Ryan Sprague - The Power of Cannabis: Intentional Uses for Healing, Personal Growth & Optimization
Jan 4, 2023
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Ryan Sprague, founder of Highly Optimized, shares insights on cultivating a positive relationship with cannabis. He discusses using cannabis to manage anxiety and the profound impact it had during his father's final days, shaping his mission to empower others. The conversation highlights the importance of intentional cannabis use for healing and personal growth, as well as the art of blending strains for better experiences. Sprague also explores unconventional consumption methods and their potential benefits, emphasizing education and mindfulness in cannabis practices.
Cannabis can serve as a powerful ally for personal growth when used intentionally, emphasizing the importance of education on emotional health.
Establishing a healthy relationship with cannabis involves recognizing its potential dependency, enabling more mindful and responsible use.
Understanding the differences in cannabis strains and their effects allows users to tailor their experiences for specific intentions and outcomes.
Deep dives
The Importance of Intentional Cannabis Use
Cannabis can be a powerful ally when used intentionally and ceremonially, offering insights and emotional connections. Many are unaware of the potential harm that misusing cannabis can cause, leading to unnecessary dependency and negative experiences. The speaker emphasizes the need for education on emotional and mental health aspects, moving beyond just the science of cannabinoids. By approaching cannabis with intention, users can avoid pitfalls and unlock its transformative potential for personal growth and healing.
Navigating Cannabis Dependency
The conversation delves into the nuances of cannabis dependency and how to establish a healthier relationship with it. The speaker shares personal experiences, illustrating the fine line between using cannabis for enhancement versus allowing it to consume one's life. By recognizing cannabis as a potential crutch rather than a solution, users can cultivate a more mindful approach. This awareness fosters the ability to enjoy cannabis responsibly while also promoting self-exploration and emotional processing.
Psychedelics and Cannabis: A Unique Perspective
Cannabis is presented as a lesser-known psychedelic that can elicit vivid experiences and insights. The discussion compares traditional psychedelics like psilocybin and MDMA with cannabis, noting that while cannabis is often seen as less intense, it also has profound effects depending on dosage and method of consumption. The speaker highlights the importance of preparation and environment in maximizing cannabis's psychedelic qualities. This perspective encourages users to consider cannabis not just as a recreational drug but as a legitimate tool for exploration and personal development.
Understanding Cannabis Strains and Their Effects
The differences between sativa, indica, and hybrid strains are explored, with a focus on how these variances impact user experiences. While the nomenclature may be oversimplified, understanding terpenes and their influence on effects is crucial for selecting the right strain. The speaker advises that sativas may be better for creativity and social interaction, while indicas are ideal for relaxation and body work. This knowledge empowers users to curate their cannabis experiences according to their goals and intentions.
Getting Started with Cannabis in a Supportive Manner
The conversation concludes with guidance on how to begin working with cannabis intentionally, emphasizing the importance of personal motivation and lifestyle alignment. Users are encouraged to assess their overall health and readiness before engaging with the plant. Resources such as certification programs for facilitators and community support networks are highlighted as valuable tools for those seeking deeper connections with cannabis. Lastly, a focus on harm reduction and responsible use sets the foundation for positive outcomes in cannabis-related experiences.
Ryan is the founder and co-owner of Highly Optimized, a company dedicated to helping its clients transform and become the conscious leaders the world is patiently awaiting. He is also the host of the “Highly Optimized” Podcast, the “This One Time On Psychedelics” Podcast and is the creator of the “Connect With Cannabis” program & the “Grow With Cannabis” course.
Ryan’s mission in life is helping his fellow brothers and sisters become empowered in their experience of being alive through one-on-one men’s coaching, plant medicine integration coaching and retreat experiences.
In this episode, Ryan shares powerful life-learned wisdom and insights for developing a healthy relationship with cannabis, and goes deep into the science behind different cannabis strains, compounds and routes of administration.
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This podcast is brought to you by Third Wave's Mushroom Grow Kit. Get the tools you need to grow mushrooms along with an in-depth guide to finding spores.
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