesome Playlist

Having a great playlist can help you relax and get into the right mindset for sleep. Whether you like to listen to calm, soothing music or something a little more upbeat, finding the right music can help you set the tone for a great night’s sleep. If you’re not sure exactly what music would be best, try The Essential Stoner Playlist for 2022. This is the ultimate collection of tunes to help you relax and feel every bit of the cannabis high.

Meditate to Your Music

Meditation is a great way to relax and focus your mind while high. Cannabis can heighten your senses, so focusing on your breath and the music can help you achieve a deeper meditation. The level of focus required for meditation can also help you fall asleep more easily. When you’re ready to meditate, find a comfortable spot in which to sit or lie down.

Close your eyes and focus on your breath. As you breathe in and out, let the music wash over you. Pay attention to the sounds and how they make you feel. Let your mind wander or focus on a specific thought or feeling. Just be sure to focus on your breath and let go of any thoughts that arise. After a few minutes, you should feel more relaxed and ready for sleep.

Write in a Journal

Writing entries in a cannabis journal is a popular technique to process your thoughts and feelings before bed. Taking the time to reflect on your day can help you clear your mind and relax. You can write about anything that’s on your mind, no matter how big or small. Just getting your thoughts out on paper can help you feel more relaxed and ready for sleep. For inspiration on what to write, try prompts like:

Between the power of journaling and cannabis, you should be well on your way to achieving blissful sleep and will want to make this a regular part of your nighttime routine.

Avoid Technology at Night

We all know how hard it can be to resist the urge to scroll through social media before bed. But the blue light from screens can disrupt our sleep. ^[5]Jniene, A., Errguig, L., El Hangouche, A. J., Rkain, H., Aboudrar, S., El Ftouh, M., & Dakka, T. (2019). Perception of sleep disturbances due to bedtime use of blue light-emitting devices and its … Continue reading If you want to relax and get ready for bed, it’s best to avoid technology at night as much as possible. Instead, opt for a relaxing activity like reading or journaling that will help you wind down. You can always check your phone in the morning. In the meantime, enjoy your newfound relaxing night with cannabis.