Ganja Yoga with Bend & Blaze

Last year, I had the pleasure of attending a Ganja Yoga session with Bend & Blaze alongside my good friend Caprece. Readers might recognize her from my High Tea photoshoot; she's a kindred spirit when it comes to blending cannabis with creativity. This experience was unlike any other, seamlessly combining wellness and marijuana in a way that felt natural and deeply restorative.

Having dabbled in yoga off and on over the years, I’ve always appreciated the art of deep stretching—a habit ingrained in me from my days as a dancer. Pairing yoga with cannabis felt like an invitation to explore my flow in an entirely new dimension. Marijuana is often stigmatized, but it’s a plant that offers profound synergy with mindful practices like yoga. By gently lowering mental barriers, it helps align the body and mind, allowing you to settle naturally into the rhythm of the practice.

The session was led by Bend & Blaze founder Amanda Hitz, whose intuitive teaching style made the class approachable for all levels of yogis. Before the flow began, Caprece and I arrived early, rolling out our mats and rolling up our blunts as other participants trickled in. The vibe was instantly welcoming—a gathering of like-minded individuals sharing a pow-wow-style smoke sesh before diving into the flow. It set a tone of community and ease that carried through the entire session.

Amanda guided us through a slow, intuitive sequence designed to meet everyone where they were. From beginners to seasoned practitioners like Caprece and me, there were variations to suit all levels. Her guidance was clear, encouraging, and grounded, making the practice feel both invigorating and accessible. We ended with a peaceful guided meditation that left us feeling centered, calm, and connected. The session concluded with another smoke circle, where we shared reflections and camaraderie.