Cannabis is one of the most talked-about herbs today—mostly for getting high.. But in Ayurveda, it’s never been about intoxication. It’s always been about healing. Smoking bypasses everything Ayurveda insists on: purity, balance, and precise dosage.
These days, many people give the wrong impression that cannabis is a huge part of Ayurveda. But that’s simply not true. In reality, Vijaya—as it’s called in Ayurveda—is found in only a handful of classical formulations, and always in tiny, precise amounts.
What’s even more misleading is the modern trend of mixing THC extracts with ‘Ayurvedic herbs’ and spoiling the name of Ayurveda. This is not authentic practice. In classical Ayurveda, Vijaya is never used as an isolated compound like THC or CBD. Instead, the whole plant is carefully purified—a process called Shodhana—to remove toxicity and harsh effects. It’s then combined with other herbs to balance its potent nature and used only under expert supervision for short, specific periods of time. This isn’t recreational—it’s medicinal, intentional, and deeply rooted in tradition.
Whole Herb vs. Active Compound
Ayurveda emphasizes the use of the whole herb—leaf, seed, or resin—not isolated compounds like THC or CBD. This aligns with a modern concept known as the “entourage effect,” where the therapeutic benefit of cannabis arises from the synergy between cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids—not just one molecule in isolation.
In Ayurveda, Vijaya is never consumed raw, smoked, or used casually. Instead, it undergoes a strict purification process(Shodhana) to detoxify and balance its intense potency. This process reflects a broader Ayurvedic principle: that the same substance can be a medicine or a poison depending on its preparation, dosage, and usage context.
Purification: The Ayurvedic Way
Cannabis is classified in Ayurveda as an upavisha—a sub-toxic herb. Before therapeutic use, it is boiled in milk, dried, then fried in ghee. This purification process removes harmful effects and balances cannabis’s natural qualities. In unpurified form, it increases Pitta and reduces Kapha and Vata, making it beneficial for certain conditions—but only in minute doses and for short durations.
Cannabis in Classical Ayurvedic Formulations
Purified cannabis appears in a few classical formulations which are given for chronic pain, anxiety, insomnia, appetite loss. chemotherapy side effects, stress and immunity-related conditions.In these formulas, Vijaya is never the main ingredient. It is used in trace amounts—sometimes as little as 200 mg among a dozen other herbs—blended to balance its heating, tamasic (dulling), and addictive qualities.
Duration and Supervision
Ayurveda explicitly warns against long-term use of cannabis—even in its purified form. These remedies are used for short durations (a few days to 3 months max) and always under the guidance of a trained Ayurvedic practitioner. Anything more than this—especially when taken without detoxification—can lead to serious side effects.
Modern science agrees. Studies show that chronic cannabis exposure can:
- Shrink gray matter in the orbitofrontal cortex (OFC)
- Alter brain connectivity
- Impair decision-making, especially when use begins early or continues for years
Why Smoking or Recreational Use Doesn’t Align with Ayurveda
Contrary to what some might assume, smoking cannabis—even if it’s the whole herb—does not align with Ayurvedic principles. Smoking increases the concentration of the active psychoactive compound and bypasses digestive transformation. In Ayurveda, medicinal cannabis is always taken orally after purification and formulation with other herbs.
When smoked or consumed in high doses (e.g., in edibles or gummies), the toxic and tamasic effects become dominant—leading to dullness, lethargy, confusion, and a loss of mental clarity and willpower.
Tamasic Nature and Yoga
Unpurified cannabis is considered tamasic, meaning it promotes darkness, inertia, and withdrawal. Ayurveda and Yoga both aim to cultivate sattva—purity, awareness, and balance—not tamasic sedation or rajasic stimulation.
Geographic and Philosophical Divide Within Ayurveda
Even within the Ayurvedic community, cannabis use is controversial. Practitioners of Rasa Shastra (mainly in North India) use Vijaya as part of mineral-herbal formulations. These include purified metals like mercury and gold, which are detoxified through elaborate multi-day processes.
In contrast, many South Indian practitioners avoid cannabis entirely, preferring non-toxic herbs that provide similar benefits—such as calming the mind or relieving pain—without the risk of misuse or addiction. For them, the risk outweighs the benefit, especially when purification and dosage are not strictly controlled.
Mythological and Cultural Legacy
Cannabis has been revered in Indian culture for millennia. According to Hindu mythology, it emerged during the Samudra Manthan—the churning of the ocean by gods and demons. A drop of amrit (nectar of immortality) fell to Earth and sprouted the cannabis plant. Hence, Vijaya is also called “the herb of the gods.”
The Atharva Veda, one of the four sacred Vedas, lists cannabis as one of the five sacred plants, believed to house guardian angels in its leaves. It grows naturally in the Himalayas and is used traditionally in regions like Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand—particularly to manage cold-induced digestive and respiratory issues.
Conclusion: A Sacred Herb, Not a Casual Remedy
Vijaya is one of Ayurveda’s most potent herbs—sacred, powerful, and not to be used lightly. It can heal, sedate, stimulate, and rejuvenate—but only when purified, formulated with care, and used in the right context, for the right person, for the right duration.
In the rush to embrace cannabis as a natural wonder, we must not forget what Ayurveda has always known: The same herb can heal or harm. It’s how you use it that makes all the difference.Simmi Chopra is a highly accomplished Ayurvedic Practitioner with a unique blend of expertise in traditional Ayurveda and modern science. Trained in the ancient healing system, she completed the prestigious Ayurveda Doctor program from Kerala Ayurveda. Based in New York City, Simmi practices at SIDH Ayur, where she offers personalized Ayurvedic therapies, dietary guidance, lifestyle recommendations, and herbal solutions to help clients achieve holistic balance.–