Thank you @yogajill!

I am happy to learn that you are finding the info useful.

I actually have needed to collect my thoughts on these subjects for a considerable amount of time and your question was the final one (in that category) that lit a fire under my ass to do it.
Thank you for that. ;) lol!

It really is a fantastic question and one that needs to be openly discussed, ongoing.

There’s actually a lot of similarities between practicing yoga and practicing cannabis plant medicine.
When I practiced, I treated more people for injuries that occurred during yoga classes than I did (injuries) for any other organized group class.

(I know that might be a difficultIf idea for people to grasp.)

I felt this was because of ignorance and ego, also.

Lots of folks think yoga is easy because it’s slow and not as intimidating as a Spin class. They sign up for yoga, then try to hold a more advanced pose than their physical body is ready to, because they compare themselves to others and think “I am in better shape than they are..there’s no reason why I can’t keep up.

We’re in the exact same situation because no research, prep work or training was done (on the part of the person) attempting to integrate a new set of exercises into their lifestyle. They jump in with both feet, push themselves, get fatigued and tear tissue in the process. Then wonder why...
It’s the same.
The best piece of advice I can give (with cannabis and yoga) is to start slowly and with a low intensity until you develop your abilities.
Don’t be drawn into what anyone else thinks or is doing.
This is personal and only you can decide if what you are experiencing feels comfortable for you.

The other thing to balance off (with cannabis) in all of this is:
If you keep your tolerance at a lower level with cannabis, you won’t require as much of the herb and won’t need to spend as much $ on it.
Taking breaks from cannabis use, resets the number of physical receptors which are open, ready and able to accept cannabinoids. I take a break for 10 days, at least once a year to reset my receptors. After I get through (my tolerance break) I require 1/2 the amount as I originally needed. That’s a real thing and it’s part of learning to use the plant medicine responsibly.

I am out in Ontario, so can’t speak to: if the AB government will let you “smell before you buy“ through their Licensed Cannabis retail stores ...if you go to any indigenously run dispensary, you can smell strains before you purchase. It’s one of the biggest errors that our Canadian government is making in not allowing the public to smell produce before its purchased.

It’s basic aromatherapy and literally works the same way.

The oil (that you mentioned) is likely close to the same. Mine is thicker because I am using my own (alcohol) to extract it. Solvents used play a part in the finished product. Isopropyl alcohol at 99.5% usually produces a “spreadable on paper“ thinner viscosity. I am using 95% over proof alcohol that you “could“ drink. (I wouldn’t, but the point is, you could because of what it’s made with...water, yeast and cane sugar).

I would encourage you to keep teaching yourself. ;)