Cannabis consumption is steeped in a rich history interwoven with cultural rituals and routines. These traditions have paved the way for how we consume cannabis. Even today, rituals remain a cornerstone of cannabis culture, shaping the way we prepare, share, and experience cannabis, fostering connections within communities and across generations.
In this article we will focus on the role of rituals in cannabis use, and how you can craft your own rituals to enjoy and even share with others!
Cannabis rituals for everyone
Whether you want to share intimate moments with old loved ones, or lively celebrations with new friends – you can trust that a proper cannabis session will enhance a good time.
As we learn more about dosing, cannabis varieties, and how cannabis affects the mind and body, we are now able to ensure safe and effective consumption for beginners and connoisseurs alike.
Herbal spliffs have begun gracing even the most lavish rolling trays and smoking circles, as many of these herbaceous blends contain plants known to work synergistically with cannabis’ active compounds. Products like mixed smoking blends make it possible for everyone to try their hand at the many fun traditions of cannabis use, without any fears of overdosing or unwanted side effects.
Cannabis rituals and routines can be enjoyed by everyone; let’s explore the different aspects of this, specifically rolling and preparing cannabis and the basic principles of a smoking session (a.k.a sesh).
Preparing your flowers or hash
The handling and preparation of cannabis are at the root of ritualistic consumption. Curating your kit with essentials like rolling trays, grinders, and rolling papers offers an opportunity for personalization and creativity. Exploring diverse accessories like dab rigs or designer glass water pipes becomes a medium for sharing unique smoking processes and fostering connections among enthusiasts.
In the world of cannabis enthusiasts, there’s a growing trend that goes beyond just buying and consuming—it’s about creating and sharing. Picture this: some aficionados are taking their passion to the next level by cultivating their own buds or extracting pure cannabis oils. These homemade delights aren’t just personal indulgences; they’re shared as unique, delectable treats among friends or fellow enthusiasts.
This practice of crafting and exchanging homegrown cannabis has become a pivotal force in the evolution of cannabis culture, especially in the past couple of decades. Think of it as a generational saga – families of cannabis cultivators meticulously breeding and nurturing strains that encapsulate their unique lineage and heritage.
But it’s not merely about breeding the perfect strain; it’s also about sharing the experience and fostering a culture of gifting within the cannabis community. This spirit of generosity, where enthusiasts freely share their carefully cultivated products and experiences, has been integral in the global dissemination of cannabis.
Long before dispensaries and global markets, cannabis traveled the world through these acts of sharing, passed down through oral traditions and intimate exchanges. It’s this kind of camaraderie and generosity that laid the groundwork for the widespread appreciation and cultivation of cannabis we see today.
The art of a sesh
A ‘sesh,’ or a communal gathering centered around cannabis, can range from modest to lavish affairs, each carrying personal rituals. Incorporating sensory elements like fabrics, mood lighting, or music enhances the experience and intentionality. Maintaining hydration, choosing clean consumption materials, and following customary rules of cannabis etiquette ensure a safe and enjoyable session for all participants.
Beyond your rolling preferences, there are often some folk-esque rules that come along with sharing cannabis in a group. The rules vary from clique to clique, but here are some of the most common principles of toking:
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Always pass to the left. This was adapted from Rastafarian ritual, where the joint is always passed around clockwise.
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If you rolled or prepared the cannabis, you get the first hit.
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Try not to get the tip of the joint or pipe wet, as this can be messy and unpleasant for others to share. Sometimes this can even cause a joint to leak resin, turning your lips and teeth brown with oil.
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“Puff, puff, pass” refers to the rule where each time you take a turn smoking, you may take two hits before passing along to the next person.
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Do not hold onto the joint and let it burn out while speaking.
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Avoid peer pressuring and always remember that everyone’s tolerance is different. Try infusing your joint with herbal blends to appeal to all friends irrespective of their tolerance level.
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Do not share if you are sick or contagious. Since COVID-19, many cannabis lovers will roll small individual joints to be shared with friends, so each person gets their own personal joint to smoke, avoiding any potential risks of spreading germs between friends.
The historic importance of cannabis rituals
Though modern trends in cannabis are ever-changing, they are all based on centuries of cannabis use. Cannabis rituals have a diverse history across continents and cultures. In ancient India, cannabis was extolled for its virtues in relieving anxiety and cultivating joy, often used in ceremonies honoring deities like Shiva. African tribes integrated cannabis into daily life for its medicinal properties, while Caribbean Rastafarians viewed it as a sacred plant, fostering spiritual connections.
We see many of these traditions cross over into modern consumption of cannabis for meditation, focus, relaxation, and many more routine uses.
The role of cannabis in social and creative rituals
Communal cannabis use sparks social and creative movements. It encourages introspection and connectedness, nurturing intimate experiences that drive progress. Artists and musicians often use cannabis as a means to connect and inspire each other, leading to collaborative creativity seen in the works of renowned artists throughout history.
The power of cannabis ritual
Cannabis rituals aren’t just about consumption; they hold the power to foster connections, stimulate creativity, and deepen spiritual experiences. These rituals transcend mere consumption, creating profound moments of unity and inspiration.
As these rituals continue to evolve, they serve as a conduit for connecting people across time and cultures, emphasizing the importance of intentional and mindful consumption practices in cannabis culture.
Like with all rituals, the beauty is in the details. Take the time to examine and shape your cannabis ritual into the loving manifestation of your own individuality that it deserves to be!
––This article comes to you from the Bud Love team.
