Cannabis-Assisted Psychedelic Therapy
(CAPT)
Guiding and Supporting a Cannabis Experience
What Makes Cannabis a Psychedelic
Cannabis Sativa, commonly known as marijuana, exhibits psychedelic properties when consumed in large doses. The psychoactive compound responsible for these effects is delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). In addition to THC, Cannabis naturally contains many different cannabinoids and terpenes that produce calming effects in the mind and body. In controlled therapeutic settings, high doses of Cannabis Sativa can induce altered states of consciousness characterized by intensified sensory perceptions, introspective thoughts, and altered time perception.
When used intentionally and with proper guidance, the psychedelic nature of Cannabis Sativa can contribute to therapeutic outcomes, such as stress reduction, pain management, and mood enhancement. The altered state of consciousness induced within a therapeutic container allows individuals to explore their thoughts and emotions to enhance self-awareness, offering therapeutic benefits beyond the plant's more commonly known recreational uses.
Effects of Smoking Cannabis
After smoking Cannabis, the effects tend to set in within the first 10 minutes. In the next 15-30 minutes, users often experience a sense of euphoria, relaxation, and heightened sensory perception. There may be an increase in heart rate, dry mouth, and bloodshot eyes. As the medicine experience progresses, time perception may be altered, and users might find themselves more introspective or creatively engaged. The peak effects usually occur within the first hour and can vary depending on the strain and individual tolerance. Typically after about 2 to 3 hours the user will feel mostly grounded, although some lingering effects can last for hours, and it is still unsafe to drive a car for that time.
​
*Edible Cannabis*
Consuming Cannabis through your stomach changes much of the experience. In fact, it becomes much more comparable to psilocybin in many ways. Edible cannabis can take much longer to set in, last for much longer than 2-3 hours, and potentially be much stronger if a particularly large dose is eaten. Be aware of what you are eating and how you will react to it BEFORE using it to journey.
Benefits of Cannabis
In a therapeutic setting, smoking cannabis offers a range of potential benefits. The THC and CBD combine to produce effects of relaxation, stress reduction, and mood elevation. Cannabis can also provide relief from symptoms associated with various medical conditions, including chronic pain, anxiety, and insomnia. In a controlled therapeutic environment, cannabis can be a powerful tool for enhancing mindfulness and self-awareness. Additionally, it catalyzes creative thinking and introspection.
​
The most powerful benefit of smoking Cannabis as a psychedelic is the agency and control that it provides you over your experience. Compared to psilocybin, it has a short window of effect enabling you to imbibe more during a session whenever you like. Cannabis is also a gentle psychedelic, whose full potential is only realized if you are able to relax into the experience fully. It is still, however, a very potent medicine with astounding capabilities for personal healing and growth.
Risks of Cannabis
Important: I, Dylan Cook, am not a doctor. If you have pre-existing health conditions or take regular medications, you should consult with your doctor about if Cannabis is safe for you
Smoking Cannabis can and will cause some respiratory irritation, if this is an issue in particular then there are edible and tincture options available. Cannabis often causes a brief rise in heart rate when smoked, so consult a doctor if you have any heart conditions. Besides that, cannabis consumption has proven to be an extremely safe and accessible medicine for many decades.