‘Cannabis yoga’ sparks a buzz in Canada, US

TORONTO: Following the legalisation of cannabis in Canada and in American states like California, the practice of “ganja yoga” or cannabis yoga - once only an underground activity - is flying high and rapidly going mainstream across North America.

In Canada, for instance, this new version of the ancient Indian practice has spread to studios in the country’s largest metropolis, Toronto. Classes are now available in other cities as well, like Vancouver, Montreal and Calgary.

Cannabis yoga basically involves smoking weed prior to or during a yoga session.

A three-day cannabis yoga retreat is being offered in the resort of Kaslo in British Columbia’s Kootenays region, while a tour operator is planning a cannabis-theme venture that includes cannabis yoga sessions.

Among those delighted with the rise of this new form of yoga is Dee Dussault, who started the first classes a decade back in Toronto.

No one showed up at the inaugural class, but “pretty soon, there were a lot of people who said they really liked it and benefited from it”, she said.

While using small amounts of cannabis didn’t attract serious punishment in Canada back then, she still had to be cautious. Dussault said, “Most people weren’t that concerned with the illegal aspect. Nonetheless, I had to be careful in how I advertised the class. I would keep the address a secret, keep it more like a private event.”

With legalisation, the element of anxiety is gone, she said, adding, “Now that it’s legal in these places, my students can feel free, relax and enjoy the plant without any fear. It really helps the yoga practice if people don’t have to be preoccupied with concerns.”