Mindful Highs - Cannabis and Meditation Tips for Stress-free Holidays

The holidays are often a whirlwind—full of festive cheer, but also a fair amount of stress. Between shopping, gatherings, and year-end responsibilities, it can be easy to lose touch with the present moment. That’s where mindfulness, meditation, and yes, even cannabis can make a world of difference. In this article, I’m sharing some mindfulness practices that have helped me integrate cannabis with meditation to find peace during the hectic holiday season.

Disclaimer: The following are personal reflections on using cannabis alongside mindfulness and meditation. These practices may not be suitable for everyone, so consume responsibly and in accordance with your local laws.

1. Setting the Stage for Mindfulness

Before diving into meditation, it’s important to create an environment that helps you feel grounded. I like to keep things simple—a clean space, a comfortable seat, and maybe a candle or some soft lighting. When I pair this setting with a gentle cannabis strain, like Harlequin or ACDC, it enhances my ability to settle in and release some of the holiday chaos. A few puffs or a low-dose edible helps to quiet the mind and set the right tone for a mindful session, turning even 15 minutes into a genuine escape.

2. Body Scan Meditation with a Light High

One of my favorite ways to meditate with cannabis is through a body scan. After consuming a small dose of an indica-dominant hybrid, like Northern Lights, I lie down, close my eyes, and guide my attention slowly through each part of my body. The gentle high helps me tune in more deeply to physical sensations—feeling the warmth in my feet, the tension in my shoulders, or the relaxation that gradually spreads. This practice is particularly grounding and helps me to fully relax after a busy holiday event or a long day of travel.

3. Using Breathwork to Stay Present

The combination of cannabis and breathwork has been a powerful tool for managing holiday stress. I usually start with a sativa strain that promotes clarity without too much intensity—something like Jack Herer. I sit comfortably and begin deep, mindful breathing, letting the cannabis amplify my awareness of each breath. It’s amazing how just focusing on inhaling and exhaling can bring you back into the moment. I’ve found this practice especially helpful before heading into social gatherings; it keeps me calm, collected, and ready to engage without feeling overwhelmed.

4. Mindful Walking: Moving Meditation

Winter walks are one of the most underrated mindfulness activities. Bundling up, stepping outside, and taking in the crisp air can do wonders for the soul. I like to bring along a vape pen with a CBD-rich strain like Charlotte’s Web—just enough to feel centered without a psychoactive buzz. As I walk, I focus on my surroundings—the crunch of snow underfoot, the chill on my cheeks, the sights and sounds of winter. It turns an ordinary walk into an intentional, meditative experience that helps me feel grounded amid the holiday rush.

5. Guided Meditation for Letting Go

The holidays tend to bring up all sorts of emotions—family dynamics, financial pressures, the stress of trying to make everything perfect. To help manage these feelings, I often turn to guided meditations designed for letting go. A mild indica like Bubba Kush helps me sink into the practice without feeling overly sedated. With headphones on, I let the voice of the guide lead me through visualizations of releasing tension, letting go of expectations, and finding inner peace. It’s been a lifesaver on those nights when the to-do list feels never-ending and sleep seems elusive.

6. Journaling for Mindfulness

After a meditation session, I sometimes grab my journal to jot down whatever thoughts or insights came up. Cannabis helps me tap into a more reflective state, making it easier to process emotions or set intentions for the days ahead. A few hits of a balanced hybrid, like Blue Dream, provide enough clarity to articulate my thoughts while still feeling relaxed. Writing down what I’m grateful for, what I want to release, or simply how I’m feeling can transform stress into something more manageable and make the holidays feel less overwhelming.

The holidays can be hectic, but integrating mindfulness and cannabis has been a way for me to stay present and manage stress with grace. It’s not about getting high and escaping reality; it’s about using cannabis as a tool to enhance awareness, relax the mind, and connect more deeply with the present moment. Whether it’s through meditation, breathwork, walking, or journaling, these practices have made the holiday season more meaningful and less overwhelming. I hope they can bring some peace to your holidaze too.