Higher Spirits – Details, episodes & analysis

What happens when you combine cannabis and yoga with intention, ritual, and deep respect?

In this episode of Higher Spirits, I sit down with Dee Dussault, the pioneer of Ganja Yoga, to explore the ancient roots and modern relevance of cannabis-enhanced yoga. We dive into the sacred history of cannabis in spiritual traditions, how to avoid cultural appropriation in Western yoga, and why cannabis can be such a powerful tool for embodiment, emotional healing, and the return to feminine wisdom.

We also talk about:

• How Dee coined the term Ganja Yoga and brought the practice to the West

• The importance of setting intentions and creating ritual with cannabis

• The intersection of sensuality, somatics, and plant medicine

• The challenges and privileges of navigating legal cannabis today

• Why mindfulness matters when working with any sacred practice

Whether you’re cannabis curious or already plant-devoted, this episode is a reminder that getting high can be a path to getting deep — when approached with care.

🎧 Follow Higher Spirits for more conversations at the intersection of cannabis, spirituality, and embodied healing.
Connect with me on Instagram @higherlexi

Connect with Dee on Instagram @deedussault⁠

Buy Ganja Yoga Book

Learn more about Dee's trainings

In this episode, I sit down with Lou Sagar, founder of The Alchemist’s Kitchen, to explore his personal journey with cannabis and its evolution as a plant medicine in New York City. We dive into the roots of The Alchemist’s Kitchen as a botanical apothecary, the shifting cannabis culture in NYC, and how ancestral medicine and education are key to a more conscious cannabis industry. Lou shares his perspective on the current regulatory landscape, the role of mindset in cannabis use, and how culinary and community-based approaches could shape the future of plant medicine. Whether you’re passionate about cannabis education, curious about the industry’s challenges, or drawn to the intersection of spirituality and wellness, this conversation offers insight into where cannabis is headed, and what it might take to get there.

THE ALCHEMIST KITCHEN WEBSITE

FOLLOW THE ALCHEMIST KITCHEN

Meet Lexi Kafkis and learn why I am embarking on this plant-powered mission to re-educate and de-stigmatize cannabis. I often get asked why I am so fascinated by cannabis so here is a little insight into my love affair with the plant. Follow on IG @higherlexi Subscribe to Substack for podcast drops, events, and insights https://substack.com/@higherlexi?r=49om8&utm_campaign=profile&utm_medium=profile-page

In this Earth Day episode of Higher Spirits, I sit down with climate journalist and former Coast Guard narcotics officer Peter Deneen to explore the powerful intersection of cannabis, climate change, and consciousness.

Peter shares how he went from enforcing drug laws to becoming an advocate for cannabis as a tool for environmental regeneration and empathic leadership. We talk about:

• His journey from the military to climate activism
• The creation of our 2022 event 420ppm, inspired by rising CO₂ levels
• The incredible work of Sun+Earth Certified and regenerative cannabis farming
• Why most cannabis on the market is harming the planet
• What it means to feminize consciousness in a world that desperately needs it
• How cannabis can reconnect us to the Earth and each other

📈 Fun fact: Cannabis users are more likely to engage in pro-environmental behavior. We talk about that study too.🎧 Full episode available wherever you get your podcasts🌿 Explore Sun+Earth: https://www.sunandearth.org/📖 Read Peter’s article on ancient glacier cannabis: https://glacierhub.org/2019/07/04/ancient-humans-of-glaciated-western-china-consumed-high-potency-cannabis/

A profound conversation with Stephen Gray, author of the book 'Cannabis and Spirituality.' They explore the intersections of cannabis, spirituality, and mindfulness, discussing how cannabis can serve as a spiritual ally and a tool for personal transformation. The conversation delves into the amplifying nature of cannabis, its role as a gateway plant, the potency of modern cannabis products, and the importance of intention in its use. Stephen shares insights on the historical context of cannabis, the ego's role in its consumption, and the potential of cannabis to foster a deeper connection to oneself and the world. The episode concludes with reflections on the future of cannabis in society and its capacity to inspire a shift in consciousness.

LINK TO BOOK: https://www.cannabisandspirituality.com/cannabis-and-spirituality-book/

Takeaways

• Cannabis is a non-specific amplifier of consciousness.
• Intention is crucial when using cannabis mindfully.
• Cannabis can serve as a gateway to exploring altered states of consciousness.
• The potency of modern cannabis products can hinder mindful use.
• Cannabis has a long history as a spiritual ally.
• Ego can interfere with the experience of cannabis.
• Cannabis can deepen one's connection to self and spirit.
• Mindfulness practices enhance the experience of cannabis.
• Cannabis is more accessible than other psychedelics.
• The future of cannabis holds potential for societal change.

Lexi Kafkis and Philip Wolf explore the intersection of cannabis, spirituality, and personal growth. Philip shares his journey as a pioneer in the cannabis hospitality space, emphasizing the importance of sun-grown cannabis and its connection to nature. They discuss the concept of master plants, the significance of indigenous wisdom, and the need to feminize consciousness in today's world. This episode highlights the transformative potential of cannabis when approached with intention and respect, advocating for a deeper understanding of its role in personal and collective healing.

Philip Wolf is a pioneer in the cannabis space—blending plant medicine, ritual, and conscious consumption in ways that elevate the conversation around this plant. He’s the founder of Cultivating Spirits, one of the first companies in the U.S. to offer legal cannabis dining experiences, and CashoM, a platform dedicated to cannabis education and spiritual exploration. As a member of the Rolling Stone Culture Council, Philip has been a vocal advocate for mindful cannabis use, emphasizing its role in expanding consciousness and fostering a deeper connection to self and community.

