Understanding Cannabis as a Psychedelic: A Pathway to Healing
In the realm of psychedelic-assisted therapy, substances like psilocybin, LSD, and MDMA often take the spotlight. However, there is a potent, often overlooked ally in the psychedelic toolbox—cannabis. At Eleusium, we believe in the power of this ancient plant to catalyze profound healing experiences, and we're here to guide you through how cannabis can be integrated into therapeutic practices as a psychedelic.
What Makes Cannabis Psychedelic?
The term "psychedelic" is derived from the Greek words psyche (mind) and delos (manifesting), which together mean "mind manifesting." Traditionally, psychedelics are understood as substances that can expand consciousness, promote introspection, and facilitate deep psychological insights. While cannabis is commonly known for its relaxing and euphoric effects, under the right conditions and with intentional use, it can act as a powerful psychedelic.
The Unique Nature of Cannabis-Assisted Therapy
Cannabis, especially when used in a therapeutic context, can deepen self-awareness, enhance emotional processing, and open pathways to the subconscious mind. This makes it an excellent tool for those who might be hesitant to explore more intense psychedelic experiences or who are seeking a more gradual approach to psychedelic therapy.
At Eleusium, we integrate Cannabis-Assisted Psychedelic Therapy (CAPT), founded by Daniel McQueen of the Centre for Medicinal Mindfulness, into our practice as credentialing practitioners with the Centre for Medicinal Mindfulness to help clients access the therapeutic benefits of altered states of consciousness in a safe, supportive environment. By doing so, we can work with clients to unlock suppressed emotions, heal trauma, and explore the deeper aspects of their psyche.
Psychedelic Effects of Cannabis Sativa
Cannabis Sativa, especially when used intentionally as a psychedelic, offers a range of profound effects that can significantly enhance therapeutic outcomes. The Center for Medicinal Mindfulness, a leader in psychedelic therapy, emphasizes that psychedelic cannabis is not only accessible and legal for adults, but it’s also one of the most effective tools available today.
Clients report the following effects:
Increased Body Awareness: Many clients experience an increased awareness of their physical body, often described as a form of synesthesia where visual perception merges with proprioception (body awareness), a phenomenon known as “Visual Proprioception.”
Deep Muscle Relaxation and Energy Flow: Cannabis can lead to deep muscle relaxation, which may trigger energetic discharges and trauma resolution. This process can activate and clear meridian and chakra channels, facilitating energy movement throughout the body and leading to profound nervous system regulation.
Memory Exploration and Mental Pattern Resolution: The ability to travel through memories and become aware of outdated mental patterns, judgments, and anxieties often leads to the resolution of unhealthy processes.
Enhanced Emotional Processing: Cannabis facilitates a deeper awareness of emotional processes, often leading to the activation of emotional discharges, release, and healing.
Vivid Inner Visual Experience: Clients often report active, dreamlike inner visual experiences and a heightened capacity to imagine in a hyper-vivid inner reality.
Creative Problem Solving and Intuition: Cannabis can trigger extreme creative problem-solving abilities and enhance connection to intuition and inspiration.
Transpersonal Experiences: It’s common for clients to encounter transpersonal phenomena, such as visitations from entities that feel other than the self (e.g., ancestors, guides, angels, totems) and deep spiritual states that resemble unity consciousness and profound connections with the divine.
Deep Presence: Rather than being dissociative, cannabis fosters a deep sense of presence, allowing clients to remain grounded in their experiences.
Increased Sense of Agency: Clients often develop a stronger sense of agency in life, feeling more in control of situations, experiencing greater choice, and connecting more deeply with their sense of purpose.
Drawing from the Wisdom of Medicinal Mindfulness
Cannabis-Assisted Psychedelic Therapy (CAPT), as described by Medicinal Mindfulness, emphasizes the intentional use of cannabis in a safe and supportive setting to facilitate deep therapeutic work. Cannabis, when used with mindfulness-based practices, can open doors to profound healing, similar to other psychedelics but with greater accessibility and safety (Medicinal Mindfulness, 2023).
At Eleusium, our CAPT approach is rooted in this philosophy, ensuring that each session is carefully curated to maximize the therapeutic potential of cannabis. This method allows clients to engage with their inner world in a meaningful way, unlocking insights and processing emotions that might otherwise remain buried.
The Benefits of Choosing Cannabis as a Psychedelic
For individuals new to psychedelic experiences, cannabis offers a gentler, more controlled entry point. It is also a legal and accessible option for those in locations where other psychedelics may not be permitted. Additionally, the effects of cannabis are typically shorter in duration, allowing clients to engage in profound therapeutic work without the time commitment that other psychedelics might require.
A Safe and Supportive Approach at Eleusium
At Eleusium, we approach Cannabis-Assisted Psychedelic Therapy with the utmost care and respect. Our team of Masters and PhD-level psychotherapists are trained to create a supportive environment where clients can safely explore their inner worlds. Whether you are seeking to heal past traumas, gain deeper insights into your psyche, or simply enhance your well-being, we are here to guide you on your journey.
Conclusion
Cannabis is more than just a recreational substance; it has the potential to be a powerful tool for healing and self-discovery. By embracing cannabis as a psychedelic, you can open the door to transformative experiences that can lead to lasting change. If you’re curious about how Cannabis-Assisted Psychedelic Therapy can benefit you, we invite you to reach out to us at Eleusium.