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4 4 | t h e c l e v e r r o o t INTERVIEWEED SEETA NARSAI EXPLAINS THE CONNECTIONS BETWEEN CANNABIS, SEX AND GOD by Rachel Burkons Q&A: Ayurveda and Cannabis AS THE LEGALIZATION OF CANNABIS CONTINUES to roll across the na- tion, more and more people are interested in the medicinal effects of can- nabis, from its anti-inflammatory qualities and pain management to con- trolling seizures and even stopping the spread of cancer. But as modern medicine continues to probe the health prospects of cannabinoids, there are many who know this isn't truly new information. Enter Seeta Narsai, an Ayurveda doctor whose private practice is bursting with clients looking to explore the intersection between the physical, mental and spiritual, all facilitated and enhanced by cannabis. The Clever Root sat down with Seeta to discuss cannabis' place in Ayurveda, which she explores in her upcoming book, Cannabis, Sex and God. CR: First things first. What exactly is Ayurveda? Seeta Narsai: Ayurveda is the ancient natural healing science which originates from India and is focused on helping to balance the mind, body and spirit. CR: So what is cannabis' role in this ancient practice? SN: Cannabis was first explored by ancient sages—the same sages who created yoga and tantra—and was such an important herb that it was given over 40 names. One of these names is sarva roghini, meaning "curer of all disease." Just from that name, you can understand its utility as a medicinal agent. Another one of the names is vijaya, meaning "victo- rious." In this sense, cannabis provides courage and understanding to help us be victorious in an area of our life. Another name for cannbis is kama agni, meaning "igniter of passion." This can be, of course, sexual passion, but it also refers to a passion for creativity, a passion for life. CR: In what way is cannabis medicine? SN: Cannabis works the endocannabinoid system to remind damaged cells of their original purpose. It can also be preventative medicine, to keep the endocannabinoid system functioning correctly. But I truly believe that can- nabis needs to be used in medicine because sometimes, it's the spirit that needs healing. Cannabis can heal our spirit if used appropriately, healing us beyond our physical body and connecting us to our intuition and higher self. CR: How does cannabis combine with food to work as medicine? SN: First of all, food is medicine. But cannabis connects with food because it enhances olfactory nerves. You can actually smell things better when you take cannabis. And as far as food and cannabis and medicine connect, people who are sick, people with diseases like cancer, should be able to eat healthful foods. Cannabis helps sustain an appetite for the ill, and allows them to eat foods that can help make them better. CR: Finally, we'd be remiss, given the title of your book, to not ask: What is cannabis' place in sex? SN: Cannabis can help find the spirituality in sex. We sometimes forget that sex is sacred, and to take cannabis as a sacrament and whole-plant medi- cine helps enhance that experience, helps enhance intimacy. ■cr Seeta Narsai is an Ayurveda practitioner and cannabis advocate whose upcoming book, Cannabis, Sex and God explores the intersection between those three topics.