By: Kristilyn Waite
From time to time, even devout yogis need a little incentive to get on their mats.
And so, inevitably, we have witnessed the marriage of cannabis and yoga. Cannabis can spice things up, reinvigorating, and even deepening your practice.
More and more studios advertise classes integrating the two, and retreats are even popping up in legal states.
RELATED: How To Use Weed For A Super Calming, At-Home Yoga Session
Luckily, finding a cannabis-centric class is not totally necessary; you can take matters into your own hands and procure your own high. Here’s a little help finding the best cannabis strains for yoga.
Best cannabis strains for yoga
Strain: OG Kush
Cannabinoid Profile: Hybrid
Main Terpenes: Myrcene, Limonene, Caryophellene
OG Kush, genetically speaking, is half Hindu Kush, a pure indica known for inducing a deep calm.
This, combined with the effects of sativa gives a heady, cerebral high, perfect for a yin or restorative session.
Myrcene, the most common cannabis terpene, is prominent in this strain, so you can expect a pungent herbal taste and aroma, with added notes of strawberry and pineapple.
Given this strain’s celebrity status, it’s readily available wherever you get your goods.
Strain: Blue Dream
Cannabinoid Profile: Hybrid
Main Terpenes: Myrecene, Pinene, Caryophyllene
This strain’s Blueberry lineage comes through for a tasty before-class treat and its sativa dominant profile will keep you relaxed, but not sedated.
Medicinal patients love Blue Dream for its pain relieving and psychologically calming effects, so for practitioners of hot yoga, which can get pretty intense, this may be just what the doctor ordered.
Its reputed euphoric high also makes this strain a natural pairing for a hot class. Easy to grow, and legendary in status, Blue Dream shouldn’t be hard to find at a dispensary near you.
Strain: Silver Haze
Cannabinoid Profile: Sativa
Main Terpenes: Myrcene, Caryophyllene, Limonene
A bit higher in THC than the average strain, Silver Haze makes for a strong, fast acting, but clear headed high. More euphoric than relaxing, it will compliment Kundalini’s rhythm and energy.
An award winning lovechild of Haze and Northern Lights, Silver Haze is easy to find in recreational states.
Strain: Pineapple Express
Cannabinoid Profile: Hybrid
Main Terpenes: Caryophyllene, Limonene, Myrcene
This well balanced hybrid can pack a punch, with up to 27% THC, but its indica calm is countered by an uplifting, energy boosting sativa.
Limonene, one of its prominent terpenes, delivers a lovely citrusy taste and quells any stress or anxiety, so you can walk into class feeling fresh, alert, and ready to learn.
A perfect strain for a fitness focused vinyasa practice, you’ll be feeling its effects long after savasana. Pineapple Express is widely available in West Coast dispensaries and will surely make its way around the US.
RELATED: 23 Weed Leaf Leggings & Yoga Pants That Are Actually Super Cute
Strain: Green Crack
Cannabinoid Profile: Sativa
Main Terpenes: Myrcene, Caryophyllene, Limonene
If you’re the early morning power or ashtanga type, Green Crack might be the strain for you.
A full on sativa, this one will add a little pep to your step and deliver a super focused high to enhance a faster paced, technique focused practice.
And while some sativas have been known to induce anxiety, reviewers say it’s smooth sailing with this one. This strain is still finding its way to the east coast, but keep an eye out for it.
Strain: Jesus OG
Cannabinoid Profile: Indica
Main Terpenes: Caryophyllene, Limonene, Humulene
Even the most righteous cannabis users find themselves feeling a little otherly in certain settings, and yoga studios, havens of pre and post class smalltalk, can be tricky to navigate. Enter Jesus OG.
This social strain will relax your body and leave your mind functional and clear. Enjoy this peaceful, euphoric high at a Hatha class, where alignment and form are the aim.
Humulene, a rarer terpene, gives Jesus OG its hoppy flavor profile. Easiest to come by in Washington state, this strain is something special.
Strain: Face Off OG
Cannabinoid Profile: Indica
Main Terpenes: Myrcene, Limonene, Caryophyllene
With its intense psychoactive effects and a notoriously strong high, this one’s definitely for the more tolerant consumer.
Its effects come on slowly, so you can get settled in to your restorative class, which will be a heck of a lot more interesting, before Face Off really kicks in.
With a heady, full body high, this is a popular strain for pain relief and deep relaxation. Washingtonians have the easiest access as of now, but we’ll be looking out for this strain.
Strain: CBD Shark
Cannabinoid Profile: Indica/CBD Hybrid
Main Terpenes: Myrcene, Pinene, Caryophyllene
Sometimes, you want it all. You want to enhance your yoga practice with cannabis, but your daily planner is just too packed to allow such an indulgence.
Almost equal parts CBD to THC, this strain is the answer. White Widow’s grandchild, CBD Shark is just enough.
Promoting relaxation, and alleviating overthinking, this is the strain to help you find your flow, on the mat and off.
Those of you who live in the Pacific Northwest will have no trouble finding CBD Shark. Here’s to hoping this strain travels far and wide as the cannabis revolution progresses.
RELATED: 12 Cannabis Candles You Buy on Etsy
Kristilyn Waite is a writer who focuses on cannabis culture and lifestyle.