By Vanira Hi’O Mai aka Cannababy
A Journey of Self-Discovery and Intimacy
Growing up in the Byron Shire exposed me to diverse philosophical ideas and alternative lifestyles, sparking my enduring curiosity about cannabis, sex, mindfulness, and movement. Despite societal taboos, I've stood by my choices, shedding the stigma and judgment of others.
My exploration of cannabis, sex, mindfulness, and movement took an intriguing turn when I moved to Melbourne in my late teens.
Immersed in a circle of friends with varied sexual interests, I delved into stories of fetishes, kinks, and sex games, experimenting and gaining valuable insights into my own desires. This journey taught me the importance of overcoming shame and embracing our human curiosity.
In tandem, my knowledge of cannabis deepened, particularly with CBD, the non-psychoactive component. As a long-term THC user (the component that gets you high), incorporating CBD proved beneficial for managing anxiety and depression, enhancing my sex life, and becoming part of my ritual of sexual discovery. I recommend looking into CBD if you need relief from mental or physical ailments, illnesses or pain & to invigorate your sex life.
Mental health has always played a role in the management of my my day to day with a diagnosed mood disorder, so delving into meditation practice & mindfulness gave me back quality of life, with the skills to breathe through blockages, adding movement & sensual dance to shake stored trauma from my body & let it go.
In my twenties, I was given the opportunity to have a medical cannabis prescription, up until this point I was consuming black market products which are unregulated, some of which are great and some of which are unreliable. With being able to access medical cannabis now, it has expanded my understanding, introducing me to the world of terpenes, the components in the cannabis plant that give it the aroma and the taste, bringing on what is called the entourage effect adding to the overall effect. Having access to a variety of different strains on the medical market I started to keep note on the way each strain looks, smells, tastes, smokes and how it affected me.
Journaling how different strains make you feel can be a valuable practice, it allows you to tailor your cannabis experience for optimal results.
Exploring the aphrodisiac qualities of cannabis, I discovered strains like Sour Diesel and Jack Herer, rich in the terpene Myrcene also commonly found in mango & Thyme, intensifying arousal without overwhelming the body and mind. Balanced experiences from strains like Blue Dream and Pineapple Express inspired mindfulness and deepened my reflection & consciousness connection to my pleasure.
For me, cannabis has been transformative, breaking down societal conditioning and fostering a non-judgmental space where I can embrace my desires. When used with moderation, respect, and intention, it enhances intimate moments, strengthening connections with myself and my partner, leading to heightened vulnerability, authenticity, and pleasure.
Balancing cannabis, sexuality, mindfulness, and movement creates a recipe for a deeper connection to self, enriching both sexual and soulful health, and fostering greater intimacy & pleasure encouraging mental wellness & quality of life.
Next time you sit down to medicate maybe you might like to light a candle, put on some music and set up a comfy spread, explore touch with mindfulness and mediate. Move your body & rotating your hips however feels best, run your fingers delicately over your skin noticing the places where there are more and less sensations. Observing with curiosity and without judgement. Telling yourself in your mind or out loud “I love you, I love you, I love you”. Enjoying the journey and letting go of outcomes or where you may end up.
Blessings on your journey of self discovery and intimacy.
Want to learn more about Vanira? Follow her on Instagram at @cannababy777