Cannabis and Hikes: Appreciating Nature

What is it about smoking cannabis while enjoying the great outdoors? It can create a deeper sense of awe and leave you dazed by the beauty of your surroundings. Now that summer is here and the hiking boots are out it’s time to get adventuring! I’m going to give you some useful tips on exploring while high and which strains could lead to the best experiences!

Is Nature Better with Cannabis?

Nature is incredible, with or without cannabis. Escaping into the great outdoors, whether it’s a long hike to a towering peak or sitting by a river bed, is a spiritual experience. Adding cannabis to this only brings about a deeper connection between humans and the earth. The myth that smoking will leave you couch-locked and lazy is a myth, with the right strain you will feel more energized and connected than ever. The feeling of euphoria caused by “runners high” is described as being very similar. Cannabis could be just the thing to push you farther.

“In my humble opinion, weed is not a drug; it’s a seasoning... like salt for your life. So, just the same as a person would use salt to enhance a bland soup or what have you, smoking weed can make things more intense and enjoyable...”

Bailey Rahn, Leafly writer

With today becoming such a technology-fuelled world it is increasingly common for people to become disconnected from nature. Cannabis is so often seen as a gateway drug. But their are some studies that explore how it could be a gateway, not to other drugs, but to positive experiences. Everyone in these studies had only positive anecdotes about their experiences and how it helped them find deeper meaning in their lives and allowed them to feel awe for the natural world we live in.

If you’ve read any of our previous articles you might have noticed that I fangirl over terpenes. There is so much more to explore about the medicinal benefits of these aromatic oils. They are also responsible for helping elevate our feelings of connectedness within nature. Some of the main terpenes found in nature and cannabis are pinene, limonene, and eucalyptol which enhance focus and alertness. Where you may have been rushing to get to your final destination, smoking cannabis gives you the ability to slow down and enjoy the journey.

Bring Lots of Water

Dry mouth is something everyone is familiar with while smoking marijuana. You already need a lot of water throughout any kind of physical activity, especially when it’s in the hot, summer sun. Nothing is worse than being deep in the woods or away from a clean drinking source with an achingly dry throat. I have been guilty of having this happen to me and I was lucky that I had purifying straw or things might not have been as pleasant. To avoid this try to drink one litre of water before setting out and 1 litter for every hour you’re out there. Remember to take small, slow sips to avoid cramps and help keep the water in your system for a longer amount of time.

In the heat of the summer, especially in British Columbia, fire warnings are a serious thing. One tiny spark or ash from a lit joint could send a whole forest into flames. Make sure to be safe, check fire warnings in your area, and carry everything out with you. This is especially important for your roaches. Yes, they’re paper. No, you still can’t leave them on the ground. If there is a severe fire warning in the area I strongly suggest sticking to vaping or edibles to avoid any accidental flames.

Respect Other Hikers

Cannabis is now legal in Canada which means you can smoke it worry-free (in any designated smoking area). This doesn’t mean that everyone is okay with it. We want to respect everyone on the trails and ensure everyone is having as good an experience as you are. Families may not want to walk behind a plume of pungent smoke floating along behind you.

Make sure that you are comfortable and/or familiar with the trail you are going to take. Getting lost in nature should only be mental and not a physical reality as well. Make sure you have a map and at least a general idea of where the trail is. If you are like me and always get lost then the extra security of a satellite phone could be the perfect thing to ensure your safety and give you peace of mind.

Strains To Take On The Trails

There isn’t necessarily a wrong strain to smoke while in nature but there are definitely ones that will fit your adventure better than others. A nice, relaxing Indica could be great when you’re relaxed by a lake but maybe not the best thing to smoke on a hike. It would make you lethargic and unable to finish your jaunt through the mountains. In some cases, hikers have been known to get so stoned and tired while out that search and rescue had to go save them. I suggest a more uplifting Sativa that will leave you more perceptive and energetic.

Miracle Alien Cookies: This evenly balanced hybrid strain is a cross between Alien Cookies and Starfighter. MAC (Miracle Alien Cookies) uplifts mood and boosts creativity while treating stress symptoms. These medicinal effects paired with the zesty orange flavour of this strain will leave you in awe of your surroundings.

Cherry Pie: A Sativa-dominant strain created by combining Grandaddy Purple and F1 Durb. Cherry pie tastes exactly as its name suggests. This strain is perfect for an adventure into the wilderness as it leaves you energized, euphoric, and happy.

Frosty Gelato: Frosty gelato is a Sativa-dominant cross between brain damage landrace and gelato. This popular strain is good for any time of day as it won’t leave you tired. Your mind will be relaxed and soothed while your body will get a boost of energizing euphoria. This strain is guaranteed to get you up and keep you going.

Do you enjoy your nature with a cannabis infusion? Let us know about your experiences!