December 29, 2025

Day 18 of the 31 Days of Cannabis Wellness. In the last article, we explored how cannabis can deepen mindfulness by bringing us into the present moment. Breathwork takes that one step further, working directly with the nervous system to create calm, balance, and emotional regulation.

When combined intentionally, breathwork and cannabis can be powerful tools for stress relief, recovery, and self-awareness.

Why Breathwork Matters

Most of us breathe unconsciously, and often inefficiently. Shallow, rapid breathing keeps the body stuck in a low-level stress response, even when no real danger is present.

Breathwork helps:

  • Activate the parasympathetic (“rest and digest”) nervous system

  • Lower cortisol and stress hormones

  • Improve focus and emotional regulation

  • Create a sense of grounding and safety

This is especially relevant in modern life, and even more so during winter months when stress, fatigue, and mood changes are common.

How Cannabis Interacts With the Nervous System

Cannabis works through the endocannabinoid system (ECS), the same regulatory network we explored earlier in this series. The ECS helps maintain balance across:

  • Stress response

  • Mood

  • Sleep

  • Pain perception

Certain cannabinoids and terpenes may support relaxation and nervous system regulation by:

  • Reducing overstimulation

  • Encouraging body awareness

  • Helping the mind slow down

When paired with breathwork, cannabis can make it easier to feel the breath, stay present, and drop out of “fight or flight.”

Terpenes That Pair Well With Breathwork

If you’re choosing a product intentionally, look for terpene profiles associated with calm and clarity:

  • Linalool – Floral, relaxing, often associated with stress reduction

  • Myrcene – Earthy, grounding, supports physical relaxation

  • Beta-Caryophyllene – Interacts directly with ECS receptors tied to inflammation and stress

  • Terpinolene – Light, airy, and mentally refreshing when used in low doses

Products with balanced THC and CBD ratios can also be helpful for breath-focused practices. You can explore terpene-forward options on our online menu to find products that support calm without heavy sedation.

A Simple Cannabis + Breathwork Practice

This practice builds on the mindfulness exercise from the previous article.

Set Up

  • Sit comfortably with feet on the floor or lie down

  • Choose a low-dose, calming cannabis product

  • Consume mindfully, or simply engage with the aroma

Breathing Pattern: Extended Exhale

  1. Inhale through the nose for 4 seconds

  2. Exhale through the mouth for 6–8 seconds

  3. Repeat for 3–5 minutes

Longer exhales send a signal of safety to the nervous system. As you breathe, notice:

  • Where tension softens

  • Changes in heart rate

  • A sense of heaviness or ease in the body

There’s nothing to fix, just observe.

Breathwork as a Daily Reset

Unlike workouts or long meditation sessions, breathwork can be used:

  • Between meetings

  • Before bed

  • After exercise

  • During moments of stress or overwhelm

Cannabis doesn’t replace breathwork. It can support the process by quieting mental noise and enhancing body awareness.

How This Fits Into Holistic Wellness

This article connects directly with:

Together, these practices reinforce the idea that wellness isn’t about intensity, it’s about consistency and intention.

Final Thought

Your breath is always available to you. Cannabis, when used responsibly, can help you notice it, and use it, more effectively.

Up next: Cannabis for Meditation & Yoga: Moving With Intention