00:00 Introduction to Cannabis Hospitality and Education

07:31 The Role of Ritual and Spirituality in Cannabis

10:11 Understanding Terpenes and Their Impact

12:59 The Importance of Sun-Grown Cannabis

15:47 Personal Journey and Transformation Through Cannabis

17:43 Cultivating Spirits: A New Approach to Cannabis Consumption

20:03 The Shift from Abuse to Mindful Use of Cannabis

33:46 Mindful Relationships with Plants

35:53 Bridging Alcohol and Cannabis in Hospitality

40:29 Honoring Indigenous Wisdom and Traditions

51:04 Feminizing Consciousness through Cannabis

01:00:10 Mindful Cannabis Use and Its Implications

FIND THE GUEST

► Philip Wolf ‪

► Cultivating Spirits

► CashOm

► Rolling Stone Article on Decolonizing the Mind

FIND ME

► Instagram: ⁠@higherlexi⁠

► Higher Spirits newsletter

#cannabis #spirituality #hospitality #sun-grown #master plants #decolonizingthemind #feminizingconsciousness #personaljourney #cannabiseducation #plantmedicine

In this conversation, Lexi Kafkis and Riley Kirk, PhD delve into the intersections of cannabis, spirituality, and science. They explore the complexities of the endocannabinoid system (ECS), the challenges of cannabis research, and the stigma surrounding cannabis use. The discussion highlights the therapeutic potential of cannabis, its role in mental health, and the importance of community knowledge. They also touch on the concept of clinical endocannabinoid deficiency (CED) and the future of cannabis research, emphasizing the need for a more nuanced understanding of this plant and its effects on human health.

Takeaways

Cannabis has a unique connection to spirituality and nature. The endocannabinoid system is crucial for maintaining balance in the body. Research on cannabis is hindered by its classification as a Schedule I substance. Cannabis can be a powerful tool for mental health and well-being. The stigma surrounding cannabis affects research and public perception. Understanding the entourage effect is essential for appreciating cannabis's therapeutic potential. Consumer knowledge is vital for navigating the cannabis landscape. Cannabis has been used for centuries, and its safety should be recognized. The cannabis community is diverse and deserves positive representation in research. Clinical endocannabinoid deficiency may explain treatment-resistant conditions.

FIND THE GUESTS ► Riley Kirk, PhD:  @cannabichem (IG)

► Bioctive Podcast ► Network of Applied Pharmacognosy FIND ME ► Instagram: @higherlexi ► Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/1yjIMT1... ► Weekly newsletter: https://higherspirits.substack.com/

Keywords

cannabis, spirituality, endocannabinoid system, cannabis research, mental health, cannabis community, cannabis stigma, natural products, entourage effect, clinical endocannabinoid deficiency

In this episode of Higher Spirits, host Lexi Kafkis shares a personal reflection on the recent wildfires in her city and how it impacted her decision to focus on mental health during this time. She provides five practical tips for using cannabis to reduce anxiety, emphasizing the importance of mindful consumption. The episode includes a guided ritual to help listeners connect with their bodies and calm their minds using cannabis and breathwork.

Playlist in this episode:

Faith's Hymn by Beautiful Chorus

Finding by Re:um

Aries by Deborah Van Dyke

Herbal blends to create low-dose smokes:

Barbari

Anima Mundi

Cannabis has been used for thousands of years in spiritual practices and in today’s episode we discuss how we can adapt this tradition for modern times. Our guest, Will Johnson, is the author of Cannabis in Spiritual Practice: The Ecstasy of Shiva, the Calm of Buddha. We discuss his journey of being a devout Buddhist of 13 years and how he came to integrate cannabis into his spiritual practice. This is a great episode exploring how this plant can help us get out of our minds and into our bodies for deeper meditations. After our conversation you will find a 13-minute guided cannabis meditation from Will's book. We also discuss:

►The ancient history of cannabis in spiritual practices ►Lord Shiva, the Lord of Bhang (cannabis drink) ►The somatic experience of cannabis ►The potential of cannabis use in meditation and movement to achieve awakening ►How to adapt traditional spiritual teachings for modern life ►The concept of “somataphobia” or the fear of awakening

►A 13-minute guided cannabis meditation

FIND THE GUESTS

► Will Johnson https://www.embodiment.net/about

► Book, Cannabis In Spiritual Practice https://www.innertraditions.com/books/cannabis-in-spiritual-practice

FIND ME

► Instagram: @higherlexi ► Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/1yjIMT1...

► Weekly newsletter: https://higherspirits.substack.com/

Did you know that the ancient Daoist goddess of longevity and health is called Magu, which translates to “Hemp Maiden”? Probably not, because most historical references of her have been erased.

In this episode, we sit down with Christina Wong and Wendy Zeng of MoguMagu, an AAPI food, culture, and cannabis collective in Los Angeles. I first learned about Magu at one of their events and am excited to dive into her legacy and the history of cannabis in China in general. In this episode, we discuss: ►What is the MoguMagu collective and who are its founders, Wendy and Christina? ►Who is the Daoist goddess Magu? ►Why is there so little information on her? ►How is cannabis viewed in contemporary China? ►What are the philosophical differences between Communism and Daoism? ►What can Daoism teach us about feminizing consciousness? ►How is censorship on social media platforms today impacting our ability to record history? FIND THE GUESTS ► Christina Wong:   / fruitandflower   ► Wendy Zeng:   / chefwendyz   ► MoguMagu website: https://mogumagu.co/ ► MoguMagu Instagram:   / mogumagu.la   FIND ME ► Instagram: @higherlexi ► Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/1yjIMT1... ► Weekly newsletter: https://higherspirits.substack.com/